Baseball America continues its look at the transfer portal’s impact across college baseball by spotlighting some mid-major programs that put together particularly strong offseasons. Each added key pieces that should help position them for NCAA Tournament contention in 2026 or, in the case of proven powers like Coastal Carolina, help them remain in the national title conversation.

Below, you’ll find 10 programs, listed alphabetically, that stood out for the quality and fit of their additions.

Charlotte

Charlotte continues to use the transfer portal as a core part of its roster-building strategy under coach Robert Woodard, who has elevated the program’s expectations in recent years. 

The 49ers showed how impactful that approach can be last year when Georgia transfer Blake Gillespie became the American Conference pitcher of the year and a Second-Team All-American after posting a 2.42 ERA with 131 strikeouts—the most punchouts by a Canadian-born pitcher in Division I history.

Replacing Gillespie is a challenge, but Charlotte again found arms with potential to develop in its system.

Ryan Combs arrives from Tennessee with a slightly crossfire delivery and a low three-quarters release that produces a plus changeup in the low-to-mid 70s and a fastball that sits 88-90 mph. His profile mirrors what has worked for Charlotte in recent years: a pitcher with unique traits who could take a step forward in an expanded role. Drew Munn from Central Connecticut State adds a durable frame and saw his velocity tick up this fall. He’s sitting 92-95 and up to 97, according to Woodard, giving the staff another experienced option.

Offensively, Alec DeMartino from UNC Wilmington brings intriguing batted-ball data to a lineup looking for more impact. He hit .252 with seven home runs and 14 stolen bases in 2025, posting a 105.5 mph 90th percentile exit velocity and a 42% hard-hit rate. Refining his zone contact and ability to elevate the ball could make him a valuable everyday piece. Corner infielder Dylan Koontz presents similar impact potential after hitting five home runs in 13 games in the Coastal Plain League over the summer.

VCU shortstop Adrian Jimenez, Miami outfielder Todd Hudson, Auburn catcher Cale Stricklin, East Carolina righty Jaden Winter, South Carolina righty Eddie Copper and Oklahoma righty Jacob Gholston are all positioned to contribute, as well.

Charlotte’s track record suggests these additions, among others, will have a chance to thrive, continuing a pattern of extracting high-level production from the portal.

Coastal Carolina

After reaching the national championship series and finishing with the most wins in program history, Coastal Carolina entered the offseason needing only selective additions to sustain its national title aspirations. With several critical pieces from its 2025 roster returning, including potential top 2026 draft pick Cameron Flukey, coach Kevin Schnall and pitching coach Matt Williams focused on complementary talent that fit the program’s established identity.

Jordan Taylor, a corner outfielder from Stetson, headlines the incoming group. He hit .322/.359/.504 with eight home runs, 16 doubles and 22 stolen bases in 2025. He produced an 89 mph average exit velocity, 42% hard-hit rate and 32.6% air-pull rate—metrics that suggest untapped power. Taylor’s next step will be refining his approach by improving zone contact and limiting chases. His athleticism and contact quality make him a strong fit for Coastal’s aggressive offensive style, which is looking to hit the ball beyond the wall more than it did a year ago.

On the mound, Ross Norman transfers in from Georgia State with intriguing release traits and a low-90s fastball that produced a 28% chase rate despite heavy usage. He’ll need to improve his strike-throwing after recording a 7.68 ERA, but his fastball quality and frame give Williams a promising developmental project. Will Girardi, a lefthander from Lenoir-Rhyne, logged 101.2 innings with a 3.63 ERA and could provide valuable rotation depth, while Phillip Ard, a powerful corner infielder from North Georgia, hit .329 with 24 home runs and 41 walks to 52 strikeouts, giving the lineup another legitimate run producer.

Even after a season that ended two wins shy of a national title, Coastal Carolina found ways to strengthen its roster. The portal additions reinforce one of the most complete teams in the country and give the Chanticleers more options to navigate another deep postseason run.

Connecticut

After being left out of last year’s NCAA Tournament field, Connecticut enters 2026 positioned to return to the postseason mix. Coach Jim Penders retains an experienced core while adding meaningful depth through the transfer portal, highlighted by a trio of players from Division II power Southern New Hampshire.

Righthander Austin Trumpour headlines the group after posting a 3.07 ERA with 80 strikeouts to 17 walks across 73.1 innings last season. The 6-foot-3 righty works from a high three-quarters slot with a quick, repeatable delivery and a fastball in the upper 80s. His cutter generated consistent swing-and-miss and gives him a reliable secondary offering as he transitions to Division I competition.

The Huskies also landed Nate Wachter and Jackson Marshall, both productive bats who hit 15 home runs for Southern New Hampshire in 2025. Wachter brings a corner outfield profile with strength and bat speed, while Marshall offers infield versatility and a power-driven approach.

The infusion of experienced, ready-made talent alongside an established core gives Connecticut the kind of roster balance needed to reassert itself in the postseason picture.

