Eighth-year Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello discussed Russell's first pitching performance in 2025 after Tommy John surgery. “I liked how good it looked because you knew, again, when the adrenaline or the game competitiveness kicks in, what's it going to be like,” Vitello said of Russell against North Alabama.

AJ Russell struck out all three batters he faced in his return to Tennessee baseball after Tommy John surgery.

It’s been a tough 12 months for Tennessee starting pitcher AJ Russell. After playing a limited role with the Vols in 2023, the righty stepped up to the Friday night starter position and dominated against nationally ranked Texas Tech in Arlington last February.