The Texas Longhorns baseball program is undergoing a subtle but significant overhaul as the offseason unfolds. After a lone year in which first baseman Ashton Larson posted a .258 average, a lone home run and 16 RBIs, the team confirmed his exit from the roster.
Departure of a Key Infielder
Larson’s stint in Austin followed a championship‑winning season with the 2025 College World Series‑champion LSU Tigers, where he honed his defensive skills before bringing that experience to Texas. Though his statistical line was modest, coaches noted his steady glove work and clutch hitting in critical moments.
A New Coaching Direction
To fill the void, the Longhorns have tapped two seasoned assistants. Caleb Longley, who previously served as an aide at Texas from 2022 through 2024 and spent the 2025 campaign at Texas A&M, returns to Austin with a focus on hitters and team defense. Longley’s reputation for shaping talent was evident when he helped assemble the fourth‑best recruiting class in the nation at Texas A&M.
Joining him is Jake Marder, a seven‑year Oregon veteran who has accepted a similar role concentrating on hitters and catchers. Marder’s tenure at Oregon was marked by 19 single‑season records, six postseason appearances and three super‑regional trips, underscoring his ability to develop offensive production and defensive reliability.
Looking Ahead
The moves come on the heels of a disappointing 2‑0 loss to the Georgia Bulldogs in the College World Series, a game that ended the Longhorns’ championship hopes. While the team’s recent performance was a setback, the infusion of experienced coaching talent suggests a strategic pivot aimed at rebuilding depth and competitiveness for the upcoming season.