Arkansas baseball coach Dave Van Horn is upbeat about the size of the 2027 roster, which now stands at 41 committed players. The figure exceeds the NCAA’s standard 34‑player limit, a discrepancy made possible by the recent Department of Sports Administration (DSA) provisions that emerged from the House v. NCAA settlement finalized last summer.
Van Horn points to the influx of transfers as a cornerstone of the plan, singling out AJ Evasco, Michael Malki and Manny Marin. Evasco, ranked 13th among this year’s transfer class by 64Analytics, is expected to provide power in the lineup, with the coach targeting 15 to 20 home runs. Malki, placed 103rd, is prized for his pitchability, while Marin sits at 123rd and adds depth on the mound.
The coaching staff’s personal touch is evident in visits to Evasco’s family, underscoring the program’s emphasis on relationship building. Freshmen Jorvorskie Lane Jr. and Judah Ota have also generated buzz after being invited to the MLB Scouting Combine, where they were listed among the top 260 draft prospects. Lane Jr. is noted for his bat speed and power, while Ota impresses with a physically imposing frame and raw strength.
Van Horn is equally excited about the return of Nolan Souza and TJ Pompey, who each secured an additional year of eligibility under the new NCAA rules. Their experience, combined with the fresh talent, creates a blend that the coach believes can sustain success beyond a single season.
A roster built for the future
Overall, the Razorbacks are shaping a roster that balances high‑ranked transfers with a promising freshman class, a strategy Van Horn describes as both sustainable and competitive.