Isaac Cadena, the USC catcher who emerged as one of the most potent bats in the 2026 college season, has announced that he will enter the transfer portal for his senior year. His decision makes him the second power‑hitting catcher from the Trojans to seek a new destination this offseason, following Augie Lopez, and it comes as the program also loses pitchers Diego Velasquez and Gavin Lauridsen to the portal, while infielder Mason Edwards is being considered for the upcoming MLB draft.
A Look Back at Cadena’s Production
During his junior campaign Cadena hit eight home runs and drove in 36 runs, while his batting average climbed from .264 early in the year to nearly .300 by season’s end. He also posted a .420 on‑base percentage and finished third on the team in runs scored behind Adrian Lopez and Kevin Takeuchi.
Cadena’s journey to USC has been a circuitous one; he began his college career at Ohio State before spending a season at Texas Christian University, and his transfer history reflects a pattern of seeking the right fit for his development.
A Season of Promise and Disappointment
The Trojans finished the year with a 48‑18 record overall and a 20‑10 mark in conference play, highlighted by a flawless record when hosting Big Ten opponents. Their run, however, ended in the NCAA Super Regionals against North Carolina, a series they fell short in.
Implications for the Future
With several key contributors set to move on, the question now is how quickly USC can rebuild and whether the remaining roster can preserve the momentum that brought them close to the College World Series. The coming months will be crucial for the program as it navigates the portal market, evaluates draft prospects, and attempts to fill the void left by Cadena, Velasquez, and Lauridsen. For now, the Trojans’ aspirations of returning to the national stage remain very much alive, but they will need to act decisively to keep their championship hopes alive.