The Tennessee Titans are beginning the Cam Ward era in Nashville, and there’s a lot of excitement surrounding the No. 1 overall pick.

The Titans could have gone in a different direction during the 2025 NFL Draft by taking either Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter or Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter, who was viewed by many as the best defensive player in the rookie class.

However, the Titans decided to go with Ward to give them a quarterback to build around for the future. ESPN analyst Mike Clay looks into why Ward fits within the Titans’ plans.

“The Will Levis experiment did not work out for the Titans, and new general manager Mike Borgonzi wanted to make a change,” Clay wrote.

“Enter Ward, who should be able to jump in right away thanks to his playmaking ability, unshakeable confidence and arm talent. Coach Brian Callahan’s West Coast scheme is reliant on rhythm and timing, so Ward will need to work on staying in structure and being more consistent with his accuracy. But he has shown adaptability in his three college stops and presents a lot of upside.”

Callahan specializes in working with quarterbacks, namely Joe Burrow, as the former was the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals when the latter became the No. 1 overall pick five years ago in 2020. Within two years, Callahan helped the Bengals reach the Super Bowl with Burrow under center.

It won’t be easy for that feat to repeat itself for the Titans, but Callahan is a great coach for Ward to learn under in his first season.

Callahan struggled to build the offense around Levis, but now that he gets to be part of the selection process and generate a system around someone he helped pick, that could change things for the Titans this season.

Make sure you bookmark Tennessee Titans on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

The top-scoring offense in the nation was no match for Karlyn Pickens.

The SEC Pitcher of the Year set the tone from the start of the NCAA regional matchup with Ohio State, striking out the first two hitters of the game. Pickens held back the Buckeyes’ sluggers, striking out 10 to lead No. 7 seed Tennessee softball to a 4-2 win at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium on May 17.

Pickens (22-8) was dominant until Ohio State (44-13-1) made a late push in the sixth inning, stringing together three hits to score two runs, although the second was due to an error from Sophia Nugent. Pickens only gave up five hits total and walked two with one earned run.

The Lady Vols (42-14) will face the winner of the loser’s bracket final in the regional final on May 18.

Tennessee’s offense wasn’t as explosive as the 17-0 run-rule win over Miami (Ohio) on May 16, but it executed when it needed to in order to bring the runs home.

The Lady Vols got leadoff hitters on base in the first five innings, and they built and early lead with smart, aggressive base running. Kinsey Fiedler, who started the game with a double, and Laura Mealer scored in the first and fourth innings to give Tennessee a 2-0 lead.

FRIDAY’S WIN: Why Tennessee softball needed offensive resurgence vs Miami (Ohio) to open NCAA regional

Mealer got involved again in the fifth inning when Tennessee scored two more runs. Saviya Morgan and Taylor Pannell got on base with bunts to start the inning, and Nugent got Morgan home with a sacrifice fly. Mealer then singled up the middle, scoring Pannell.

Fiedler led the Lady Vols, going 2-for-4 with one run scored. Tennessee logged nine hits, but it left eight runners on base.

Cora Hall covers University of Tennessee women’s athletics. Email her at cora.hall@knoxnews.com and follow her on X @corahalll. If you enjoy Cora’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that allows you to access all of it.

SCORE: Tennessee 4, Arkansas 8 | T7

***SCROLL DOWN FOR LIVE AT-BAT BY AT-BAT FEED***

No. 17 Tennessee baseball (41-12, 16-11 SEC) is set to battle No. 8 Arkansas (41-12, 18-10 SEC) Friday in game two of a three-game series in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

First pitch in Baum Walker Stadium will be at 7:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network +.

For a full preview of the series, including projected pitching matchups and a prediction, click here.

Tennessee enters Friday’s contest coming off a 10-7 series-opening win on Thursday. Marcus Phillips turned in a solid start and Tennessee’s offense exploded for 10 runs.

Read the full recap of game one HERE.

Tennessee enters the final series of the regular season struggling in SEC play. The Vols have lost four straight series and five of their past six, with four of those coming at home.

The offense hasn’t lived up to its potential while the bullpen has been shaky and the defense bad.

With the recent struggles, Tennessee likely needs to win the series this weekend to host an NCAA Regional. If Tennessee just wins one game, the Vols will need a really strong run in the SEC Tournament to improve their hosting chances.

But with Tennessee surprisingly taking game one, the Vols are well-positioned to win the series as they are the better team on paper Friday night with ace Liam Doyle on the mound.

BRACKETOLOGY: Bracketology: Tennessee Baseball Projected To Go On The Road In NCAA Tournament

The Vanderbilt series loss saw Tennessee drop even further in the latest D1 Baseball Top 25 poll to No. 17.

See where Tennessee landed in all major polls below.

RANKINGS: Where Tennessee Baseball Ranks Following Series Loss Against Vanderbilt

Opponent Scout

Arkansas got off to a strong start to the season losing just one game before the start of SEC play. Conference play has been topsy turvy for the Razorbacks with them losing four of their last five series after winning their first four series of the season.

