Andrew Johnson, a right‑handed pitcher for the University of Southern California, has been selected to the 2026 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team, the first Trojan to earn that honor since 2005. The announcement came as the team prepares to compete in the World Collegiate Baseball Championship in Taiwan later this summer.
Johnson’s 2025 season was defined by an 8‑2 record and a 3.23 earned run average, a performance that helped USC break a 21‑year super‑regional drought with a decisive victory over Texas A&M. He spent the year alternating between starter and reliever duties, showcasing the versatility that caught the attention of national selectors.
A Milestone for the Trojans
Ian Kennedy, who last represented USC on the national team in 2005, remains the benchmark for Trojan pitchers who have ascended to international competition. Johnson’s inclusion not only continues that lineage but also signals a new era of pitching depth for the program.
Mason Edwards and Grant Govel, both All‑American arms, are projected as early‑round candidates in the upcoming MLB Draft. Their potential departure opens a pathway for Johnson to assume a leading role in the rotation next season, positioning him as one of the team’s top prospects.
Looking Ahead to Taiwan
The Collegiate National Team will convene for the World Championship from July 11 to 15, facing elite college talent from around the globe. For Johnson, the tournament represents a chance to test his hybrid skill set on an international stage and to contribute to a historic run for USC baseball.
With the support of USA Baseball and a coaching staff that includes veteran mentors, Johnson is poised to make a meaningful impact. His journey from a standout college pitcher to a member of a world‑class roster underscores the growing prominence of West Coast programs in the international baseball landscape.