BREAKING NEWS: Landon Mack Commits to Tennessee Baseball Over LSU as Rutgers Transfer Pitcher — A Game-Changing Addition for the Volunteers…
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE — JULY 1, 2025
In a stunning and pivotal move in the world of college baseball, highly sought-after transfer pitcher Landon Mack has officially committed to the University of Tennessee, turning down a significant offer from powerhouse LSU and leaving Rutgers University after a strong season. The announcement, made early Tuesday morning via Mack’s personal social media, sent ripples through the collegiate baseball landscape, as Tennessee fans erupted in excitement and SEC rivals took immediate notice.
Mack, a towering right-handed pitcher standing at 6’5″, has emerged as one of the most coveted names in the transfer portal following a breakout sophomore season at Rutgers, where he posted an impressive 2.78 ERA, struck out 91 batters in 74 innings, and held opponents to a .210 batting average. His command, velocity, and maturity on the mound made him a top priority for programs looking to bolster their pitching rotations.
But in the end, it was Josh Elander, Tennessee’s new head coach after Tony Vitello’s recent departure to MLB, and pitching coach Frank Anderson who won Mack over, securing a major victory for a Vols program that is on the rise — and looking to stay there.
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A Sought-After Transfer With Major Upside
After entering the transfer portal just weeks ago, Mack was immediately contacted by over a dozen programs including LSU, Texas A&M, Florida, Arkansas, Stanford, and Oregon State. However, the competition was quickly whittled down to two: LSU and Tennessee.
According to sources close to the pitcher, LSU offered a strong NIL package and emphasized the legacy of Tiger pitchers who transitioned to the MLB. But Tennessee offered something more personal: a role as a centerpiece of the Vols’ 2025-2026 rotation and an opportunity to compete for a national championship with a program that has been to three College World Series appearances in the last five seasons.
“Coach Elander believed in me right from the start,” said Mack in an exclusive interview with Knox News. “He laid out a plan not just for how I’d grow as a pitcher at Tennessee, but how I’d develop as a leader on and off the field. That meant everything.”
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What Mack Brings to Tennessee
Mack is a power pitcher whose fastball touches 97 mph, and he pairs it with a devastating slider and an improving changeup. Scouts have praised his poise, mechanics, and ability to pitch deep into games — a rarity among young college arms.
For Tennessee, whose 2025 season ended in a disappointing Super Regional exit after back-to-back College World Series runs in 2023 and 2024, Mack fills a critical need: a frontline starter with ace potential.
Elander, who has taken the reins of the program with calm authority and high expectations, could not have been more enthusiastic.
> “Landon is exactly the kind of player we want representing Tennessee baseball,” said Coach Elander in a press conference following the commitment. “He’s tough, talented, and determined. I have no doubt he’s going to be one of the best arms in the SEC, and more importantly, a great teammate and student-athlete.”
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Tennessee’s Recent Pitching Evolution
Tennessee’s rise to the top echelon of college baseball has largely been credited to the development of elite pitching talent under Frank Anderson. From Chase Dollander to Drew Beam, the Vols have consistently turned young pitchers into MLB-ready stars. Now, with Mack joining the fold, Tennessee is signaling that it intends to keep that tradition going — and evolving.
Analysts suggest that Mack could immediately slot in as the No. 1 or No. 2 in Tennessee’s rotation, with rising sophomore lefty Kole Kendrick and junior Trey Richardson rounding out the core. That trio could easily become one of the most feared in the SEC.
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LSU’s Reaction and What This Means for the SEC
LSU, widely expected to land Mack given its recent dominance in player recruitment, is reported to be “disappointed but understanding,” according to a source inside the Tigers’ program. Coach Jay Johnson had personally met with Mack and his family in New Jersey, pitching LSU’s vision and tradition. However, Tennessee’s momentum and personal investment in Mack’s development ultimately proved decisive.
This commitment may shift the balance of power slightly in the SEC, as Tennessee reasserts itself as a recruiting powerhouse in the post-Vitello era. More importantly, it shows that Coach Elander can go toe-to-toe with the best programs in the nation — and win.
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Vol Nation’s Reaction
Social media exploded following Mack’s announcement, with fans, analysts, and former players alike celebrating the commitment.
“Let’s gooooo!” tweeted former Vol pitcher Chad Dallas. “Mack is going to THRIVE in Knoxville. Huge get for Tennessee.”
Fan pages and forums lit up with excitement, with many calling this commitment “the most important transfer since Chase Burns” and comparing Mack’s ceiling to recent Tennessee greats.
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What’s Next for Mack and the Vols
Landon Mack is expected to arrive in Knoxville later this month to begin workouts with the team and acclimate to his new academic and athletic environment. He has expressed interest in majoring in sports management and is eager to dive into SEC competition.
“I know there’s pressure. I know the expectations are high,” Mack said. “But that’s what I live for. I didn’t come here to be average. I came here to compete, win, and leave a legacy.”
For Tennessee, that statement echoes a broader sentiment: the Volunteers are not just here to participate — they are here to dominate.
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Closing Thoughts: A Win Beyond the Diamond
This commitment sends a broader message to the college baseball world — that Tennessee is still one of the elite destinations for top talent, even amid coaching transitions and fierce competition. With a strong culture, world-class facilities, and now a dynamic new pitching leader in Landon Mack, the Volunteers are poised for another thrilling chapter.
And if Mack delivers on the potential many believe he has, Tennessee’s 2026 season may well be one for the history books.
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Stay tuned for more updates from Rocky Top as Tennessee continues to reload, recruit, and reignite its College World Series dreams.
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