When Arkansas has won series, they have almost always swept. The Razorbacks have series sweeps against South Carolina, Vanderbilt, Missouri and most impressively Texas two weeks ago in Fayetteville.

Arkansas’ offense has some serious pop, ranking seventh nationally and third in the SEC in slugging percentage. The Aloy brothers have led the way for Arkansas’ offense. Wehiwa Aloy is an SEC Player of the Year candidate and enters the weekend hitting .364 with 17 home runs, 16 doubles and 54 RBIs. Kuhio Aloy is hitting .356 with 13 home runs, 14 doubles and 66 RBIs.

Five Arkansas players have double digit home runs this season with seven players hitting eight-plus home runs. Charles Davalan is hitting .349 with 13 home runs while Cam Kozeal is hitting .340 with 12 home runs.

Arkansas’ pitching staff ranks fifth in the SEC with a 3.96 team-ERA. Dylan Carter (2.23 ERA in 32.1 IP) and Aiden Jimenez (2.51 ERA in 32.1 IP) have been the top arms in Arkansas’ bullpen.

The Vols will be looking to end their recent struggles against the Razorbacks this week. UT’s last series win against Arkansas came in 2005 while its last series win in Fayetteville was back in 2001, per UT. Tony Vitello is currently 2-9 against Dave Van Horn.

Injury/Availability Notes

• In game two against Kentucky, a foul ball unfortunately hit Tennessee relief pitcher Tanner Wiggins in the mouth. Tony Vitello said there were teeth involved in Wiggins’ injury, and the sophomore underwent surgery afterward on his jaw.
  • Read more about Wiggins’ status HERE.
• UNC transfer first baseman Alberto Osuna remains ineligible.
  • But two Mondays ago, Osuna again took legal action still seeking eligibility. Read more HERE.

TRANSCRIPT: What Tennessee HC Tony Vitello Said Following Series Opening Win At Arkansas

For all of RTI’s baseball coverage so far this season, click here.

For the latest RTI Diamond Pass podcast recapping the Vanderbilt series and looking at why Tennessee must finish strong to close the regular season, click HERE.

VIDEO: Tony Vitello Reacts to Series-Opening Win Over Arkansas

Lineups, pitching matchup and additional pre-game notes are below, followed by the LIVE at-bat by at-bat game thread.

TENNESSEE STARTING NINE: 

SS Gavin Kilen (L)

1B Andrew Fischer (L)

CF Hunter Ensley (R)

LF Dalton Bargo (L)

2B Dean Curley (R)

RF Reese Chapman (L)

C Cannon Peebles (S)

DH Levi Clark (R)

3B Manny Marin (R)

Lineup Notes:

• Levi Clark over Blake Grimmer at the DH spot. The only change in the lineup from Thursday.
• Marin still at third, Peebles behind the dish, Bargo in left.

ARKANSAS STARTING NINE: 

LF Charles Davalan (L)

SS Wehiwa Aloy (R)

RF Logan Maxwell (L)

DH Kuhio Aloy (R)

C Ryder Helfrick (R)

2B Cam Kozeal (L)

3B Brent Iredale (R)

1B Reese Robinett (L)

CF Justin Thomas Jr. (R)

Pitching Matchup:

Vols Jr. LHP Liam Doyle (9-2, 2.17 ERA, 14 app., 13 starts, 74.2 IP, 37 H, 19 R, 18 ER, 23 BB, 127 K, 12 XBH, .145 opp. batting avg., 0.80 WHIP)

vs.

Razorbacks R-So. Aiden Jimenez (4-1, 2.51 ERA, 17 app., 0 starts, 1 SV, 32.1 IP, 27 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 7 BB, 34 K, 5 XBH, .229 opp. batting avg., 1.06 WHIP)

Pitching notes:

• Doyle stays in his Friday night role but not game one role. Tennessee wanted to keep Doyle on his regular routine after throwing 100 pitches last week. Also gives Doyle’s blister more time to improve before tonight.
  • The blister has flared up after 70-80 pitches occasionally for Doyle. Some times worse than others. Just something the Vols ace is likely going to have to deal with moving forward.
• First start of the season for Jimenez as Arkansas shakes up its rotation. He’s been a bullpen arm that hasn’t done extended relief much. Most pitches he’s thrown is 57. Hasn’t gone more than 3.1 innings since March 22.
  • Expect Jimenez to be more of an opener and throw 3ish innings. Would be surprised if he gets into 5-inning/80-pitch territory.

Uniforms

Tennessee: Dark Mode

Arkansas: White Pinstripes

*NOTES*

• The run-rule is MANDATORY in SEC play. If Tennessee or Arkansas leads by 10 or more runs after the seventh inning, the game is over.

1st Inning: 

T1

-Gavin Kilen flies out to CF.

-Andrew Fischer grounds out to P.

-Hunter Ensley singles to SS.

-Dalton Bargo grounds out to 2B.

END OF TOP HALF

B1

-Charles Davalan singles to 2B.

-Wehiwa Aloy strikes out swinging.

