Trio of Tennessee Baseball Stars Earn Coveted First Team All-American Honors, Cementing Historic Season for the Vols Program

The Tennessee Volunteers baseball program has officially reached elite status, as three of its standout players were named First Team All-Americans—an honor that cements not only their individual greatness but also the Volunteers’ dominance throughout the 2025 season. It’s a moment that serves as both a reward for tireless work and a reflection of the culture cultivated by head coach Tony Vitello and his staff. These three names—each etched now in national acclaim—represent the best of what college baseball has to offer, and for Tennessee fans, they symbolize a golden era that continues to unfold on Rocky Top.

Earning First Team All-American honors in any collegiate sport is no small feat. It requires more than just gaudy statistics. It demands consistency, leadership, grit, and the ability to rise above in the biggest moments. For Tennessee’s trio, that’s exactly what defined their 2025 campaign.

Leading the way is ace right-hander Drew Beam, whose name has been synonymous with dominance from the mound all season. Beam was nothing short of spectacular, often serving as the tone-setter in weekend series. The junior posted a staggering ERA under 2.00, compiled double-digit wins, and consistently silenced some of the most potent lineups in the SEC and beyond. But stats only tell part of the story. Beam brought a workhorse mentality and a poise beyond his years that helped steer the Vols to clutch victories throughout the spring. His command was surgical, and his ability to adjust mid-game earned him respect from opponents, scouts, and analysts alike. With First Team All-American honors now on his résumé, Beam is also rocketing up MLB Draft boards, viewed by many as a future frontline starter at the professional level.

Joining Beam is the offensive centerpiece of Tennessee’s lineup, slugger Christian Moore. The second baseman has been the heartbeat of the Vols’ high-octane offense, blending power with precision in a way few middle infielders ever have. Moore’s numbers dazzle: over 25 home runs, a batting average north of .350, and an on-base percentage that put pitchers in constant danger. But what separates Moore from other talented hitters is his timing. Time and again this season, he came through in the clutch, whether it was a go-ahead bomb, a line-drive double to flip momentum, or a tough walk in a pressure-packed moment. Moore didn’t just hit—he delivered. His leadership in the dugout and his fire on the base paths made him a player opponents had to plan around every single game.

The third piece of this All-American trifecta is outfielder Dylan Dreiling, who emerged as one of the most dynamic two-way threats in college baseball this year. Known for his rocket arm and lightning-quick instincts in the field, Dreiling combined Gold Glove-caliber defense with an explosive bat that delivered key runs all season. His stat line features a batting average just shy of .340, 18 home runs, and a league-leading number of outfield assists. Dreiling also brought intangible value—he was the sparkplug, the kind of player who could shift the game’s momentum with a diving catch or a daring stolen base. His fearless style of play electrified fans at Lindsey Nelson Stadium and left an impression on national audiences as Tennessee advanced deep into postseason play.

Together, these three players represent the soul of Tennessee’s 2025 team. Their individual excellence elevated the Volunteers to new heights, with the program routinely ranked No. 1 throughout much of the regular season. More importantly, they did it while maintaining the brand of gritty, confident baseball that has become Tennessee’s hallmark under Vitello. They were fearless on the field, accountable off it, and above all, hungry for greatness.

The honor of placing three players on the First Team All-American list is rare, particularly in a sport where competition is fierce and margins are razor-thin. For Tennessee, it is both a celebration of what’s been built and a challenge to sustain this level of excellence moving forward. College baseball experts around the country took note. These aren’t just the best players in Knoxville—they’re among the best in the entire nation. And with that comes a newfound level of expectation.

Coach Tony Vitello, reflecting on the trio’s achievements, emphasized the human side of success: “What makes Drew, Christian, and Dylan special isn’t just their talent—it’s their mindset. These guys come to work every day with something to prove, not just for themselves but for their teammates, for the fans, and for this university. I’ve been lucky to coach some great players, but to have three First Team All-Americans in one season? That speaks volumes.”

Indeed, it does. Tennessee’s rise from SEC contender to national powerhouse didn’t happen overnight. It took years of recruiting the right players, building chemistry, and forging a culture where hard work and belief fuel every inning. The 2025 season, marked by record-breaking attendance, thrilling walk-offs, and a pitching staff that often overwhelmed opponents, will be remembered as one of the most iconic in the program’s history. And at the center of it all stood Beam, Moore, and Dreiling.

Their stories are different. Beam is the Tennessee native who chose to stay home and lead the charge for his state school. Moore, a fiery competitor, has grown from promising freshman to the most feared hitter in the SEC. Dreiling, once overlooked, transformed himself into a five-tool force whose game demands respect. Together, they wrote a story of persistence, development, and peak performance.

Looking ahead, the future remains bright for all three. Beam is widely projected to be a first-round selection in the upcoming MLB Draft, with scouts lauding his polish, pitch mix, and demeanor. Moore has also rocketed up draft boards, especially given the increasing demand for second basemen who can provide thump at the plate and handle the glove. Dreiling, though a year younger, is already generating significant pro buzz for his elite athleticism and versatility.

But before they move on to the professional ranks, there’s a legacy to reflect upon—and perhaps more chapters to write. Tennessee’s deep postseason run isn’t over yet, and the Vols remain one of the betting favorites to capture the College World Series crown. If they do, it will be on the backs of their three All-American titans.

Tennessee fans have every reason to be proud. These honors are more than accolades—they’re confirmation that the Vols have become a force in college baseball. They’re a signal to recruits that Tennessee is the place where stars are made. And they’re a testament to the belief that greatness is possible when talent meets toughness and tradition.

As the summer unfolds and the postseason reaches its fever pitch, the spotlight will remain firmly on the orange and white. Whether it’s Beam mowing down hitters, Moore launching balls into the Tennessee night, or Dreiling chasing down line drives in center field, the Volunteers know they have three of the very best in the game. And now, the entire nation does too.

First Team All-American honors aren’t handed out—they’re earned. And in 2025, Tennessee baseball didn’t just earn one. They earned three. That’s historic. That’s exceptional. And that’s Tennessee baseball.