News Summary
Ryler Smart, a redshirt pitcher from the University of Tennessee, has announced his commitment to LSU following the Tigers’ recent national championship victory. This transfer comes amidst significant roster changes at Tennessee, with numerous players entering the transfer portal. Smart, who spent his time rehabilitating from Tommy John surgery, represents a shift in Tennessee’s pitching lineup as they adapt to new NCAA regulations affecting team rosters.
Tennessee
Ryler Smart, a left-handed pitcher who redshirted at the University of Tennessee, has officially announced his commitment to Louisiana State University (LSU) after the Tigers secured their second national championship in three seasons. The announcement was made via Smart’s Instagram post, which included the message, “What’s Up Baton Rouge!! #Committed.” This transfer marks Smart’s first move since joining the Volunteers, where he focused on rehabilitation following Tommy John surgery.
Recent National Championship Victory Spurs Transfers
Smart opted to transfer a mere week after LSU claimed the national title, a victory that has energized the baseball program and its appeal to prospective players. His decision to leave Tennessee comes amidst significant activity within the Volunteers’ baseball roster. In a challenging offseason, the Vols have witnessed 26 players entering the transfer portal, which includes 19 pitchers, suggesting a substantial shift within the pitching staff of the team.
Smart’s Background and Recruitment
Prior to his time at Tennessee, Smart was highly sought after as a top-200 recruit, ranked No. 183 nationally for the Class of 2024 by Perfect Game. Among left-handed pitchers, he ranked as No. 25 while being recognized as the No. 20 player within Texas. However, throughout his year at Tennessee, he did not make any appearances, as he was working to recover from a significant injury that required surgery. This background establishes Smart not only as a promising athlete but also underscores the challenges he faced during his first collegiate season.
Tennessee’s Current Roster Changes
The dynamic at Tennessee has shifted considerably with the influx of players entering the transfer portal. Notably, sophomore lefty Dylan Loy is among those departing, having made 33 appearances in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The remaining pitchers on the Volunteers’ roster have collectively only logged 7.1 innings in conference play, indicating a need for revitalization within the pitching rotation.
In light of these changes, Tennessee has proactively sought new talent, adding four transfer pitchers: Clay Edmondson from UNC Asheville, Mason Estrada from MIT, Bo Rhudy from Kennesaw State, and Brady Frederick from East Tennessee State University (ETSU). Additionally, the Volunteers have recruited position players such as Garrett Wright from Bowling Green, along with other recent transfer commitments including DJ Newman from Bowling Green and Blaine Brown from Rice.
Rostering Under New College Baseball Regulations
New NCAA regulations have set roster limits for college baseball teams at 34 players, which presents challenges for teams like Tennessee as they aim to balance incoming talent with those departing. This year, the Volunteers rostered a total of 30 pitchers, and with over half now leaving through the transfer portal, there are concerns about the overall depth and effectiveness of the pitching staff going forward.
What Lies Ahead for Tennessee
The situation at Tennessee is expected to evolve further, especially with the upcoming MLB draft potentially influencing roster changes. The Volunteers could see additional players departing, which may prompt further recruitment to strengthen their lineup. Smart’s transfer to LSU is a pivotal moment within this landscape, and his decision reflects the wider adjustments ongoing within the Volunteers’ baseball program as it navigates the offseason. The coming weeks will be critical for Tennessee as they seek to stabilize their roster and prepare for the challenges of the next season.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Arkansas and LSU Set for Critical SEC Baseball Series
Additional Resources
- On3: Tennessee Baseball Transfer Portal Tracker
- 247 Sports: Ryler Smart Commits to LSU
- Knox News: Tennessee Baseball Roster Updates
- Rocky Top Insider: JJ Garcia Commits to Sun Belt School
- Wikipedia: Tennessee Volunteers
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