Tennessee
Everything Tony Vitello Said After Tennessee Baseball Lost to Oklahoma | Rocky Top Insider
Tennessee baseball suffered their first loss of the 2024 season on Saturday night in Arlington to the Oklahoma Sooners.
The game went into extra innings, where the Sooners were able to score four runs into the tenth and ultimately pick up a 5-1 victory.
Following the game, Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello met with the media to discuss his thoughts on the loss, from Tennessee’s elite defense to poor offense and everything in between.
Everything he said is below.
On what his team saw tonight from Oklahoma pitching…
“They saw some good pitching. I know that. To me, you always got to get guys on base to have runners left on base. Would have liked to have seen a little bit better execution or drive in a guy there and we have a chance to win the game. But again, you’re doing that against good competition and it’s easier said than done. I think we look back at it and see there’s some pitches we chased and maybe a little bit better approach to high-level arms. It just didn’t seem to be the kind of same vibe out of that offense from last night. It’s easy to say because the scoreboard says that, but again, their guys did a good job of pitching out of some trouble.”
On if he learned anything about his team tonight…
“Yeah, some guys getting their first go-around. It’s huge and it’s coming for a couple of other guys here soon. It’s not like you can’t do it well your first time, but I think these guys will reflect and realize this will help them and help them navigate the waters a little bit when they are in a jam or something like that. We were one pitch away several different times. If Beam gets out of that inning, I think it makes it easier on Marcus [Phillips] for his first appearance. Although you guys saw, he was throwing the ball with some electricity. I think he will be better next time out. And if we were able to get to Combsy [Aaron Combs] a little later in the game, maybe the result is different. But ifs and buts, candy and nuts.”
On the defense tonight and if he’s been a part of a triple play…
“I know I have a couple of times. I know that was probably one way I know I haven’t – don’t remember it being like that. I mean CMO [Christian Moore] I think put about seven tags out there. However it was needing to get done. And of course, you had the glove deal before it. However you can get the outs, you’ll take them.”
On Cal Stark behind the plate….
“Same as always. I mean, he is really good defensively and his energy is phenomenal back there. There is an art to working with umpires and pitchers and the pitching coach. It’s a lot of different stuff coming at you at once. He’s – I don’t want to say he’s mastered it – but he does it at a very high level and he makes you feel good when he is back there.”
More From RTI: Three Takeaways: Tennessee Baseball Suffers First Loss of Season to Oklahoma in Extra Innings
On where Christian Moore is at at shortstop right now:
“Good! He’s worked hard to be in that position. It’s also where he started out. I mean, when we first started recruiting him, he was a pitcher and playing that position, but I think some hard work has paid off. And really more attention to detail. He’s at his best in the box when you can’t really pay attention to detail, you have a 90 mph ball coming at you. But when you’re just trying to win and emotions aren’t involved and things like that, and then on defense, I think it’s paying attention to the best way to approach the whole thing. Rather than just get by on athleticism and a good arm, so he’s definitely had improvement.”
On Mathew Dallas and Derek Schaefer in their debuts:
“Dallas was great, and I think Schaefer’s last pitch, if he throws that same pitch, we’re out of the inning without any trouble. And I think if he goes back and watches the video, he’ll see that. And I’m out of eligibility, that’s easy for me to say. But again, I think when it’s your first time, you have got a lot of different things going on. Again, I think there’s some positives to take away from him being out there, and I think his last pitch was his best pitch. If he can throw that in the right situation, I can’t guarantee the result is different, but it’s probably a better result from that one particular at-bat.”
On if a game like this can teach the team something:
“I think it taught you what a regional game is going to look like if you haven’t played college baseball before. That’s a regional game. Or a super regional game or a game in Hoover. If you’re fortunate enough to move on from there, that’s what those games look like. The ones that when you go back to the hotel, it either really, really hurts, which I hope it does for our guys tonight, and also if you get it done, it feels good. But I think for them to… you know, could’ve managed the game a lot better. We’re trying to get to know our guys a little bit, and they’re trying to get to know what this is all about. They learned a lot from being in this deal.”
On what he’s looking forward to learning about his team tomorrow:
“You got opportunities to do two different things. Play a 1-1 series, it’s obviously going to be three different teams, but going into Sunday when it’s been kind of what it’s supposed to be in our league, which happens often, or any other big league, it’s a war on Sunday to get out of here with a win, or to get the series win. And then also it’s our first chance to respond to adversity.
