Tennessee baseball’s fall scrimmage in Chattanooga showcased a wave of fresh talent stepping into major roles. Rice transfer Blaine Brown has been a rock in the early hitting sessions, operating as UT’s No. 3 hitter and driving runs with gaps and wall-hitting contact. Freshman Taylor Tracey flashed power with an opposite-field homer, while Landon Mack and Cameron Appenzeller started on the mound for Orange and Grey, respectively, highlighting a pitching depth that could loosen the burden on the staff this season.

Jackson Estes, a freshman lefty from Arkansas, drew the most buzz on the mound, punching out two over two innings with a fastball that reached 97 mph in scrimmages. Tyler Myatt’s glove work at third and Tracey’s offensive pop paint a picture of a versatile Tennessee lineup that can adapt to different roles. The scrimmage ended in a 7-7 tie, and UT will get another look in Nashville later this month, continuing to shape the identity of Vitello’s program this fall.

With spring-like stakes not yet in play, the environment evidently sharpened everyone’s focus. Vitello’s takeaway was that the new faces are learning quickly inside a competitive, high-energy setting, which should translate to more breakout moments as the season nears. UT’s depth—on both the position-player and pitching sides—offers tantalizing fantasy angles for those tracking college baseball prospects.

Tennessee’s fall practices spotlight a deep 2026 roster under Tony Vitello, led by a loaded pitching staff and veteran catchers. Transfers like Landon Mack, Evan Blanco and Mark Hindy shape the rotation and bullpen, while Cameron Appenzeller and other freshmen push for innings. The Vols boast strong catching depth with Garrett Wright and Trent Grindlinger joining, plus an infield/outfield mix that features Henry Ford, Reese Chapman, and a wave of versatile returners. Fall scrimmages begin Sept. 25, with a public session Oct. 6 in Chattanooga; Anson Seibert is sidelined, and several freshmen could breakout.