Tennessee Volunteers Baseball: Third-Best Odds to Win 2025 College World Series Reflect Growing Dynasty

The Tennessee Volunteers baseball program is riding high. After capturing the 2024 College World Series championship and earning its first national title in program history, the Vols are back in the thick of the title hunt. As of mid-May 2025, Tennessee owns the third-best odds to win the College World Series, according to major sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel.

At +750 odds, Tennessee trails only LSU and Texas A&M in betting markets, but is firmly positioned ahead of a competitive pack that includes Florida, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Wake Forest. That betting confidence reflects a broader respect for what head coach Tony Vitello has built in Knoxville: a true national powerhouse that doesn’t look like it’s slowing down anytime soon.

From Contender to Champion: The Rise of Tennessee Baseball

It’s been a remarkable climb for Tennessee. Just a decade ago, the program was stuck in the SEC basement. Years of mediocrity, coaching instability, and limited player development made Tennessee an afterthought in arguably the best baseball conference in the country.

That changed with the 2017 hiring of Tony Vitello, a fiery, energetic leader with a knack for recruiting and building a winning culture. By 2021, Tennessee reached the College World Series, and in 2022 they were the nation’s No. 1 overall seed. Though postseason heartbreaks followed, those seasons laid the foundation for the breakthrough in 2024.

That year, Tennessee finished 60–13, tying the all-time NCAA record for wins in a season. They bashed opponents with a record-setting lineup that included five players with 20+ home runs, won the SEC Tournament, and stormed through Omaha to claim the national title. It was an emphatic announcement that the Vols were no longer just a threat—they were the gold standard.

2025: Reload, Not Rebuild

Many wondered how Tennessee would respond after losing several stars from its 2024 title team to the MLB Draft, including Christian Moore, Blake Burke, Billy Amick, and ace pitcher Drew Beam. But Vitello and his staff reloaded the roster through a blend of development, returners, and transfer portal success.

Through mid-May, Tennessee stands at 41–15 overall and 16–14 in the SEC, a solid showing considering the team’s strength of schedule and roster turnover. They’ve picked up marquee wins over LSU, Arkansas, and Florida and have found consistency down the stretch, winning crucial conference series in April and May.

Veteran Leadership and Breakout Stars

A key reason Tennessee remains in the College World Series mix is the emergence of new stars.

Andrew Fischer (3B, Ole Miss Transfer)

Perhaps the biggest breakout has been junior third baseman Andrew Fischer, who transferred from Ole Miss in the offseason. Fischer leads the team with 16 home runs and a slugging percentage north of .600. He’s provided crucial leadership and a middle-of-the-order presence that opposing pitchers fear.

Dean Curley (SS)

Returning sophomore Dean Curley has made major strides. A freshman starter on last year’s championship squad, Curley has matured into one of the SEC’s most complete shortstops. He’s hitting above .300 with double-digit home runs and has played Gold Glove-caliber defense. MLB scouts have taken notice, projecting him as a likely Day 1 draft pick in 2026.

Liam Doyle (LHP)

On the mound, Liam Doyle has emerged as Tennessee’s ace. The left-hander owns a 2.48 ERA with 104 strikeouts in 58 innings, showcasing elite command and strikeout stuff. In a conference where pitching depth is critical, Doyle has been the steady anchor.

AJ Causey and Nate Snead (Pitchers)

The bullpen, headlined by AJ Causey and Nate Snead, has been lights out. Snead routinely hits 99 mph on the gun, while Causey has excelled as both a closer and multi-inning option. Their ability to lock down late-game leads could prove vital in the NCAA Tournament.

Impact Transfers and Depth Pieces

Tennessee’s offseason transfer haul was one of the best in the country.

• Gavin Kilen (2B, Louisville Transfer): Kilen brought toughness and grit to the infield. His bat-to-ball skills and baserunning instincts have been underrated.
• Billy Chapman (C, JUCO): Stepping in after the departure of 2024 catcher Cal Stark, Chapman has brought stability behind the plate.

The Vols also boast key role players like Kavares Tears, Hunter Ensley, and Dylan Dreiling, who were all part of last year’s title run and now contribute in leadership and production.

Tony Vitello: The Face of a Program

Tony Vitello’s impact on Tennessee baseball can’t be overstated. With a career win percentage over .700 and multiple CWS appearances, he’s established Tennessee as a consistent top-five program nationally.

Vitello is also a fan favorite for his energy, passion, and ability to connect with players. His fiery ejections and dugout celebrations have gone viral countless times, but he backs it all up with results. In a sport where recruiting and development are essential, Vitello excels at both.

He’s been rewarded with a long-term contract and has helped oversee major facility upgrades at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, turning it into one of the most intimidating venues in the country.

Path to Omaha: What Tennessee Needs

The Volunteers are poised to host a regional in Knoxville and, if they stay hot, could also lock up a Super Regional at home. But they’ll face a gauntlet of SEC teams that all have Omaha aspirations.

Key Factors for Success:

• Pitching Consistency: While Doyle and Snead have been excellent, Tennessee needs more from its middle-rotation arms like Zander Sechrist and Chris Stamos.
• Offensive Balance: The team’s home run power is well-established, but situational hitting and manufacturing runs may determine postseason success.
• Defensive Cleanliness: The Vols have tightened up defensively but must avoid costly errors in close postseason games.

Betting Breakdown: College World Series Odds

As of now, the betting favorites are:

What makes Tennessee attractive to bettors is their balance. While LSU might have more star power and A&M the deepest staff, Tennessee’s experience, power, and proven postseason mettle set them apart.

Why Tennessee Can Repeat

If history has taught us anything, it’s that repeating as champions in college baseball is extremely difficult. The last program to do so was South Carolina in 2010 and 2011. But Tennessee has several advantages:

• Winning Culture: Players know what it takes to win it all.
• Elite Coaching: Vitello and staff are battle-tested and strategic.
• Fan Support: Lindsey Nelson Stadium is rocking every game.
• Depth: Injuries and fatigue are less likely to derail this deep, versatile roster.

The Road Ahead

As the SEC Tournament approaches, Tennessee will look to build momentum. Their likely path includes matchups against Florida, Arkansas, or even revenge games versus LSU. Once regionals begin in June, Tennessee will be expected to host and advance.

Their biggest competitors—LSU and Texas A&M—have similar aspirations. But no one in the nation wants to see Tennessee across from them in Omaha. This program is no longer a Cinderella or surprise team—it’s a juggernaut.

Tennessee has gone from SEC basement dweller to national powerhouse in under a decade. Their third-best College World Series odds are a reflection of that transformation, not just a bet on talent—but on consistency, coaching, and culture.

Whether they go back-to-back or fall short, one thing is certain: Tennessee baseball is here to stay.

And in 2025, they might just win it all—again.