“I don’t know. Maybe I felt it a little bit, maybe the other guys did. You want to be confident, but when you’re wearing this jersey or any other jersey, you’re not invincible. So, I don’t think we took anybody lightly, you’re not going to take Oklahoma lightly, but I think that our guys need to be confident but realize that it’s going to be a battle every time you get out on the field. And again, two opportunities tomorrow. One-to-one, and also the bounceback.”
On who will start on Sunday:
“Zander [Sechrist] will start for us tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it.”
One of the nation’s fast-rising 7v7 events made it back to the Atlanta area as The Sevens 7v7 tournament was held at Peachtree Ridge High School over the weekend.
Many of the top organizations across the country registered and entered the tournament such as Hustle INC, C1N, NPA, 24K Cold Hearts, and Fast Houston.
The amount of star power each brand displayed with many of the top athletes from all of the country was insane to fathom.
One of the nation’s coveted 2028 cornerbacks was in attendance as Jermaine Cobbins and NPA showed up on a mission.
NPA earned the number 1 seed during pool play on the first day of the event. The team fell just short of the championship game, but the players went down swinging.
Vols on SI caught up with Cobbins to discuss any recruiting updates, and to shed light on an off-field story that deserves some attention.
Jermaine Cobbins Update
“The recruitment is going great,” Cobbins said.
“You know, a lot of teams are showing love,” Cobbins continued. Alabama, Vanderbilt, and Texas A&M were a few schools mentioned to be showing a lot of love to the Tennessee native.
Cobbins has plans to get on the road once dead period is over.
March 2- Auburn
March 6- USC (potentially)
March 13- Alabama
March 17- Georgia
March 19- Tennessee
March 21- Vanderbilt
As Cobbins is wrapping up his sophomore year and on his way to becoming a junior, the pace will pick up as schools will come on stronger as some will fall back. The talented defender has to check boxes of his on while spending time with each school.
“The main thing I’ll be looking for is probably how much love are they going to be showing, their background (track record), and how the coaches coach,” Cobbins explained.
With a visit to Rocky Top in a few weeks looming, this will be the first time Cobbins has made it to Tennessee since the staff changes on the defense.
Cobbins had a relationship with Coach Michael Hunter Jr., who joined the Volunteers staff for a very short time before taking an opportunity in the NFL.
“Me and the corners coach had a great relationship, he came (to UT) but he left out for the NFL, so kudos to him. Love that for him. I’ve met Coach Poindexter. He’s a great coach,” Cobbins said.
The coaching staff at Tennessee stands out to the Springfield (TN) student-athlete as, “they coach at a high level.” Cobbins would go on to describe how the Vols pulling in great talent truly has an impact because you get to practice against some talented players day in and day out.
Cobbins Gives Back
Cobbins recently had the opportunity to give back to the next generation, and it was no surprise to see this act carried out, so Vols on SI had to ask about this act of kindness before concluding the interview.
“That was very important (to me), you know. It just really made me feel good inside. I always love giving back to the little kids, especially from my hometown,” Cobbins said with a smile.
Cobbins understands the small-town life, and how such a simple gesture can make a huge difference. Talent aside, this is an A+ young man.
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Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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Vanderbilt basketball guard Frankie Collins is leaving the program, head coach Mark Byington announced on Tuesday night. The news comes just days before the Commodores are set to face off against Tennessee in the regular season finale, with the Volunteers looking to clinch a top-four seed and double-bye in the SEC Tournament.
Why it matters
Collins was Vanderbilt’s most highly touted transfer last offseason, but injuries limited him to just nine games this season. His departure leaves the Commodores shorthanded heading into a crucial matchup against their in-state rival Tennessee, who are seeking to complete a regular season sweep.
The details
The 6-foot-1 guard averaged 7.8 points, 4.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game this season, but suffered a meniscus injury in December that sidelined him for the majority of the year. With the emergence of sophomore point guard Tyler Tanner and Oklahoma transfer Duke Miles, Collins never quite found his footing in the Vanderbilt lineup.
- Frankie Collins left the Vanderbilt program on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
- Vanderbilt is scheduled to face Tennessee on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
The players
Frankie Collins
A 6-foot-1 guard who was Vanderbilt’s most highly touted transfer last offseason, coming to Nashville after spending the 2024-25 season at TCU and the three prior years at Arizona State and Michigan.
Mark Byington
The head coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores basketball team.
