Tennessee’s lineup is set to get a huge shot in the arm less than two weeks from opening day. Former North Carolina slugger Alberto Osuna has transferred and will join the baseball team immediately, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel.
Osuna’s path to Rocky Top is unconventional. With his Division I eligibility expired, Osuna was set to play for Division II Tampa in 2025. However, thanks to the Diego Pavia ruling allowing JUCO players an extra season of eligibility, Osuna will instead play first base for the defending national champions.
In 2021, Osuna was the NJCAA D-I Player of the Year when he hit .459 with 25 home runs at Walters State Community College. He joined the Tar Heels in 2022 and clubbed 45 homers over three seasons in Chapel Hill.
Osuna is expected to play first base with senior Alex Perry stepping away from the program for personal matters.
The Vols open the season Feb. 14 at home against Hofstra.
