Vols Launch Elander Era Against Nicholls in BSB Matchup
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Josh Elander era begins as No. 3/14 Tennessee takes on Nicholls this Friday. This matchup marks the opening of the 2026 baseball season at the newly renovated Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
Tennessee’s Season Opener Highlights
The Volunteers have established a strong home advantage, aiming for a 5-1 record in home season openers since Elander joined the staff. Overall, the team holds a remarkable 13-2 record in home opening weekend series since 2018, including four consecutive series sweeps in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2024. Historically, Tennessee boasts a 78-36-2 record in season openers.
Game Day Information
- First 800 fans will receive a commemorative replica of Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
- For updated information on parking and stadium policies, fans should check the Gameday Central page.
Broadcast and Streaming Details
All three games against Nicholls will be streamed live on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app.
- Play-by-Play: Andy Brock (Friday), Zack Nelson (Saturday)
- Analysis: Cody Hawn
- Audio Stream: John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara on UTSports.com
Projected Starting Pitchers
| Game | Date & Time | Pitcher (Tennessee) | Pitcher (Nicholls) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Friday – 4:30 PM | Tegan Kuhns | Nuno Parache |
| Game 2 | Saturday – 1:00 PM | Landon Mack | Austin Vargas |
| Game 3 | Sunday – 1:00 PM | Evan Blanco | Haden Luke |
Notable Changes and Elander Era
This weekend marks the start of Josh Elander’s tenure as Tennessee’s head baseball coach, succeeding Tony Vitello, who is now with the San Francisco Giants. Elander spent the previous eight seasons as an assistant and recruiting coordinator, contributing to five consecutive NCAA Super Regional appearances and a national championship win in 2024.
Renovated Lindsey Nelson Stadium
The Volunteers are showcasing their newly transformed Lindsey Nelson Stadium, which underwent more than $100 million in renovations. The updated venue now accommodates 8,012 fans and boasts enhanced facilities.
New Amenities Include:
- Home plate entrance and plaza
- New suites and club spaces
- Expanded chairback seating
- Modernized restrooms and concessions
- Player entry corridor and upgraded lighting
Winning Tradition and Future Outlook
Since the 2020 season, Tennessee holds the best record in college baseball with 272 wins and a .776 winning percentage. This places them at the top of national standings over the last six seasons.
Preseason Rankings
The Volunteers are recognized as a consensus top-15 team heading into the season. Rankings include:
- D1Baseball: #14
- USA Today: #15
- NCBWA: #15
- Baseball America: #13
- Perfect Game: #3
As Elander leads the team into the new season, Tennessee seeks to continue its successful legacy and expand its standings in the collegiate baseball landscape.
