Diamond Departure: Mathew Dallas Breaks Silence on Why He Left Tennessee Vols for Wake Forest
Wake Forest, NC – In a move that shocked fans of Tennessee baseball and raised eyebrows across the SEC, left-handed pitcher Mathew Dallas transferred from the University of Tennessee to Wake Forest following a promising freshman season in Knoxville. While speculation swirled about playing time, coaching dynamics, and future ambitions, Dallas has finally opened up about his emotional departure, offering a heartfelt explanation that delves deep into his growth, priorities, and pursuit of excellence both on and off the field.
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A Rising Star in Knoxville
Mathew Dallas arrived at the University of Tennessee in 2023 as a top-100 national prospect out of Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis. Known for his smooth delivery, effective changeup, and pinpoint control, Dallas was widely viewed as a future centerpiece of the Vols’ pitching staff.
In his freshman season, Dallas made 15 appearances—two of which were starts—compiling a 1–0 record with a 4.76 ERA across 17 innings. Though he didn’t log heavy innings, his strikeout-to-walk ratio (22 Ks to just 5 walks) showcased his potential. More impressively, opponents hit just .180 against him, indicating that his stuff translated well to the college level.
Tennessee’s national title run in 2024 meant stiff internal competition. With experienced arms like Drew Beam and AJ Causey holding down the rotation, and multiple high-leverage relievers in the bullpen, Dallas often found himself limited to midweek or mop-up appearances. Still, fans and analysts alike expected him to play a bigger role in 2025—until the news broke.
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Shockwaves: Entering the Transfer Portal
On June 20, 2024, Dallas quietly entered the NCAA transfer portal. Within hours, social media buzzed with disbelief.
“This one stings,” one Vols fan tweeted. “Dallas was supposed to be our breakout pitcher next year.”
The silence from the pitcher himself only amplified the mystery. Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello offered a terse statement: “We respect Mathew’s decision and wish him the best. He’s a great young man with a bright future.”
But now, nearly a year later and fully acclimated to Wake Forest, Dallas is ready to speak.
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“It Wasn’t About Playing Time” – Dallas Opens Up
In an exclusive interview with The College Diamond, Dallas shared the real reasons behind his departure:
> “Honestly, it wasn’t about playing time, which a lot of people assumed. I understood where I was on the depth chart and knew my time was coming. The decision was more personal and developmental. I had to think about who I wanted to become—not just as a pitcher, but as a man.”
He elaborated on what ultimately sparked the decision:
> “Tennessee is an amazing place, and I’ll always be grateful to Coach Vitello and that staff. But I realized I needed a different kind of environment to challenge myself. I wanted a program that emphasized a more analytical, data-driven approach to pitching mechanics. Wake Forest offered that.”
Indeed, Wake Forest has built a reputation as one of the most technologically advanced pitching programs in the nation. With state-of-the-art facilities like the Pitching Lab, Dallas saw an opportunity to refine his delivery, increase velocity, and extend his career potential.
> “It’s not just about how many innings you throw,” he said. “It’s about how efficient you are, how healthy you stay, and how you maximize every pitch. That’s what Wake taught me immediately.”
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Family, Faith, and Mental Health
But the transition wasn’t just about baseball. Dallas revealed that the decision also came from introspection during a difficult spring:
> “I had some tough moments mentally last season. Being far from home, being a freshman in a high-pressure environment, balancing school and expectations—it took a toll. I leaned on my faith and my family, and I realized I needed to hit reset.”
He spoke highly of the Vols’ support staff but admitted that a quieter campus like Wake Forest’s, and a more intimate team culture, were better suited to his personality.
> “There were days I felt lost in the noise. At Wake, I’ve been able to slow things down. Build genuine relationships. Work one-on-one with coaches. It’s been the right fit for where I am in life.”
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The Wake Forest Transformation
After committing to Wake Forest in July 2024, Dallas quickly became a key part of the Demon Deacons’ pitching plans. Over the course of the 2025 season, he transitioned into a reliable starter. He appeared in 13 games, logging 53 innings with a 4–1 record, a 5.09 ERA, and an eye-popping 10.02 strikeouts per 9 innings. While still a work-in-progress, his increased velocity and improved command turned heads.
Wake Forest head coach Tom Walter praised his maturity and work ethic:
> “Mathew came in with a chip on his shoulder, but also with humility. He wanted to learn. He’s been one of our most coachable players, and he’s grown in every sense.”
Dallas also credits the Pitching Lab’s biomechanics focus:
> “We broke down every frame of my delivery. My stride length, hip rotation, release point. I’ve added two mph to my fastball and more spin to my curve. It’s science and art at once.”
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Relationship with Tennessee Today
Despite leaving Knoxville, Dallas says he holds no bitterness:
> “There’s zero bad blood. I still talk to some of the guys. I still follow the Vols. That national championship meant a lot, even if I was on the sidelines for most of it. I’ll always be proud to say I was part of that history.”
He even returned to Knoxville during the offseason to train with old teammates.
> “It’s not about who’s wearing what jersey. It’s about supporting each other as brothers in this game.”
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Looking Ahead
As the 2025 MLB Draft looms, Dallas has begun drawing interest from scouts who see him as a high-upside southpaw with projection. He’s eligible for the 2026 draft but hasn’t ruled out going pro earlier if the fit is right.
> “I’m just focused on improving every day. The draft will take care of itself. My goals are to stay healthy, help Wake win, and enjoy the ride.”
When asked what he’d tell younger players navigating tough choices in college baseball, Dallas didn’t hesitate:
> “You have to put your ego aside and do what’s best for your development and your well-being. Change isn’t failure—it’s growth.”
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Final Thoughts
Mathew Dallas’ departure from Tennessee could have easily been written off as a case of a young player seeking playing time elsewhere. But in his own words, the story is much deeper: it’s about introspection, courage, and choosing the right path, even when it means saying goodbye to a program he loved.
Tennessee’s loss may have been Wake Forest’s gain—but more importantly, it was a personal gain for a young man who’s charting his own course, on his own terms, one pitch at a time.
