USC star pitcher Grant Govel is returning to the USC Trojans for the 2027 college baseball season.

The six-foot right-hander decided to return to school after being selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2026 MLB Draft. Govel was picked in the 16th round with the 468th overall pick. He was also a top 250 MLB Draft prospect heading into the MLB Draft, according to MLB Pipeline.

Govel was one of four USC players selected in the 2026 MLB Draft. His teammates who were selected included Mason Edwards (2nd round, Athletics), Augie Lopez (10th round, San Diego Padres), and Adam Troy (17th round, Philadelphia Phillies).

Govel in 2026 with USC

Govel had a major breakout season with the Trojans in 2026, which was his sophomore season. In 103 1/3 innings of work, he had a 2.87 ERA with 99 strikeouts. He also allowed an opposing batting average of .203.

This season was a major improvement from his freshman year with USC in 2025. That season, he had a 7.95 ERA in 43 innings.

Govel also picked up 10 wins on the mound for USC in 2026.

Some of the right-hander’s best starts in 2026 with the Trojans came at the beginning of the year. In his first two starts of the season, Govel went six innings against the Pepperdine Waves and the Rice Owls. In those two starts combined, he finished with 21 strikeouts and just one hit and no runs.

Govel also had 10 strikeouts in two combined starts during the College Station regional in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. He had six strikeouts in a game against Texas State and four strikeouts in the regional championship game against Texas A&M.

Govel played a massive role in leading USC to its first super regional since 2005. He was named first-team All-Big Ten for his efforts on the mound in 2026.

WBN NCAA: https://worldbaseball.com/league/ncaa/

 

PHOTO: Southern California pitcher Grant Govel (95) throws to home against Texas State during an NCAA regional baseball game on Friday, May 29, 2026, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)

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