-Logan Maxwell singles to left-center. Davalan to third.

-Kuhio Aloy strikes out swinging on three pitches.

-Ryder Helfrick strikes out swinging on three pitches.

END OF BOTTOM HALF

Score: Vols 0, Razorbacks 0

2nd Inning: 

T2

-Dean Curley doubles to right-center.

-Reese Chapman lines out to 2B.

-Levi Clark grounds out to 2B. Curley to third.

-Cannon Peebles slaps an RBI single to left field. Curley scores.

-Manny Marin singles to left field. Peebles to second.

-Gavin Kilen fouls out to 3B.

END OF TOP HALF

B2

-Cam Kozeal singles to center field.

-Brent Iredale drives a two-run homer to left-center.

-Reese Robinett strikes out swinging.

-Justin Thomas Jr. singles to 2B.

-Charles Davalan rips a double to right-center. Thomas Jr. to third.

-Wehiwa Aloy sends an RBI groundout to 2B. Thomas Jr. scores. Davalan to third.

-Logan Maxwell strikes out looking on three pitches.

END OF BOTTOM HALF

Score: Vols 1, Razorbacks 3

3rd Inning: 

T3

-Andrew Fischer doubles to right-center.

-Hunter Ensley flies out to LF.

-Dalton Bargo smacks an RBI double to left field.

-Dean Curley singles to SS. Bargo to third.

*Pitching change: LHP Cole Gibler (1-1, 4.50 ERA) on to pitch for Jimenez*

-Reese Chapman strikes out swinging on three pitches.

-Levi Clark works a walk.

• Really good AB from Clark.
• Bases loaded with two outs for Cannon Peebles.

-Cannon Peebles knocks a two-run single to center. Curley and Bargo score. Clark to second.

-Manny Marin reaches on a fielder’s choice to 3B. Peebles out at second, 5-4.

END OF TOP HALF

B3

-Kuhio Aloy HBP.

-Ryder Helfrick mashes a two-run homer to left-center.

-Cam Kozeal grounds out to 1B unassisted.

-Brent Iredale singles to left field.

-Reese Robinett strikes out looking.

Iredale steals second.

-Justin Thomas Jr. works a walk.

-Charles Davalan strikes out looking.

END OF BOTTOM HALF

Score: Vols 4, Razorbacks 5

4th Inning: 

T4

-Gavin Kilen strikes out swinging.

-Andrew Fischer fouls out to 3B.

• Great play by the third baseman who made a sliding catch at the wall in foul territory.
• Jammed his head and shoulder area into the wall. He is staying in the game.

-Hunter Ensley grounds out to 3B.

END OF TOP HALF

B4

-Wehiwa Aloy strikes out swinging.

-Logan Maxwell hammers a solo homer to right field.

-Kuhio Aloy grounds out to 3B.

-Ryder Helfrick pops up to 2B.

END OF BOTTOM HALF

Score: Vols 4, Razorbacks 6

5th Inning: 

T5

-Dalton Bargo grounds out to 2B.

-Dean Curley grounds out to SS.

-Reese Chapman singles to 2B.

-Levi Clark reaches on a 6-4 fielder’s choice. Chapman out at second.

END OF TOP HALF

B5

-Cam Kozeal strikes out swinging.

-Brent Iredale is walked.

-Reese Robinett strikes out swinging.

-Justin Thomas Jr. singles to SS, advances to third on a throwing error by SS. Iredale advances to second on the error and scores on the error.

• Kilen’s feet got stuck in the grass it seemed. Errant throw to Dean goes into the outfield allowing Iredale to score and Thomas Jr. to reach third.

-Charles Davalan knocks an RBI single to right field. Thomas Jr. scores.

*Pitching change: Jr. RHP Austin Breedlove (3-0, 3.32 ERA) on to pitch for Doyle*

Davalan caught stealing at second, 2-4.

END OF BOTTOM HALF

Score: Vols 4, Razorbacks 8

6th Inning: 

T6

-Cannon Peebles grounds out to SS.

-Manny Marin strikes out swinging.

-Gavin Kilen singles to right-center.

*Pitching change: LHP Parker Coli (2-0, 0.57 ERA) on to pitch for Gibler*

-Andrew Fischer doubles to right field. Kilen to third.

-Hunter Ensley lines out to RF.

END OF TOP HALF

B6

-Wehiwa Aloy lines out to LF.

-Logan Maxwell strikes out swinging.

-Kuhio Aloy is walked on four pitches.

-Ryder Helfrick strikes out looking.

• Breedlove fired up after that one.

END OF BOTTOM HALF

Score: Vols 4, Razorbacks 8

7th Inning: 

T7

-Dalton Bargo strikes out swinging.

-Dean Curley strikes out swinging.

-Reese Chapman doubles to right-center.

B7

Score: Vols 4, Razorbacks 8

8th Inning: 

T8

B8

Score: Vols , Razorbacks 

9th Inning: 

T9

B9

Score: Vols , Razorbacks 

FINAL: Tennessee Vols __, Arkansas Razorbacks __