The Tennessee Volunteers added a threat at the plate and on the mound on Sunday. Talk about a two-fer.
Tony Vitello secured the commitment of Bowling Green P/OF DJ Newman, who announced the same on his Instagram page.
Bowling Green two-way player DJ Newman has committed to Tennessee coming off a visit with the Vols.
Right-handed pitcher and can play in the outfield. pic.twitter.com/Q1hywvaRi4
— Ben McKee (@benmckee14) June 22, 2025
Newman is a player with a lot of intrigue and a history of production at Bowling Green. He batted .371 with 10 home runs in 2024 and faced the Vols in Knoxville back in March 2024. He started 2025 off with a bang, hitting .419 with 4 HRs and 16 RBI through April 4 while serving as the team’s Friday night starter with 4 starts on the mound.
It’ll be interesting to see where Vitello and his staff decide to deploy him. The Vols are largely making over their pitching staff, both starters and bullpen arms. With Liam Doyle and Marcus Phillips both on the way out, along with Dylan Loy, the Vols will be looking at a bevy of new starting pitching options. However, Tennessee will need some help in the outfield as well, with their center field spot being vacated and possibly a corner spot if Dalton Bargo gets goes and gets drafted.
But the Vols have a terrific influx of talent on the mound and in the field to help solve that problem. And now they have someone who can help with both. Ideal, indeed.