Tyler Tanner
The sophomore point guard who emerged as a key player for Vanderbilt this season.
Duke Miles
An Oklahoma transfer shooting guard who joined the Vanderbilt roster this season.
Rick Barnes
The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team.
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What they’re saying
“Frankie has left Nashville, and he’s not gonna be on the team. It’s gonna be good for both sides of it. We wish him well. So we’ll roll with the guys we got.”
— Mark Byington, Head Coach, Vanderbilt Commodores (rockytopinsider.com)
What’s next
With a victory over Vanderbilt, Tennessee will clinch a top four-seed and a double-bye in next week’s SEC Tournament. Vanderbilt could potentially earn a double-bye themselves with a win and a little extra help.
The takeaway
The loss of Frankie Collins leaves Vanderbilt shorthanded heading into a crucial matchup against in-state rival Tennessee, who are seeking to complete a regular season sweep. The Commodores will have to rely on the emergence of players like Tyler Tanner and Duke Miles to try and pull off the upset and keep their own postseason hopes alive.
Published on Mar. 3, 2026
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According to ESPN’s latest NFL mock draft, three former Tennessee Volunteers players are projected to be selected in the top 60 picks of the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Cornerbacks Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood are both projected to be first-round picks, while wide receiver Chris Brazzell II is projected to be a second-round selection.
Why it matters
The strong NFL Draft projections for Tennessee players highlight the continued talent development and success of the Volunteers football program under head coach Josh Heupel. If these projections hold true, it would mark the first time Tennessee has had two first-round picks and three players selected in the top 60 overall during Heupel’s tenure.
The details
Cornerback Jermod McCoy is projected to be selected 29th overall by the Los Angeles Rams, despite not participating in on-field workouts at the NFL Combine due to a previous ACL injury. Teammate Colton Hood is projected to be the final pick of the first round, going 32nd overall to the Seattle Seahawks. Wide receiver Chris Brazzell II impressed at the Combine with a 4.37 40-yard dash and is projected to be a second-round pick, going 60th overall to the Buffalo Bills.
- The NFL Combine was held in late February 2026.
- Tennessee’s Pro Day workouts are scheduled for the end of March 2026.
- The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in April-May 2026.
The players
Jermod McCoy
A cornerback for the Tennessee Volunteers who is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, despite missing the 2025 season due to an ACL injury.
Colton Hood
A cornerback for the Tennessee Volunteers who is projected to be a first-round pick, going 32nd overall to the Seattle Seahawks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Chris Brazzell II
A wide receiver for the Tennessee Volunteers who impressed at the NFL Combine with a 4.37 40-yard dash and is projected to be a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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What they’re saying
“If we’re going strictly by talent, McCoy is a top-10 prospect in this class. But he hasn’t played a game since 2024, missing all of last season after suffering an ACL tear in January 2025. We’re still not sure where he’s at in his recovery, as he did not participate in testing or drills at the combine. This gives the Rams — who haven’t drafted a corner in the first round since 2006 or before Day 3 since 2019 — the potential to get a steal here. McCoy is an easy mover who has squeaky-clean technique.”
— Jordan Reid, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)
“The reigning champions have a clear need at corner, as Josh Jobe and Riq Woolen are both scheduled to be free agents. Hood is a scheme-versatile player who can thrive in press man while also having the fluidity to excel in zone. A former all-state center fielder in high school, Hood’s ball skills frequently show up on tape (10 pass breakups and an interception last season). With his poised technique and wrap-up-and-finish tackling, he would fit well on the outside of Mike Macdonald’s secondary.”
— Jordan Reid, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)
“The Bills need someone who can separate on the outside, and Brazzell is an ‘X’ receiver who can be a deep vertical threat. He can also sink his weight and run a true route tree, making him a good fit with quarterback Josh Allen.”
— Jordan Reid, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)
What’s next
Tennessee’s Pro Day workouts are scheduled for the end of March 2026, where McCoy plans to participate in on-field drills to further showcase his recovery from the ACL injury. Strong performances at the Pro Day could potentially push McCoy back up draft boards into the top half of the first round.
The takeaway
The strong NFL Draft projections for Tennessee players demonstrate the continued talent development and success of the Volunteers football program under head coach Josh Heupel. If these projections hold true, it would mark a significant milestone for the program, with Tennessee potentially having two first-round picks and three players selected in the top 60 overall for the first time during Heupel’s tenure.
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