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2025 Tennessee baseball preview: Reese Chapman
Tennessee will open its 2025 baseball season on Feb. 14 against Hofstra for a three-game series at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
The Vols will also host UNC Asheville, Samford (three-game series) and North Alabama before playing away from Lindsey Nelson Stadium in 2025.
Tennessee will compete in the 25th annual Astros Foundation College Classic at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas.
The Vols will join Texas A&M, Arizona, Mississippi State, Oklahoma State and Rice in the Astros Foundation College Classic field between Feb. 28-March 2.
Tennessee will play Oklahoma State on Feb. 28, while facing Rice on March 1 and Arizona on March 2.
Reese Chapman enters his third season at Tennessee in 2025. The 6-foot-1, 212-pound junior outfielder appeared in 50 games, including 32 starts, for the Vols in 2024.
He recorded a .274 batting average, .519 slugging percentage, .398 on-base percentage, seven home runs, 31 RBIs, 22 runs, 29 hits, five doubles, 17 walks, 38 strikeouts and two stolen bases in 106 at-bats.
Chapman also totaled three sacrifice flies, one sacrifice hit, grounded out in three double plays and was hit by seven pitches.
He totaled 33 put-outs, one error and a .971 fielding percentage defensively.
Tennessee enters its upcoming season after winning the College World Series, SEC Tournament and the SEC regular-season championship in 2024.
As the Tennessee Volunteers gear up for the 2025 NCAA baseball season, one player poised to make a significant impact is junior outfielder Reese Chapman. With a solid foundation built over his first two seasons, Chapman is expected to be a cornerstone of the Volunteers’ offense and defense.
Background and Early Career
Reese Chapman hails from Grandview High School in Aurora, Colorado, where he was a standout outfielder. He led the Wolves to consecutive Class 5A state playoff appearances in 2021 and 2022. Rated as the No. 1 overall player in Colorado and No. 175 nationally by Perfect Game, Chapman showcased his talent early on. His senior year statistics were impressive: a .462 batting average, 31 runs scored, eight doubles, two triples, four home runs, 30 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases. These accomplishments earned him a spot on the 2022 CHSAA Class 5A All-State first team.
Freshman Year (2023)
In his freshman year at Tennessee, Chapman began to acclimate to collegiate baseball. He made his collegiate debut against UC San Diego on February 19, 2023. Throughout the season, he had several notable performances:
- Recorded his first career hit and RBI against Alabama A&M on February 22.
- Hit his first career home run, a game-ending three-run blast, in a 14-2 run-rule win over Eastern Kentucky on April 11.
- Made his first career start in right field against UNC Asheville on March 28.
These moments highlighted his potential and set the stage for a more prominent role in the following season.
Sophomore Year (2024)
Chapman’s sophomore year was a breakout season, as he became a key contributor to the Volunteers’ offense. He appeared in 50 games, recording seven home runs and 31 RBIs, with a batting average of .274 and an OPS of .917.
Some of his standout performances included:
- March 9 vs. Illinois: Went 3-for-4 with two runs and six RBIs, hitting his first-ever grand slam in the sixth inning.
- March 26 vs. Tennessee Tech: Achieved a career-high five RBIs with a perfect 4-for-4 night at the plate, including a double and a three-run homer, leading the Vols to an 11-1 run-rule victory.
University of Tennessee Athletics
- April 16 vs. Bellarmine: Recorded his first multi-homer game, driving in three runs and scoring three times during a midweek win.
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These performances not only showcased his offensive prowess but also his ability to deliver in crucial moments.
2025 Season Outlook
As the 2025 season approaches, expectations are high for Chapman. With the departure of key players like Christian Moore and Billy Amick to the MLB, the Volunteers will rely on Chapman to play a more significant role in their lineup.
His combination of power and consistency at the plate makes him a formidable presence in the batting order. Defensively, his experience and athleticism in the outfield will be invaluable.
Head coach Tony Vitello has expressed confidence in Chapman’s abilities, noting his dedication both on and off the field. Vitello highlighted Chapman’s work ethic and his positive influence in the clubhouse, emphasizing the value he brings beyond his on-field performances.
Reese Chapman’s journey from a high school standout in Colorado to a key player for the Tennessee Volunteers exemplifies his growth and potential. As he enters his junior year, Chapman is poised to be a central figure in the Volunteers’ quest for continued success in the NCAA baseball landscape. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he leverages his experience and talent to elevate his game to new heights in the 2025 season.