In the realm of collegiate baseball, the University of Tennessee has been graced with the talents of two remarkable brothers: Aaron and Ryan Combs. Aaron, the elder, etched his name into Volunteer history by closing out the 2024 National Championship against Texas A&M. Now, his younger brother, Ryan, has joined the Volunteers, bringing with him a pitching style strikingly reminiscent of Aaron’s.
Aaron Combs: The Trailblazer
Aaron Combs’ journey to collegiate stardom began in Bradenton, Florida, where he honed his skills at the IMG Academy. His prowess on the mound led him to the College of Central Florida, where he played a pivotal role in guiding the Patriots to a 47-17 record and a berth in the 2022 NJCAA Division I Junior College World Series. During that season, Aaron showcased his versatility and endurance, making 15 appearances with 13 starts, amassing an 8-2 record, a 3.45 ERA, and 74 strikeouts over 60 innings. His exceptional performance earned him First Team All-Mid-Florida Conference honors and a spot on the FCSAA All-Tournament Team.
Transferring to the University of Tennessee, Aaron continued to excel, culminating in a standout 2024 season. He pitched 45.2 innings, recording 66 strikeouts, and was instrumental in securing the Volunteers’ first National Championship. In the championship game against Texas A&M, Aaron’s composure and skill were on full display as he delivered three critical strikeouts and earned the save that clinched the title.
Aaron’s collegiate success did not go unnoticed; he was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the eighth round of the 2024 MLB Draft. His professional journey saw him assigned to the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, the White Sox’s Low-A affiliate, where he continued to develop his craft. In a strategic move on January 1, 2025, Aaron was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for left-handed reliever Tyler Gilbert, highlighting his rising stock in professional baseball.
Ryan Combs: Following in Familiar Footsteps
Ryan Combs, sharing the same Bradenton roots, embarked on his collegiate career at Polk State College. Demonstrating a knack for high-pressure situations, Ryan led the team in appearances for two consecutive seasons. In his sophomore year, he made 25 appearances, striking out 47 batters over 34.1 innings of relief work. His reliability and effectiveness out of the bullpen were key assets for Polk State. 8
The 2025 season marked a new chapter for Ryan as he transferred to the University of Tennessee, stepping onto the same stage where his brother had previously shined. On February 16, 2025, Ryan made his much-anticipated debut for the Volunteers. Entering in the fifth inning, he showcased his pitching prowess by recording two strikeouts, mirroring the composure and technique reminiscent of Aaron’s tenure.
A Legacy of Pitching Excellence
The Combs brothers’ pitching styles bear a striking resemblance, a testament to their shared training and perhaps a familial intuition for the game. Both possess a side-step delivery, transitioning into a three-quarters to mid three-quarters arm slot. This technique not only adds a layer of deception but also imparts significant movement on their pitches. Aaron’s fastball, noted for its upper-80s velocity and running life, often baffled hitters. citeturn0search18 Ryan, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 184 pounds, mirrors this approach, utilizing a similar delivery to keep batters off balance.
Their ability to hide the ball effectively during delivery makes it challenging for hitters to pick up the pitch early, a skill that has undoubtedly contributed to their success on the mound. This mechanical consistency between the brothers not only highlights their disciplined training but also serves as a strategic advantage for the Volunteers, offering a familiar yet formidable presence on the mound.
The Road Ahead
As Ryan Combs embarks on his journey with the Tennessee Volunteers, he carries forward the legacy established by his brother. The parallels in their pitching styles provide a sense of continuity for the team and its supporters. While Aaron has transitioned to the professional ranks, Ryan’s presence ensures that the Combs family’s impact on Tennessee baseball remains strong.
The Volunteers’ coaching staff and fans alike are eager to witness how Ryan will carve out his own niche, building upon the foundation laid by Aaron. With a shared dedication to excellence and a pitching style that has already proven successful at the highest collegiate levels, Ryan is poised to make significant contributions to the team’s continued pursuit of championships.
In the ever-evolving narrative of Tennessee baseball, the Combs brothers exemplify the blend of talent, hard work, and familial legacy that propels the program forward. As Ryan takes the mound, he not only honors his brother’s achievements but also embarks on his own path to etch his name into Volunteer history.