Tennessee baseball has caught fire on the transfer portal recruiting trail. Tony Vitello and the Vols have added another player out of the transfer portal after the No. 1 player in the portal announced he has committed to Tennessee.
Virginia outfielder Henry Ford had a dominant sophomore season, hitting .362 with 11 home runs and 46 RBIs over 51 games this past season.
His decision to transfer came after Virginia head coach Brian O'Connor left for the Mississippi State head coach job. Instead of following his former coach to Starkville, he has decided to transfer to Tennessee.
Ford made his announcement on social media, simply saying, "Committed to the University of Tennessee. Go Vols".
Committed to the University of Tennessee. Go vols🍊 pic.twitter.com/xaAIPlBLTs
— Henry Ford (@_henryford_9) June 22, 2025
When healthy, he played even better, hitting .336 with 17 home runs and 69 RBIs in his freshman season in Charlottesville.
Ford is eligible for the draft this year, so it is possible he chooses to skip Knoxville and head for professional baseball. According to MLB.com, he's the No. 73 overall prospect in this year's MLB Draft, making him a third-round draft pick if he falls in the early to mid-70s.
Ford could immediately become an impact player in Tennessee's outfield if he chooses to return for another year of college.
Hunter Ensley is out of eligibility, so there is an opening in center field. Reese Chapman and Dalton Bargo's return to Tennessee is also not guaranteed, as both are gaining interest from Major League Baseball in this year's draft.
While Ford's experience is primarily in the right field, he could find a home in the center field for the Vols. He also has experience playing first base and third base, providing the Vols with a strong utility player for the Vols and the best player out of the transfer portal.