Tennessee
Tony Vitello explains his ejection in Tennessee baseball vs Auburn series finale
Tony Vitello thought Levi Clark went around on a check swing in the fourth inning of Tennessee baseball’s series finale against Auburn.
The Vols coach also thought Auburn’s Eric Guevara went around on a check swing in the fifth inning. Only Clark’s was called a swing and the different rulings were on Vitello’s mind as he stormed from the dugout and headed toward an ejection.
“Probably the comparison of the check swings of Levi versus — Levi won’t like hearing it, but I think he went,” Vitello said. “I think both guys went.
The Vols coach was tossed in UT’s 8-1 loss in the series finale at Lindsey Nelson Stadium as Tennessee lost its third straight series.
It was Vitello’s first ejection since March 19, 2023, against Missouri. It is the fifth in his career. He was ejected against Kentucky in his first season in 2018, against Vanderbilt in 2021, and against Alabama in 2022.
Why Tony Vitello was ejected in Tennessee baseball vs. Auburn
Vitello ran onto the field after pitcher Brayden Krenzel walked Guevara to score a run in a run in the fifth inning. The third ball to Guevara featured a check-swing call that Vitello was displeased with.
Vitello went to home-plate umpire John Brammer after Krenzel walked Guevara on the following pitch. He then yelled at third-base umpire Javerro January, who was behind the plate in Game 2. He had fire for second-base umpire Ben Levin, who had Tennessee irate with his strike zone in Game 1. He finished with a brief exchange with first-base umpire Richard Riley before heading into the dugout.
January was the umpire who tossed Vitello.
Vitello indicated there was probably “spillover” from the first game when tensions arose and Vols pitcher Liam Doyle was tossed in the 11th inning. Doyle was ejected following an exchange at home plate with Auburn’s Bristol Carter after Doyle tagged Carter out trying to steal home to end the inning.
“If anything, these guys that are out there between the lines should probably get to say some things to each other and probably should be granted that right,” Vitello said.
The Vols trailed 6-0 when Vitello was ejected after Krenzel walked in back-to-back runs.
UT lost the opener 6-1 to the Tigers then won 5-4 on a walk-off single in the 11th inning in Game 2.
Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.
Tennessee
Tennessee Football Misses on Major Transfer Portal Target
The Tennessee Volunteers have been looking to land the best of the best when it comes to the transfer portal, and they have been targeting the best, but as of recently, all it has been is a bunch of swings and misses.
The Vols have missed yet again, as they have failed to land one of their top targets on their board when it comes to the college football transfer portal at a position that they currently need more than any. That position is the cornerback position, which is one that they need very badly.
The player that they failed to land in this go-around is Troy cornerback Jaquez White. White is one of the better players that the portal has seen at the position, as he was easily named as a top portal target for many. He was seriously looking at Tennessee, and the Vols were ready to bring him in, but instead, he has opted to commit to the Virginia Tech Hokies. The Hokies have done a decent job in the portal thus far, but their portal class has definitely improved following the addition of White.
Whether this is a money thing or the Vols just couldn’t do enough convincing, the point is that they have missed on guys left and right recently. The vision isn’t clear, but fans are hopeful that it will be soon.
Here is what White did in his 2025 season according to the Troy website.
Jaquez White’s 2025 Season
“Earned All-Sun Belt Second Team honors … Ranked third in the league (seventh nationally) with 14 total passes defended and fourth (15th nationally) with 11 pass break ups … Started 12 games and played in all 14 contests … Returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown in Troy’s victory over Louisiana; added interceptions against Nicholls and in Sun Belt Championship Game at James Madison … Finished season with 67 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack … Sack came in Troy’s win over South Alabama; added five tackles, a quarterback hurry and a pass break up in the game … Season-best seven tackles against Memphis … Broke up four passes in win at ULM and had a pair at Southern Miss … Troy’s top-rated defender per PFF with an 87.6 rating … Played 879 defensive snaps, second most on the team … Third-rated cornerback in the country (min. 700 snaps) per PFF and fourth-rated cover corner … Held opponents to a 54.5 reception percentage (36-of-66).”
More Vols News
Tennessee
Tennessee football DL Josh Schell enters transfer portal
Tennessee defensive lineman Josh Schell has entered the transfer portal, he announced on social media on Jan. 6.
Schell had a short stint at Tennessee after transferring from Grand Valley State in April. He played all 13 games and made one tackle in the 2025 season.
Schell played more than 100 snaps, mostly on special teams. He never cracked the rotation on the defensive line.
Schell spent three seasons at Grand Valley State, including a redshirt year, and one season at Tennessee. He has one season of eligibility remaining.
The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder is from Camden, New Jersey. His best college season was 2024 at Grand Valley State, when he played 13 games and recorded 35 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, six pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
He was also a pitcher on the Grand Valley State baseball game in the 2023 season.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
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Tennessee
Tennessee Titans head coach interview schedule takes shape
The Tennessee Titans’ search for their next head coach is coming into focus, and the initial interview phase is in full swing.
Following the news that Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy would be having a first virtual interview on Thursday, the dates and times for some interviews for other candidates have come out.
Multiple reports on social media indicate that Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will meet with Mike Borgonzi on Wednesday, followed by Nagy on Thursday. The team will then follow that up by meeting with former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski on Saturday and former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on Monday.
Tennessee will also meet with interim head coach Mike McCoy, and is rumored to have interest in former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
It’s an ever-changing process in Nashville. Stay up to date with all the coaching search news with us here at Titans Wire, and please sound off with your thoughts.
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