BREAKING: Tennessee Baseball Transfer Lawyers Up Against NCAA After Being Forced Out At Last D1 School

Tennessee baseball made a big splash in the transfer portal this offseason by landing former North Carolina 1B/DH Alberto Osuna. Osuna put up solid numbers with the Tar Heels last season, belting 14 home runs and driving in 56 RBIs. However, an eligibility issue forced him to leave UNC, putting his college career in limbo.

A key precedent set during the football season has given Osuna renewed hope. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was granted extra eligibility when the NCAA ruled that his JUCO seasons wouldn’t count against his Division I eligibility, allowing him to play another year in the SEC. Osuna’s case follows a similar trajectory—after starting at Walters State Community College and playing three years at UNC, he believed he had exhausted his eligibility. He transferred to Division II Tampa this past fall before re-entering the portal once he learned of Pavia’s ruling.

Osuna committed to Tennessee with the expectation that he would receive another year from the NCAA. Shortly after joining the Volunteers, he submitted a waiver request, but progress on his case has stalled. With Opening Day looming on Friday, Osuna has taken legal action, filing a lawsuit to speed up the process.

While his eligibility remains uncertain, Osuna has been practicing with the team and has already showcased his power at the plate. Tennessee remains hopeful that the NCAA will grant him clearance to play this season, and given the Pavia ruling, there’s reason to believe Osuna could receive a favorable decision soon.