Tennessee Expected to Host Kent State Star Sawyer Solitaria for Visit
Image: Kent State Athletics
By Aidan Sidoti
KNOXVILLE – Tennessee is expected to host Kent State standout UTL Sawyer Solitaria for a visit later this week, Bob Baskerville of Fox Sports Knoxville first reported, giving the Vols a look at one of the most productive bats in the portal.
Solitaria, a native of North Olmstead, Ohio, broke out immediately at Kent State, winning the 2025 MAC Freshman of the Year award after hitting .308 with 8 home runs, 62 RBIs, 62 hits, 8 doubles and a triple across 201 at-bats while appearing in 54 games.
Solitaria entered 2026 as one of Kent State’s top returning hitters, being listed on 2026 Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watch List, and followed with another strong season for the Golden Flashes. He hit .294 with 16 home runs, 47 RBIs and 68 hits in 231 at-bats while appearing in 57 games, continuing to show off as one of the MAC’s most dangerous power bats.
Listed at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Solitaria also made an impression in Knoxville earlier this year. He tallied 5 hits, 4 runs and 2 doubles in Kent State’s series win over Tennessee in February, showing some familiarity between the two sides.
Josh Elander and the Vols have been aggressive in the portal early, and Solitaria’s visit adds another top offensive player arriving on campus as the Vols continue reshaping their 2027 roster.
