The state of Tennessee has produced some of college baseball’s elite players over the years. Vanderbilt has been one of the sport’s premier programs for more than a decade, and the University of Tennessee has carved out a strong reputation over the last five years.
From Dansby Swanson to Christian Moore, talent has been consistently top tier. Before the two programs face off this weekend, here’s a look at some of their top players in 2026.
Tegan Kuhns – Tennessee
Tegan Kuhns is currently the 43rd-ranked MLB draft prospect ahead of the 2026 draft. Slated as Tennessee’s Friday night starter, Kuhns has been a key piece of the pitching staff.
He started the season impressively, tossing 6 2/3 scoreless innings with eight strikeouts in his first start. In his second outing, he allowed one run over 5 2/3 innings with four strikeouts.
In his last four starts, however, Kuhns has given up at least six hits and three runs in each game. His strikeout and walk numbers remain strong, totaling 28 strikeouts and just one walk over that stretch, but the results have been uneven.
Kuhns enters the weekend with a 1-2 record and a 4.35 ERA. He will not start in Nashville, instead working out of the bullpen, swapping roles with Brandon Arvidson. Despite the struggles, his fastball and curveball remain strong, and he has developed his slider and changeup over the last year. The sophomore still projects as a high draft pick.
Henry Ford – Tennessee
A highly touted transfer, Henry Ford has emerged as one of Tennessee’s top hitters this season. In 23 games, Ford is slashing .344/.400/.646 with 25 RBIs and eight home runs.
He has also anchored Tennessee’s third base defense, committing just three errors on the season.
Ford’s power had been a concern for MLB teams during the 2025 draft, but he is already close to last year’s total and remains two years removed from a historic freshman season at Virginia, when he broke Mark Reynolds’ freshman home run record with 17.
With improved power and strong defense, Ford is expected to be a respected draft prospect this summer. Look for him to be in the middle of the action against Vanderbilt this weekend.
Connor Fennell – Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt’s Friday night starter, Connor Fennell, has been solid to start the season. He has gone at least five innings in every start, striking out 43 batters while issuing eight walks.
Fennell has struggled at times, allowing 20 earned runs and giving up seven runs to LSU and four to Mississippi State in SEC action. His WHIP sits at 1.245.
Fennell, however, is coming off a strong sophomore year, when he made 17 appearances (seven starts), throwing 53 1/3 innings with a 6-0 record and 2.53 ERA. His sidearm delivery generates swings and misses and complements his slider and changeup, making him a dangerous pitcher when at his best. He will look to regain that form Friday night against Tennessee.
Ryker Waite – Vanderbilt
Shortstop Ryker Waite is not draft eligible until 2027 but has impressed in his first full season. After just six plate appearances in 2025, Waite has started all 26 games this year, slashing .329/.495/.582.
Defensively, Waite has committed only three errors. His main challenge has come in SEC play, going hitless in three games against LSU and recording only one hit in three games against Mississippi State.
Waite remains a threat at the plate, and he will look to break out against Tennessee this weekend.
