The Tennessee Volunteers baseball program, coming off another impressive season under head coach Tony Vitello, is facing a wave of transition following the departure of three reserve players from the 2025 roster. As the NCAA transfer portal continues to reshape the college baseball landscape, Tennessee is the latest high-profile program to feel its effects. The Vols, who made a deep run in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, must now reckon with the reality that three of their depth pieces have opted to seek opportunities elsewhere.
The trio of reserve players – infielder Dylan Everett, outfielder Malik Johnson, and left-handed pitcher Cole Devereaux – officially entered the transfer portal earlier this week, multiple sources confirmed. While none were everyday starters during the 2025 season, each brought unique potential and value to the program. Their departure marks a significant moment not only for their individual careers but also for Tennessee’s ongoing pursuit of excellence in the SEC and beyond.
The Players Behind the Portal Moves
1. Dylan Everett – INF
Everett, a redshirt sophomore from Franklin, Tennessee, was once considered one of the under-the-radar gems in the Vols’ 2022 recruiting class. Known for his smooth glove and ability to play multiple infield positions, Everett primarily served as a late-inning defensive replacement and pinch-runner during his time in Knoxville.
In 2025, he appeared in 22 games, registering only 19 at-bats with a .263 average, but his versatility and baseball IQ earned praise from Vitello and the coaching staff. However, with rising star infielders like Brandon LaRussa and junior standout Chase Burns holding down key roles, Everett saw limited opportunity to break into the starting lineup. With three years of eligibility remaining, he enters the portal seeking a program where he can play every day and showcase his fielding prowess and improved bat.
“Dylan was a leader in the dugout and a great teammate,” a staff member said anonymously. “But he wants more reps, and we respect that.”
2. Malik Johnson – OF
A lightning-fast junior from Atlanta, Georgia, Johnson was recruited for his elite speed and outfield range. After limited action in 2023 and 2024, he saw a bit more time on the field in 2025 but remained on the fringes of the rotation behind All-American outfielder Tyree Morgan and sophomore sensation Jake Cartwright.
Johnson’s 2025 stat line included 31 plate appearances, a .226 batting average, and 5 stolen bases in 6 attempts. His biggest contributions came on the basepaths and in late-game defensive scenarios. While his bat has yet to fully develop, Johnson’s raw athleticism could make him an intriguing target for mid-major programs or Power Five teams seeking outfield depth.
“Malik’s best baseball is ahead of him,” said assistant coach Josh Elander. “He’s one of the fastest players we’ve coached, and that speed will turn heads somewhere.”
3. Cole Devereaux – LHP
Perhaps the most surprising name among the trio, Devereaux, a redshirt freshman from Jacksonville, Florida, had been one of the more promising bullpen arms in the fall of 2024. However, an early-season oblique injury sidelined him for much of the 2025 campaign, limiting him to just 5 appearances and 7.1 innings pitched. During that span, he posted a 4.91 ERA with 9 strikeouts and 3 walks.
A crafty left-hander with a solid three-pitch mix, Devereaux was projected to be a key piece in the bullpen entering next season. However, a crowded pitching staff that includes returning arms like Cam Monroe, Drew Rogers, and transfer additions may have complicated his path to consistent innings.
“Cole’s got a lot of upside,” one scout noted. “He’s a guy that, with the right role and health, could be a real contributor. Some program is going to get a competitive, high-motor lefty.”
Transfer Portal Era: A New Normal
The Vols are far from alone in experiencing portal exits. The transfer portal has transformed college athletics into a more fluid, transactional environment where players, especially those on the fringes of playing time, are increasingly empowered to seek new opportunities. According to D1Baseball, more than 1,200 Division I baseball players have entered the portal since the conclusion of the 2025 season.
For Tennessee, these exits underscore the high-stakes balancing act between player development, team success, and managing expectations. Tony Vitello has built a powerhouse program by mixing elite recruiting, savvy transfers, and strong coaching – but even the deepest programs can’t keep every talented player satisfied.
“We wish Dylan, Malik, and Cole nothing but the best,” Vitello said in a brief statement. “They’ve been great Vols and have bright futures. The portal is part of the game now, and we’ll continue to adapt.”
Roster Impact and What’s Next
From a depth perspective, Tennessee loses three players who, while not central to the 2025 campaign, provided valuable support and developmental promise. Their exits could open doors for incoming freshmen and returning redshirts. Notably, the Vols are welcoming a top-10 ranked recruiting class, including standout shortstop Tyler Reames and outfielder Jordan Valencia.
In the bullpen, Devereaux’s exit may create a window for JUCO signee Isaac Riggins, a hard-throwing lefty from Texas, to step into a middle-relief role. In the outfield, the door may be slightly ajar for redshirt freshman Trent Whitaker, who impressed in the fall with his power and arm strength.
Tennessee’s coaching staff will also explore options in the portal themselves. Sources close to the program indicate that they are targeting a utility infielder and a left-handed bullpen arm, with several SEC and ACC transfers already on the radar.
Final Thoughts
The departure of Dylan Everett, Malik Johnson, and Cole Devereaux may not make national headlines, but it highlights the ever-evolving dynamic within elite college baseball programs. For Tennessee, a team with championship aspirations, the challenge will be to replace their depth and continue developing players within a highly competitive environment.
As the Volunteers prepare for the 2026 season, these moves offer both a loss and an opportunity a chance to grow younger talent, reshape the roster, and further cement themselves as a perennial powerhouse.
