Jay Abernathy Moves from Tennessee Baseball to Join Oklahoma Sooners

Jay Abernathy, a former baseball player for the University of Tennessee, has confirmed that he will not return to the Volunteers next season, opting instead to transfer to the University of Oklahoma. His decision was shared via social media on June 11, just days after he entered the transfer portal following two seasons with Tennessee.

Abernathy, who plays as a utility player, is set to become a junior and will join the Sooners after their recent success, marking their first trip to the College World Series in four years. During his time with the Vols this past season, he started 39 games, primarily at second base or center field, with a batting average of .236, including three home runs and 16 RBIs. Notably, he led the team with nine stolen bases, although his performance in SEC games was less impressive, with a batting average of .154.

In the postseason, Abernathy participated in all four of Tennessee's games across both the SEC and NCAA tournaments, playing center field during the Chapel Hill Regional against East Carolina and VCU, where he struggled at the plate, going 1-for-8 with four strikeouts.

Abernathy is one of 16 players from Tennessee to enter the transfer portal this cycle, and he is among five position players who made at least four starts this season. Others include starting shortstop Manny Marin and his backup, Ariel Antigua, as well as utility player Chris Newstrom and outfielder Nate Eisfelder.

The Volunteers have also been active in the transfer market, bringing in two new players: Braydon Kersey, a two-way talent from Mercer, and Brody Trosclair, a pitcher from Northwestern State. Abernathy is the third player from Tennessee to announce a new commitment after entering the portal, becoming the first to remain within the SEC, while catcher Cash Williams is headed to West Virginia and first baseman Evan Hankins will play for Virginia Tech.