Honestly, if you’re refreshing your phone looking for a final score from Lindsey Nelson Stadium today, January 17, 2026, you’re going to be waiting a while.
The Tennessee Volunteers didn't play a baseball game today.
I know, I know. The itch for the "Bat Vols" to return is real, especially with the program being such a juggernaut lately. But here’s the reality: it is mid-January. In the world of NCAA Division I baseball, this is still "hurry up and wait" season.
While the Tennessee basketball team is busy battling Kentucky today in a massive SEC showdown over at the Food City Center, the baseball diamond is currently quiet.
When does Tennessee baseball actually start?
If you're wondering about the real who won the Tennessee baseball game today question, you have to look ahead to February. Mark your calendars for February 13, 2026. That’s the official Opening Day for the Vols.
They’re kicking things off at home in Knoxville with a three-game series against Nicholls.
The 2026 schedule is already out, and it’s a gauntlet. After that opening series, they’ve got UNC Asheville and Kent State before heading to Arlington, Texas, for the Amegy Bank College Baseball Series at Globe Life Field. That’s where things get really interesting, with matchups against UCLA and Arizona State at the end of February.
Why you might be seeing "Tennessee" scores today
It’s easy to get confused because "Tennessee" is a big name in a lot of places. If you saw a score pop up, it might have been one of these:
- Tennessee Basketball: As mentioned, the No. 24 ranked Vols are playing the Kentucky Wildcats right now (January 17). It’s a high-stakes noon tip-off.
- Tennessee Wesleyan: This is a powerhouse NAIA program in Athens, Tennessee. They are actually ranked No. 5 in the NAIA preseason polls and often start their season earlier than the D1 schools.
- Preseason Showcases: There was a "Nashville Preseason ID" event recently where high school prospects (Class of 2026 and beyond) were showing off their exit velocities and pitching metrics.
The Josh Elander Era begins
This season feels a bit different. For the first time in years, the dugout looks different. Tony Vitello is gone, and Josh Elander has stepped into the head coaching role.
Elander isn't a stranger, though. He’s been the recruiting coordinator and associate head coach, so the "culture" everyone talks about isn't likely to vanish overnight. But seeing how he manages the bullpen in a tight Sunday SEC game? That’s the stuff fans are dying to see.
The roster is still stacked with talent, even with the news that 2024 hero Hunter Ensley recently retired from pro ball after a short stint with the Royals organization. It’s a reminder of how fleeting the college-to-pro transition can be, but it also highlights just how legendary that 2024 championship run was for the guys on Rocky Top.
What to do while you wait for Opening Day
Since there isn't a box score to dissect today, you’ve got a few weeks to prep. Lindsey Nelson Stadium has undergone even more renovations, so if you’re planning on going to the Nicholls series, check the new seating charts.
The SEC schedule doesn't really heat up until mid-March when the Vols travel to Athens to take on Georgia. Between now and then, it’s all about the non-conference grind and seeing which freshmen are going to emerge as the next "villains" of college baseball.
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Basically, keep the orange gear in the closet for a few more weeks—at least for the baseball side of things.
Next Steps for Vols Fans:
- Check the official UTSports.com website to secure your single-game tickets for the Nicholls series before they sell out.
- Keep an eye on the D1Baseball preseason rankings, which are expected to drop soon, to see where the Vols land in the national top 25.
- Tune into the Tennessee vs. Kentucky basketball game currently airing to get your Big Orange fix for the day.