by Tim Reece
Jim McGuire, in his 5th season as the Volunteer State Baseball Head Coach, and the team were supposed to get the 2026 season started with home doubleheaders on Friday, January 30 and Sunday, February 1. However, a winter storm that brought snow and ice to Middle Tennessee caused the Pioneers to pump the brakes. The first game now is scheduled for Tuesday, February 3 against Gadsden State CC in Gadsden, Alabama. The home opener is scheduled for Friday, February 6 with a doubleheader (DH) against Glen Oaks CC (Centreville, MI). Glen Oaks will return to the Tim Garrett Baseball Complex on Vol State’s campus for two more games on Saturday to finish out the weekend.
The Pioneers finished the 2025 season with a 32-20 overall record and were 12-16 in conference regular season play, finishing in 7th place. The pitching staff was the strength of the team, placing 4th in the conference in team ERA. Pitching Coach Trevor Muzzi, back for his 2nd year, has five pitchers returning from last year’s squad with limited experience, accounting for only 20% of the team’s total innings in 2025. Drew Morehead (RHP) and Brady Davis (RHP) accounted for over half of those innings. The two Clarksville natives had solid freshman campaigns, combining for a 7-1 record and eight saves, with Morehead collecting seven, which led the TCCAA. Also returning in 2026, after sitting out last year, is hard-throwing right-hander Trent Miller, who will need to show improved control to earn the confidence of the coaches.
Vol State added six transfer hurlers and eight true freshmen to replace the dozen pitchers who graduated or transferred. Only two of the transfers, Owen Boswell (Bethel) and Tyler Zeligman (UAH), saw action at their previous schools. They, along with redshirt freshmen Jake Truitt (ETSU), Gabe Eddington (APSU), and Brennan Mealer (MTSU), will be counted on to provide leadership and innings in 2026.
Of the true freshman pitchers, Nick Godsey (RHP) had the best showing in the fall season, leading the team in starts, innings pitched, strikeouts, and ERA. It is anticipated that Godsey will begin the season as the Pioneers’ No. 1 starter. Other freshmen to watch are right-handers Aiden Smith, Aaron Anglin, Ean McCord, and Carson Pack, along with left-hander Aiden Key.
On offense, new Vol State Assistant Coach Gabe Jennings, from MTSU, will handle hitters and outfielders while manning the first base coach’s box. He has two returning position player starters, Easton Denning (1B) and AJ Armstrong (3B), to go with seven other returners, eight transfers, and nine freshmen. Denning was the only Pioneer to start all 52 games in 2025 and led the team in batting average, total hits, doubles, extra-base hits, and RBIs. His 22 doubles tied for first in the conference, and his 61 RBIs ranked sixth.
Returners Tucker Lorenz (SS) and Hudson Blank (OF) played in approximately half of the games in 2025 and, along with Elijah Harris (UTL) and Jadyn Perez (OF), will compete for starting spots in 2026. Other returning players JC Menendez (C), Abe Goolsby (CIF), and Cole Ullrich (OF) will be ready to fill in when needed.
Others competing for starting positions are transfers Brayden Baker (Murray State), Tucker Smith (Belmont), Noah Rice (Belmont), Bradley Pippin (MTSU), Jonathan Stewart (Daytona State), and Gabe Eddington (APSU). Nine true freshman position players worked hard in the fall to be prepared in case any of the returners or transfers falter or fall prey to the dreaded injury bug. Revin Suggs (MIF) and Easton Beaty (OF) hit .300 or higher in the fall, are very athletic, and could get an early look as pinch hitters or pinch runners.
The 2026 season has had a memorable beginning, with the winter storm causing travel issues and power outages, resulting in players missing practices and team workouts. A few players are also nursing injuries, though most hope to be ready when conference play opens in mid-February at Chattanooga State. First pitch is right around the corner, and the Pioneer players and staff look forward to showcasing their skills and hard work on the diamond next week in Alabama.
Home games will be livestream broadcasted by yours truly on VolState Sports on YouTube. For away games, check the home team’s website for possible broadcasts. Go ’Neers!