Alberto Osuna update: Major news on Tennessee baseball transfer, eligibility case vs. NCAA

Less than 24 hours before their season opener, Tennessee is still working to get Alberto Osuna eligible. The latest update dropped on Thursday night, not being news Vols fans want to hear.

Osuna has been ruled ineligible for the time being. However, the fight is not completely over as the process is still ongoing. The next update from the court will come on February 26, just before Tennessee heads to Houston for the Astros Foundation College Classic.

“On the present record, Plaintiff’s Motion for Temporary Restraining Order [Doc. 2] is DENIED,” the statement said. “The Court will nonetheless establish an expedited briefing schedule to resolve Plaintiff’s request for a preliminary injunction. Plaintiff is ORDERED to file any motion for preliminary injunction on or before February 19, 2025. Defendant is ORDERED to respond on or before February 21, 2025, and Plaintiff may file a reply on or before January 24, 2025. The Court will conduct a hearing on Plaintiff’s motion on February 26, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. ET at the U.S. Courthouse, 800 Market Street, Knoxville, Tennessee.”

Tennessee is set to open the season on Friday, hosting Hofstra in a three-game set. Osuna will miss at least the first eight games of the year due to being ruled ineligible. The hope is that the courts will allow him to play later in February.

“So, Alberto Osuna can’t play for Tennessee … yet,” Kendal Rogers of D1 Baseball said via X. “But there’s still a chance he could later this month. TBD. Next hearing is Feb. 26.”

SEC play for Tennessee will begin on March 14, hosting the Florida Gators in what will be a grind of a conference schedule for everyone.

More on Alberto Osuna, fight for eligibility

The case Osuna is currently going through is similar to Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. Osuna played a season at the JUCO level with Walters State Community College before transferring to North Carolina. Many thought his eligibility would be up but when Pavia was granted another season of football, Osuna wanted the same in baseball.

And it’s easy to see why Tennessee wants him in the lineup this season. Osuna finished the 2024 season at North Carolina with a .281 average, 14 home runs, 56 RBIs, and an OPS of .913.

Head coach Tony Vitello is fresh off a national championship and is attempting to win another. Osuna gaining eligibility would be a massive step forward in the process.