KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — May 26, 2025 — The road to Omaha heats up in East Tennessee as the 2025 NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament brings the Knoxville Regional to Lindsey Nelson Stadium from Friday, May 30, through Monday, June 2. Four accomplished teams—Tennessee, Wake Forest, Cincinnati, and Miami (Ohio)—will compete in a double-elimination format, each aiming to advance one step closer to the Men’s College World Series134.
Venue and Dates
The Knoxville Regional will be hosted at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, the home of the Tennessee Volunteers. The tournament begins Friday, May 30, and runs through Monday, June 2, with the winner moving on to the Super Regionals scheduled for June 6-9134. Tennessee, the No. 14 national seed, serves as the host for the second consecutive year, building on a tradition of postseason success in Knoxville8.
Meet the Teams: 2025 Knoxville Regional Field
Tennessee Volunteers (43-16) — No. 1 Seed
The Volunteers enter the regional with a 43-16 record, fresh off a semifinal run in the SEC Tournament. Under head coach Tony Vitello, Tennessee has developed into a perennial powerhouse, making its sixth straight NCAA Tournament appearance358. The Vols boast an impressive 29-9 home record this season and are ranked 11th nationally in RPI, with the 12th toughest strength of schedule3. Tennessee’s balanced attack features strong pitching depth and a potent offense, making them a formidable host.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons (39-20) — No. 2 Seed
Wake Forest arrives in Knoxville with a 39-20 record, representing the ACC. The Demon Deacons have consistently competed at a high level, leveraging a dynamic lineup and a deep pitching staff. Wake Forest’s 2025 campaign included several marquee wins against ranked opponents, and their postseason experience makes them a threat in any regional matchup48.
Cincinnati Bearcats (36-21) — No. 3 Seed
The Bearcats, hailing from the Big 12, posted a 36-21 record in 2025. Cincinnati’s season was highlighted by a strong finish in conference play and a reputation for timely hitting and solid defense. The Bearcats are making their return to the NCAA Tournament, eager to prove themselves on the national stage against top competition248.
Miami (Ohio) RedHawks (35-21) — No. 4 Seed
Rounding out the field, the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks enter the Knoxville Regional with a 35-21 record. As champions of the Mid-American Conference (MAC), the RedHawks earned their bid through consistent play and a resilient roster. Miami (OH) is known for its aggressive base running and disciplined approach at the plate, making them a dangerous lower seed248.
Regional Schedule and Format
The Knoxville Regional kicks off Friday, May 30, with Cincinnati facing Wake Forest at 1 p.m. ET, followed by Tennessee taking on Miami (Ohio) at 6 p.m. ET. All games will be broadcast on ESPN+ and affiliated networks1. The double-elimination format ensures that each team has a chance to battle back from an early loss, with the last team standing advancing to the Super Regionals134.
2025 Knoxville Regional Schedule
- Friday, May 30
- Game 1: Cincinnati vs. Wake Forest, 1 p.m. ET
- Game 2: Tennessee vs. Miami (Ohio), 6 p.m. ET
- Saturday, May 31 – Monday, June 2
- Winners and elimination games continue, culminating in the regional championship.
The winner of the Knoxville Regional will face the champion of the Fayetteville Regional, hosted by No. 3 national seed Arkansas, in the next round. If Tennessee and Arkansas both advance, the Super Regional will be held in Fayetteville; otherwise, Knoxville could host a Super Regional for the second consecutive year8.
Lindsey Nelson Stadium: The Heart of Knoxville Baseball
Lindsey Nelson Stadium, with its electric atmosphere and passionate fan base, has become one of the most challenging venues for visiting teams. The Volunteers’ recent postseason history includes undefeated runs in home regionals, underscoring the significance of home-field advantage38.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Omaha
The Knoxville Regional is one of 16 across the country, each serving as the first step toward the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, set for June 13-23 at Charles Schwab Field16. With a blend of powerhouse programs and hungry challengers, the Knoxville Regional promises high-stakes drama and memorable moments.
Disclaimer: Some content in this post was created with assistance from AI to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
Sources:
- https://www.ncaa.com/news/baseball/article/2025-04-29/2025-ncaa-baseball-bracket-mens-college-world-series-scores-schedule
- https://big12sports.com/news/2025/5/26/big-12-record-eight-teams-selected-to-2025-ncaa-baseball-championship.aspx
- https://volswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/volunteers/baseball/2025/05/26/knoxville-regional-baseball-schedule-seeding-tennessee-vols-2025-ncaa-tournament/83862399007/
- https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2025-ncaa-baseball-tournament-bracket/
- https://www.ncaa.com/news/baseball/article/2025-05-25/sixteen-regional-sites-selected-2025-ncaa-division-i-baseball-championship
- https://www.ncaa.com/news/baseball/article/2025-05-26/2025-ncaa-baseball-bracket-mens-college-world-series-scores-schedule
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/baseball/2025/05/26/ncaa-baseball-bracket-2025-regional-schedule-seeds-sites-cws/83862401007/
- https://www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/05/26/see-tennessee-baseball-2025-ncaa-tournament-draw/
