It just wasn't meant to be for the Tennessee Vols over the weekend against Arkansas. After losing Game 1 on Saturday, the Vols sent out ace hurler Liam Doyle on Sunday, but there was no magic left in the tank. Just like that, the reigning national champs are out of the hunt to repeat.
Now that the Vols aren't in the College World Series hunt, the focus has already shifted to next season and adding playmakers via the transfer portal. However, that doesn't mean that head man Tony Vitello won't appreciate what his guys got done this year. Matter of fact, he has no problem reflecting on all the great things going on in Knoxville for the university as a whole:
Tony Vitello: "If you’re a Vol fan, it was a pretty special year. You got to have all the office conversations, maybe even go all the way up to Columbus with football. I could go on and on with a bunch of other sports. You got one of the best men on the planet leading your…
— Ryan Schumpert (@rschump00) June 9, 2025
Tony Vitello had a powerful message for Tennessee fans following the Game 2 loss to Arkansas
That message from Vitello hit right in the feels. Across the board, it really has been a year to remember for Tennessee athletics. At this point last year, the Vols baseball team won the natty. In the fall, Tennessee football reached the CFP for the first time ever.
The men's basketball team reached the Elite Eight, while the softball team made it to the national semifinals. There are so many other student-athletes on campus who impressed as well. Tennessee continues to prove it's an everything school.
The future is so bright for all of the programs in town. As for Vitello, he knows that this team is built to once again make a ton of noise next season. Losing Doyle and others is going to sting, but Tennessee is going to work overtime to improve the roster for next spring.
Yes, things didn't quite go to plan this year, but it doesn't take away from what the Vols were able to get done in 2025. Vitello continues to prove he's one of the best coaches in the NCAA. He knows what it takes to win and this setback doesn't take away from the incredible job he's doing.