Creighton

Creighton was the lone Big East representative in last year’s NCAA Tournament and now turns the page to a new era under coach Mark Kingston, who takes over following the retirement of long-time coach Ed Servais. The Bluejays didn’t overhaul the roster but added several key Division I transfers who fit their disciplined, contact-oriented identity.

Rocco Gump, an infielder from Northwestern State, was the headline addition after drawing significant Power Four interest during the offseason. He hit .303/.433/.505 with eight home runs, 10 doubles and 19 stolen bases while producing standout underlying data—an 88.3 mph average exit velocity, 39% hard-hit rate, 19.1% chase rate and 88% zone-contact rate. His 41.2% air-pull rate supports his ability to lift and drive the ball with consistency, making him an immediate impact bat.

Isaac Wachsmann, who transfers from Xavier, brings a more power-oriented profile. While he didn’t make as much contact as Gump last year, he hit the ball with authority, posting a 106 mph 90th percentile exit velocity and a 41% hard-hit rate. Chris Baillargeon, from Holy Cross, might offer the highest ceiling of the group. He averaged 92.4 mph in EV with a 48% hard-hit rate and 16% chase rate in 2025, flashing advanced barrel control. Refining his selectivity and lifting the ball more often could unlock significant production.

Lew Rice, an outfielder from Charleston Southern, adds a different element. He posted a 92% zone-contact rate and brings plus athleticism and baserunning ability, giving Creighton a reliable top-of-the-order option.

This class isn’t large, but it addresses multiple needs with players who combine data-backed offensive profiles and Division I experience, giving Kingston a strong foundation to begin his tenure in Omaha.

Dallas Baptist

Dallas Baptist again used the transfer portal to strengthen both its rotation and bullpen, supplementing an already-deep roster with experienced arms and a polished middle infielder, among others.

Righthander Jared Schaeffer, who arrives from Akron, is a strong candidate for a weekend role after recording a 4.31 ERA with 79 strikeouts to 20 walks across 85.2 innings last season. He mixes a low-to-mid-90s fastball with two distinct breaking balls and a changeup he can land for strikes or expand the zone with.

Junior college addition Russ Smith has also turned heads, including among scouts. He sits 92-94 mph, touches 96 and pairs his fastball with a sharp curveball and a firm slider. DBU coach Dan Heefner described him as an athletic mover who repeats his delivery well and commands the zone effectively. JT Long, a 6-foot-7 righthander from Polk State, brings a heavy fastball up to 96 and a quality splitter that gives him late-inning or matchup potential.

From the left side, Michael Benzor, a Houston transfer, features a fastball up to 97 and a two-plane slider that could make him a bullpen weapon if he finds consistent control.

Offensively, Dylan Cupp adds infield stability after transferring from Mississippi State, where he hit .282/.451/.424 with nine doubles in 33 games.

In all, Dallas Baptist put together one of the more complete portal classes among mid-major programs.

East Carolina

Even in a season that marked its lowest conference finish since 2017, East Carolina extended its streak of regional appearances by capturing the American Athletic Conference tournament title—the program’s ninth NCAA berth in 10 full seasons under coach Cliff Godwin. With an eye toward returning to its dominant form, ECU was aggressive in the transfer portal and assembled one of the deepest classes in the country, particularly on the mound.

Gavin Van Kempen, a righthander from West Virginia, headlines the group. Once viewed as a reasonably prominent draft prospect, Van Kempen has yet to find consistent results, but he still flashes high-level traits. He posted a 6.13 ERA with 37 strikeouts and 26 walks across 39.2 innings last year, working with a 92-94 mph fastball that touched 96 and a two-plane slider that produced a 39% whiff rate and 30% chase rate. ECU’s track record with arm development—most notably with Trey Yesavage in recent years—makes Van Kempen’s upside especially intriguing.

The Pirates also added Joseph Webb from Liberty, who recorded a 3.50 ERA with 51 strikeouts and 20 walks over 46.1 innings, and Thomas Paxton from Belmont Abbey, who turned in a 2.50 ERA in 39.2 innings. Both bring strike-throwing ability and experience that could stabilize the staff immediately.

Offensively, Jeff Sabater transfers in from Millersville after hitting .363/.491/.478 with eight doubles, five triples, 39 stolen bases and more walks (39) than strikeouts (26). The undersized center fielder adds plus speed, strong zone awareness and top-of-the-order potential.

East Carolina’s portal class provides both quality and volume, giving Godwin a retooled roster capable of reestablishing the program as a consistent regional host candidate without needing to rely on a late surge in the conference tournament.

Hawaii

Hawaii came close to an NCAA Tournament berth last season, drawing serious consideration from the selection committee after a strong showing before fading down the stretch. With much of their pitching staff returning and a deep incoming transfer class, the Rainbow Warriors appear well positioned to push through in 2026 and compete near the top of the Big West.

