Baseball can lead many on an adventurous, winding road over a long career, as players chase their dreams of reaching the next level. At the ripe old age of 20, Wyatt Hanoian has already experienced more twists and turns than some would see in a decade — from powerhouse high school program, to basic training, and now on to Knoxville. 

The game has been a family affair for the Hanoians. Father Greg was a member of USC’s 1998 College World Series championship team as an outfielder, and brother Tristan recently wrapped up a Division I career with stops at TCU and the University of Oregon. Oh, and his best friend? The No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 draft, Derek Curiel. All this to say, Wyatt has the benefit of others’ experience in his corner as he carves his own path down baseball’s unpredictable track. 

The journey began under Eric Borba at Orange Lutheran High School, a legendary coach at a nationally recognized institution. Spending his high school career at a place where winning is expected has helped prepare Hanoian for what he’s about to witness as a member of the Volunteers. But it wasn’t a straight shot from Orange, CA to Knoxville, TN. He made a stop for an impactful year in America’s heartland, a spot nestled into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, a place many refer to as “a leadership laboratory.”

Despite the lure of programs like Oregon State, the University of Hawaii, and countless Ivy League schools, Hanoian made the choice to head to the United States Air Force Academy. When asked what swayed him to head to Colorado Springs for an unconventional freshman campaign, Hanoian’s answer was simple, “Kaz.” Recently retired Air Force Coach Mike Kazlausky has spent the last 36 years as a part of Air Force’s baseball program and is one of, if not the biggest ambassadors for the Academy as a whole. “He’s one heck of a recruiter. He believes in the Academy and its mission. He loves everything about it,” said Hanoian when asked about making the decision to attend the Academy. 

Though only there for 11 months, Hanoian made the most of his time at USAFA. A cadet’s time there begins as they are dropped off with only a backpack of minimal belongings and an envelope of documents proving you are who you say you are. When asked what he learned about himself during his time at the Academy, Hanoian said, “You learn very quickly how mentally tough you are. At the Academy, you’re tested daily. We take a lot for granted, like wearing civilian clothes and just having general free time. You have to grow up quickly. You learn how to follow very specific rules, you learn how to be organized, it’s made me a very goal oriented person.” Gratitude is another word Hanoian used when talking about his time at Air Force. “I have gratitude toward this game daily. The Academy has taught me a few things about baseball – 1.) Baseball is just a game. 2.) The rigors of day to day life at the Academy has made me realize just how fun this game is.”

Hanoian had a whole lot of fun this spring with the Falcons, bringing home the Mountain West Freshmen of the Year honors in addition to a number of other post season accolades. He brings a very unique skillset to the table in this day and age. Hanoian struck out only 24 times in 225 plate appearances as a freshman. He’s an on-base machine, logging an .OBP of .498 and hitting an impressive .357. He’s a bat to ball artist with an elite eye from both sides of the plate and brings versatility on the defensive side. 

With a monster first year under his belt, and the very real possibility of being drafted next July, Hanoian made the difficult decision to transfer. “It came down to Tennessee and Ole Miss. I did my research, talked to everyone I was able to. I feel like Tennessee was the right fit for me. It is still surreal for me to be at an SEC school playing baseball.” He’s leaving the Springs for the bright lights of Knoxville, but he’s taking a lot more with him than he would have a year ago. He arrived on campus on August 12th and is already seeing the Academy experience pay dividends. “Air Force has taught me to lead by example. I’ve also started to become more vocal as a leader. I’ve only been here a short time, but I’m lifting with the incoming freshmen, I’m taking the time to answer their questions, I’m pushing guys to be tougher. That may not have happened without my time at the Academy.” 

Tennessee certainly liked what they saw this past spring with Hanoian. There is obviously a lot to like, but does Hanoian fit in an offense that is known for scoring runs via the long ball? When asked what he needs to improve for his sophomore season, Hanoian didn’t hesitate. “I need to do a lot of what I did last year, but better. I have to continue to minimize swing and miss, I’d like to improve on power and speed as well. Ideally, I’m at a 3-1 free pass to strike out ratio this season.” Tennessee is not asking Hanoian to change who he is. They want the guy they saw at Air Force. But now they want to see him do it in the SEC. Like most others in the SEC who didn’t live up to their usual standards, the Vols hit the portal hard. They will tout an almost entirely new infield in 2027, one they expect Hanoian to anchor at the top of the lineup. 

The expectations are high for Hanoian and the Vols in 2027, and he plans to leave his mark. “The plan is to win. If we aren’t in Omaha, it’ll be a disappointing year. If we don’t win while in Omaha, it’ll be a disappointing year.” He wants to do it on the field, but just as impressive is his desire to do so off. “The Academy has made me realize so much. This is about winning, but there is more to it. I have so much gratitude toward the team managers here. For the people around that make all of this work. It would be easy to take these things for granted and become arrogant given everything we have. I want to be a team guy. I want to be a good person.”

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