The process of building a better roster for 2027 for the Tennessee Vols is now underway for Josh Elander and his staff. With the transfer portal now open, the work begins to land some difference makers for next season.
However, the portal works both ways, and it’s a matter of being able to keep your top end talent from leaving town for another program as much as it is finding new talent.
And on Tuesday, Elander scored two big wins. Per VolQuest, Cam Appenzeller and Landon Mack will both be back next season.
That gives Elander two thirds of a strong starting rotation for next season already in place. Mack should regain his weekend role, and Appenzeller should be a prime candidate to slot in for a spot as well.
Mack started 12 games for Tennessee last season. In 61.2 innings, the Rutgers transfer posted a 4.67 ERA. He had 77 strikeouts to 25 walks. He missed the final few weeks of the season, including the postseason, with arm soreness.
Appenzeller had a strong start to SEC play, but the true freshman came back to earth a bit later in the season. For the year, he had 20 appearances with 2 starts and posted a 4.76 ERA in 56.2 innings. He notched 64 strikeouts to 15 walks.
It’s good to have two of the three likely the weekend rotation prime candidates set to return, and now, Elander can hopefully find some solutions for a bullpen that left a lot to be desired in 2026.