Clemson’s baseball program has bolstered its roster with the addition of Kailen Hackmann, a 6‑foot‑7 right‑hander who transferred from UMBC ahead of the upcoming season.
A Freshman Who Already Shined
Hackmann arrived on campus after a dominant freshman campaign in which he compiled a perfect 7‑0 record, a 3.07 earned run average and 47 strikeouts across 20 relief appearances.
His performances earned him a spot on the 2026 America East All‑Rookie Team and the conference’s Pitcher of the Week award after he fanned eight batters in three scoreless innings on March 3.
During America East play he went 5‑0 with a save and a 3.72 ERA in 19.1 innings, showcasing a blend of durability and poise that caught the eye of Clemson’s coaching staff.
Before college, Hackmann starred at Washington Liberty High School in Arlington, Virginia, where his size and velocity made him one of the most coveted prospects in the region.
He is the latest addition to a transfer class that also includes players from Toledo and Georgia Southern, signaling Clemson’s aggressive approach to reshaping its pitching staff through the portal.
Coaches say his height, arm strength and proven track record give the Tigers a rare combination of size and reliability, positioning him to compete for a starting role early in his collegiate career.