Griffin Merritt 'excited' to watch former programs in Knoxville Regional

Donna Kelce might be the only one who can relate to what Griffin Merritt might be going through emotionally this weekend when the former Vol travels back to Rocky Top to take in some NCAA regional action.

‘Mama Kelce’ is the mother of NFL stars Travis Kelce (KC Chiefs) and Jason Kelce (recently retired PHI Eagles). Her sons squared off in Super Bowl LVII a few years ago, obviously making things problematic in terms of her allegiance.

This isn’t exactly the same, but Merritt comes to Knoxville this weekend with the potential to see his two former programs go head-to-head on the field. The former slugger played four years at Cincinnati prior to transferring to Tennessee ahead of the 2023 season.

“I kind of had a feeling it was going to happen when I was putting two and two together. It really was going to depend on if UC was a two or three seed,” the former outfielder told Volquest this week. “At first, I wasn’t necessarily rooting for it because I’m like, ‘oh my God,’ it’s going to pin me against two places that mean a lot to me.

“Now, I’m pretty excited. I’m excited to come down and watch. I don’t know if I was going to come down if both teams weren’t in the same regional, but now it’s a no-brainer.”

While in Knoxville, Merritt split time in right field and as the designated hitter for the Vols in 2023, hitting .311 in his first year in the Southeastern Conference with 18 home runs and 48 RBI. He was an instant impact player and a huge piece to that Omaha squad.

Prior to suiting up in the Orange & White in the College World Series, Merritt played in 154 games at Cincinnati and hammered 34 home runs. His brother also played and graduated from the University of Cincinnati, in the city where the two were raised.

“I am really happy for UC that they’re going to get to experience, in my opinion, one of the best – if not the best – atmospheres in college baseball,” Merritt said. “They’re a good team. Tennessee is, on paper, better than UC. I don’t think there’s much debating that. But, UC is a good team that has a chance to win that regional, so I think it’ll be a good atmosphere.”

Tennessee opens with four-seed Miami (OH) on Friday evening. Cincinnati and two-seed Wake Forest begin play that afternoon at 1 p.m.. The winners advance on to play each other on Saturday night while the losers square off in an elimination game beforehand.

“Two places I love so much are going to be on the field together, potentially,” Merritt smiled. “Everybody has been asking me, ‘what color are you going to wear?’ Or ‘who are you going to cheer for?’ Night one, I’m cheering for Cincinnati and I’m cheering for Tennessee. It’s no-brainers. Those are two schools that mean a lot to me.”

So, what does it mean for Merritt if the two programs play each other this weekend?

“If they do end up playing each other, it’s just tough because I have guys I played with and sweated and blood and tears with on both teams,” the former Vol said. “I’m not going to be able to root against somebody as far as I am root for somebody. So, at that point, root for good health and a good competitive game.”

Merritt’s worst nightmare could very easily become a reality at some point this weekend. Several holdovers from the 2023 squad – like Hunter Ensley – played alongside Merritt in the Orange & White. A couple of holdovers from Cincinnati’s 2022 squad – like star infielder Kerrington Cross – will also be in action for the Bearcats this weekend.

“There were no hard feelings when I left Cincinnati. If I was going to play another year in college and not go play pro ball, it was like, I want to have a different experience and I want to try to compete for a national championship,” Merritt said. “And that’s ultimately how I ended up at Tennessee – following that kind of dream.

“I’m so grateful I went to Tennessee and chose to go there because I created a second family. So grateful for everything those people and that program gave to me down there. It’s just two really cool places and I’m really going to enjoy being around both fanbases, regardless who wins or who loses. If they play each other, I’m not picking any sides.”

Maybe someone could make him a split Tennessee-Cincinnati jersey to wear for the potential match-up, just as ‘Mama Kelce’ has donned before?    

“Last time I was in Knoxville was the super regional last year. So, I’m excited to get back down there,” Merritt concluded. “It’s going to be a pretty cool weekend for me.”

Merritt is currently finishing dentistry school in Columbus at Ohio State.