'He got a little blood in his eyes, he ain't happy about it' – Returning Tennessee Vols player is eager to make a statement
A returning Tennessee Vols baseball player isn't happy with the way UT's season ended this week. And he's eager to make up for it in 2026. Vols head coach Tony Vitello joined The Tony Basilio Show this week to discuss Tennessee's season, which ended via a loss to Arkansas in the Fayetteville Super Regional. Vitello […]
A returning Tennessee Vols baseball player isn't happy with the way UT's season ended this week.
And he's eager to make up for it in 2026.
Vols head coach Tony Vitello joined The Tony Basilio Show this week to discuss Tennessee's season, which ended via a loss to Arkansas in the Fayetteville Super Regional.
Vitello noted that Vols outfielder/infielder Jay Abernathy, who was a true freshman in 2025, has a little "blood in his eyes" due to the way Tennessee's season ended.
"During these exit meetings, Jay Abernathy, you know, he's a dog," said Vitello. "He got a little blood in his eyes. He ain't happy about it. He's not happy that he didn't have more individual success — even though he had a lot. And he's not happy that we finished short of 50 wins, or that we're done playing. And so I'm excited. We need to do a good job recruiting this summer, so that motivation can have a full head of steam this fall."
Tennessee had a good season in 2024. The Vols fared better than most defending national champs. But it's clear that the program fell short of its goals. And it's also clear that Tennessee will have plenty of motivation in 2026.
Abernathy, by the way, got a head start on his revenge tour by homering in his final at bat of the 2025 season.
2026 could be a fun ride for Tennessee baseball fans.
