Tennessee baseball vs. Nicholls today: How to watch, pitching plans and what to know
Tennessee opens the 2026 season on Wednesday, Feb. 13 (ET), hosting Nicholls in a three-game set at the newly renovated Lindsey Nelson Stadium. The matchup marks the first game of the Josh Elander era in Knoxville, with the Volunteers carrying high expectations into spring after a busy offseason of roster building.
Game details: date, venue and how to watch
The series opener is set for Wednesday, Feb. 13, at Lindsey Nelson Stadium in Knoxville. The game will be available as a digital stream on SEC Network+ for authenticated SEC Network subscribers. A standard cable, satellite or streaming TV package that includes SEC Network typically grants access to the SEC Network+ digital feed.
A new dugout lead as the Elander era begins
Josh Elander manages his first game as Tennessee’s head coach after taking over in the fall. He inherits a program that has grown into a national contender and steps in with continuity from the staff and clubhouse. While the change at the top is significant, the on-field ambitions remain the same: compete deep into June with a balanced roster that blends returning production with impact transfers.
Probable pitching: Kuhns gets the ball, weekend rotation set
Sophomore right-hander Tegan Kuhns will start the season opener, earning the first nod of 2026. Tennessee has also mapped out the rest of the opening weekend, turning to Rutgers transfer Landon Mack and Virginia transfer Evan Blanco to round out the rotation. The trio gives the Volunteers a mix of familiarity with the program and proven experience from high-level conferences, offering multiple looks across the series.
Roster snapshot: returning core meets transfer reinforcements
Tennessee’s lineup and staff are a blend of returners and newcomers brought in to address specific needs. The returning group provides stability in the field and at the plate, while the transfer class adds depth and matchup versatility. Expect Elander to lean on competition for spots early, using Opening Day and the first weekend to test combinations, settle roles and calibrate the bullpen pecking order behind the starting trio.
Scouting Nicholls: a retooled group looking for an early jolt
Nicholls arrives in Knoxville after a 17-32 campaign last season and has restocked with junior-college additions and transfers. The Colonels will look to manufacture offense, lean on clean defense and try to keep traffic off the bases against a Tennessee lineup that can pressure pitchers with power and patience. For Nicholls, an efficient strike-throwing plan and situational hitting will be essential to hang around late.
Series outlook and what’s next
This is a three-game series to open the schedule, a useful barometer for both sides. For Tennessee, the focus is on setting the tone: quality starts, clean defense, and early answers to a few positional battles. For Nicholls, it’s an opportunity to test a remodeled roster against SEC competition. As Elander’s first weekend at the helm unfolds, expect Tennessee to mix experience with fresh faces while keeping the rotation intact. Additional games in the series are also slated for streaming on SEC Network+ for viewers with SEC Network authentication. All dates and first-pitch announcements are observed on Eastern Time.
