Bowling Green transfer catcher Garrett Wright signs with Tennessee

Bowling Green transfer catcher Garrett Wright has signed with Tennessee, On3’s Pete Nakos has learned. Wright played the past two seasons for the Falcons and will have two more years of eligibility remaining.

The catcher is a two-time first team All-MAC performer and won the MAC Defensive Player of the Year this past season. He was also the only player in the entire conference with a batting average above .400, sitting at .406 with 82 hits and 48 RBI. He holds the Bowling Green program records for doubles (20) in 2025 and the all-time hit by pitch mark with 49 in two seasons.

Wright also won the MAC Freshman of the Year in 2024 after batting .380 with 28 RBI. He has a total of 14 home runs across the past two seasons combined as well and will look to made an immediate impact for Tony Vitello and the Vols in 2026.

Tennessee is coming off of an appearance in Super Regionals but lost against Arkansas to miss out on the College World Series after winning the title in 2024. They’ll aim to make it back to Omaha next season, which will mark Vitello’s ninth year in Knoxville.

Wright is the fifth player overall that the Vols have brought in through the portal since their season ended. However, the other four were all pitchers, including UNC-Asheville right hander Clay Edmondson and East Tennessee State righty Brady Frederick.

Tennessee lands transfer commit from ETSU pitcher Brady Frederick

Garrett Wright’s commitment to Tennessee comes just a few days after Frederick announced he would head to Knoxville. In addition to being named the 2025 SoCon Pitcher of the Year, Frederick also made the SoCon All-Tournament Team and the All-SoCon First Team.

He tossed 77.2 innings, amassing an 8-2 record with four saves and an era of 2.67. This past season, ETSU finished with a 41-17 record, which is the second-most wins in the history of the program.

It was an incredible season for ETSU, with Frederick’s success a major highlight. He also grew up in Knoxville, attending Bearden High School and growing up a Vols fan.

“I mean, hometown guy [who] grew up in Knoxville. I grew up watching those games and they always meant a lot to me and my family and those around me,” the pitcher told Volquest prior to his commitment. “So, to get a chance to go play on that stage is something that’s always been on my heart. But now that I have a chance to, I think it’s something super special.”