'It was weird' - Former Vols pitcher Chase Burns reveals how he felt about Tennessee winning a national championship

In an effort to further his development as a starting pitcher, Burns left Tennessee for Wake Forest following the 2023 season. 

The Demon Deacons had a solid 2024 season, but they fell short of expectations after starting the season as the No. 1 team in the sport (Wake Forest failed to advance out of the Greenville regional). 

Burns, however, had a terrific season while playing in Winston-Salem. The former Vol struck out 191 batters in 100 innings while pitching to a 2.70 ERA. 

Burns, who was selected by the Cincinnati Reds with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, told the Chattanooga Times Free Press recently that he received the development he was hoping to receive at Wake Forest, and that his long-term future was his main focus when he decided to leave Tennessee. He also admitted, though, that it was "weird" seeing the Vols win the national championship last season. 

"Yeah, it was weird seeing them win it, but I'm thinking about the long-term goals," said Burns. "It's awesome that those guys won the national championship, and I'm happy for them, but a national championship wouldn't have helped me develop and be the starter that I want to be."

"I wish I would have won a national championship, of course, but not everybody can say they went second overall," added Burns. "It plays hand in hand. I'm happy that they won that, and they deserve it all, but I'm also happy for myself and my hard work."

Burns took the path he felt he needed to take in order to reach his goal of being a high draft pick. And it worked out the way he envisioned.

Ultimately, Tennessee's all-hands on deck approach to their pitching staff (which is a big reason why they won a national championship last season) didn't jive with Burns' vision for his development. And there's nothing wrong with that. It worked out well for Tennessee and it worked out well for Chase Burns. It was a win-win for everyone.