Hunter Ensley, the outfielder who has already etched his name in Tennessee's history books, is poised to make an even greater impact this year. The 2024 College World Series was a defining moment for Ensley, whose memorable plays, including a game-winning slide and a spectacular catch, have made him a fan favorite. Despite starting with a modest batting average of .238 in early May, Ensley finished the season with an impressive .296 average, hitting 12 home runs and driving in 48 RBIs over 216 at-bats. His consistent performance has earned him the distinction of being ranked as the second-best senior in college baseball by Perfect Game for the upcoming 2025 season.

Other members of the Tennessee squad are also making waves in the preseason rankings. Alex Perry, despite limited playing time in his first two seasons, has shown promise as a utility player and secured the 73rd spot among seniors. Additionally, several juniors from the team have been recognized in the top 100 list, including Andrew Fischer, Gavin Kilen, AJ Russell, Nate Snead, Liam Doyle, and Cannon Peebles. Freshman Jay Abernathy and sophomore Dean Curley have also garnered attention, with Abernathy named the third-best incoming freshman and Curley earning a second-team All-American nod and ranking eighth among sophomores.

The Tennessee Vols are set to kick off their 2025 campaign on February 14 against Hofstra. With such high accolades and a roster full of talent, the team is well-prepared to build on their successes from the previous year. The recognition from Perfect Game, which ranked Tennessee fifth in their preseason rankings, underscores the team's potential to achieve greatness. Fans can look forward to an exciting season filled with anticipation and pride as these young athletes strive to bring more glory to the university.