One of the most highly anticipated transfers in college baseball in 2026 is Tennessee’s Henry Ford.
Ford had two fantastic seasons with the Virginia Cavaliers in 2024 and 2025. With former Virginia head coach Brian O’Connor leaving for Mississippi State, Ford is now situated in Knoxville. He is looking to be a major hitter for the Volunteers.
Ford and his Career with Virginia
Ford was one of the best hitters for the Cavaliers during the past two seasons. He has a career batting average of .348, a career on-base percentage of .414, and a career OPS of 1.001.
Ford reached double figures in home runs in both 2024 and 2025. He had 28 total home runs in his career with Virginia.
In 2024, he was named a Freshman All-American. In 2025, he was second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference.
What Ford’s Experience Will Provide for Tennessee Baseball
During Ford’s two seasons at Virginia, the Cavaliers had an overall record of 78-35. In 2024, during Ford’s freshman season, the Cavaliers appeared in the College World Series.
There is value in that experience. Ford knows what it takes to get to the College World Series and can be a big mentor to a Tennessee team that has a lot of youth.
The Volunteers have a total of 25 true freshmen and sophomores on their 2026 roster. Ford is going to be a major veteran and leader in this group.
Up Next for Tennessee
The Tennessee Volunteers will begin the 2026 college baseball season on February 13 against the Nicholls Colonels.
The game is at Tennessee’s home ballpark, Lindsey Nelson Stadium, and the first pitch is at 4:30 p.m. EST.
WBN NCAA: https://worldbaseball.com/league/ncaa/
PHOTO: Virginia infielder Henry Ford (9) in action during an NCAA baseball game against Wichita State, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
