A pivotal week for Longhorns baseball
The calendar is turning for Texas baseball as the Major League Baseball draft looms on the horizon and the College World Series draws to a close. For a program that has become a regular contender, the convergence of these two milestones creates a crossroads for a handful of players who have defined the recent era of Longhorns baseball.
Among those whose college eligibility has been exhausted are a group of pitchers and infielders who helped steer the team through a demanding schedule. Names such as Jayden Duplantier, Temo Becerra, Ruger Riojas, Luke Harrison, Josh Livinginston, Cal Higgins, Connor McCreery, Max Grubbs, Cody Howard and Dariyan Pendergrass have seen their collegiate careers conclude, opening the door to potential professional contracts or other pursuits.
Draft prospects eyeing professional contracts
Conversely, several draft‑eligible talents — including Aiden Robbins, Carson Tinney, Thomas Burns, Haiden Leffew, Ethan Mendoza, Casey Borba and Ashton Larson — are poised to hear their names called in the upcoming draft, with some projected to sign as early as this summer.
Returners set to bolster the roster
Coach Jim Schlossnagle has spoken openly about the need to balance the program’s competitive drive with the realities of player development, noting that the coming months will be pivotal in shaping the roster for the next season.
Fans can look forward to seeing a handful of key returners — Adrian Rodriguez, Dylan Volantis, Anthony Pack Jr. and Sam Cozart — who are expected to anchor the lineup and pitching staff, bringing a mix of experience and fresh energy to the squad.
The mix of departures and arrivals underscores the dynamic nature of college baseball, where each draft cycle and season finale can reshape the landscape of the sport in Texas and beyond.