Coach Rich Hill emphasized lineup depth through the portal, adding a wide range of position-player talent. The group includes Garrett Greco (Saint Peter’s), Tino Bethancourt (San Diego State), Christian Hoffman (Oklahoma), Mikey Easter (Azusa Pacific), Gabe Wright (Quinnipiac), Jack Bollengier (Westmont) and Kody Watanabe (San Francisco). Easter stands out as a key addition after hitting .350 with six home runs and 14 doubles. He brings advanced contact ability and gap power that could translate immediately to Division I competition.

The pitching side features fewer newcomers, but Jack Berg, a lefthander from Arizona, has drawn strong early reviews. Multiple scouts and Division I coaches told Baseball America that Berg’s raw stuff already rates among the best in the Big West for 2026. His fastball–breaking ball combination has flashed plus potential, and if he can find the strike zone more consistently, he could become a major weapon for a staff that has traditionally been a program strength.

With improved offensive depth and an intriguing new arm to pair with a stable returning rotation, Hawaii’s roster looks equipped to stay in the Big West title mix and earn serious consideration for an at-large bid next spring.

San Diego

After missing the NCAA Tournament in 2025 following regional appearances in 2022 and 2024, San Diego took a volume-based approach to roster construction this offseason. Coach Brock Ungricht and his staff leaned on the transfer portal to add experience and stability—a strategy that has become increasingly effective for mid-major programs aiming to match the production of older, veteran-heavy rosters.

The Toreros brought in a large group of transfers, 11 of whom are upperclassmen. Among the most intriguing is Logan Piper, a lefthander from California whose fastball features significant carry despite modest velocity. His changeup fades hard to his arm side and has proven capable of generating swings and misses, giving him a profile that could play in multiple roles. Diego Gutierrez, a transfer from Cal State Northridge, brings a lively low-90s fastball and a solid changeup, both of which show promising movement traits.

This is not a class defined by a single star, but rather, by its collective experience and depth. San Diego prioritized players who can contribute immediately across the roster, and that balance of maturity and versatility could help the Toreros return to postseason contention in 2026.

Southern Mississippi

Few programs have matched Southern Miss for consistency, as the Golden Eagles have made nine straight NCAA Tournament appearances and had a 2025 season that placed it above the hosting line. Even after losing several key contributors to the draft, including JB Middleton, Nick Monistere and Jake Cook, the program reloaded effectively through a small but well-targeted transfer class.

Kyle Morrison, an infielder from South Alabama, headlines the newcomers and profiles as an immediate impact bat. He hit .294/.399/.521 with nine home runs and 13 doubles last season, pairing that production with standout underlying data like an 88.8 mph average exit velocity, 46% hard-hit rate and 28.2% barrel rate. His disciplined 22.3% chase rate supports a mature offensive approach, and added zone contact and lift could elevate his power output even further. Caleb Stelly, a transfer from Louisiana, offers a similar offensive profile with solid contact ability and strength.

On the mound, Thomas Crabtree arrives from Tennessee and could quickly emerge as one of the more intriguing arms on staff. The righthander works primarily off a fastball-curveball combination, with his heater sitting 91-93 mph and touching 96. The fastball’s life at the top of the zone helps it miss bats, while the curveball shows sharp action and room for refinement in inducing chases. He also mixes a slider and changeup, giving coach Christian Ostrander—long regarded for his development of pitchers—another high-upside arm to mold.

Southern Miss didn’t need volume from the portal, only precision. This class brings exactly that, as it presents experienced, data-backed talent capable of keeping the Golden Eagles in their familiar position near the top of the postseason picture.

Western Kentucky

Western Kentucky’s 2025 season ended short of its potential, but confirmed the program’s upward trajectory under coach Marc Rardin. The offseason initially threatened to derail that progress, as the Hilltoppers lost a significant portion of their roster to the draft and the transfer portal, with several departing players landing at high-major programs. Instead of backsliding, however, WKU responded with one of the more resourceful portal hauls of the summer, rebuilding both depth and impact across the roster.

Lefthander Rijnaldo Euson from Francis Marion stands out as one of the most underrated additions in the Division I transfer market. He was dominant last spring, logging a 3.20 ERA with 114 strikeouts to 37 walks in 98.1 innings for his third-straight season with more than 100 strikeouts and a 3.20 ERA or better. Euson works in the low 90s with a quality changeup and could make an immediate difference in the rotation.

The Hilltoppers also added a trio of arms with Division I experience in Nathan Lawson (Eastern Kentucky), Jude Favela (USC) and Sam Frizzi (Southern Illinois), each of whom are capable of contributing meaningful innings. On the offensive side, Parker Coley (Southeastern Louisiana), Hayden Robbins (Morehead State) and Cael Frost (Nebraska) provide a mix of contact ability, power potential and defensive versatility.

Western Kentucky absorbed heavy offseason losses but recovered impressively through a portal class built on experience and production. The new additions should allow the Hilltoppers to remain firmly in the postseason conversation in 2026.