ESPN Believes Tennessee’s 2025 Offense Will Be the Worst of the Josh Heupel Era
Tennessee Baseball has become synonymous with Major League Baseball Draft success—and the numbers continue to back it up.
After eight former Volunteers were selected in the 2024 MLB Draft, head coach Tony Vitello’s program is once again positioned to flood the draft boards in 2025. With a combination of high-octane arms and polished position players, the next wave of Vols features some of the most highly regarded talent in the country.
The 2025 draft class is headlined by left-handed ace Liam Doyle, shortstop Gavin Kilen, and third baseman Andrew Fischer—all projected early-round picks. Alongside them are versatile contributors and high-upside players such as Dean Curley, Marcus Phillips, AJ Russell, Tanner Franklin, and Nate Snead.
This group represents a continuation of Tennessee’s recent trend: producing MLB-ready players who make immediate impressions in professional baseball systems. Their success is no accident—it’s the result of a culture built on development, competition, and opportunity.
The 2024 MLB Draft served as a resounding endorsement of Tennessee’s reputation as a collegiate powerhouse. Last year, eight Vols heard their names called:
Billy Amick – Minnesota Twins
Dylan Dreiling – Texas Rangers
Drew Beam – Kansas City Royals
Kavares Tears – San Diego Padres
A.J. Causey – Kansas City Royals
Aaron Combs – Chicago White Sox
