Jacoby Dutchover, a recent graduate of Midland High, has officially committed to the baseball program at Tarleton State University, signaling the next chapter of a career that has already drawn national attention.
During his senior year he posted a 9‑2 record with a 0.62 earned run average, struck out 117 batters and batted .449, adding five home runs, nine doubles, seven triples and 43 RBI while earning District 2‑6A Player of the Year and All‑State Elite Team honors.
A Recruitment Re‑Evaluated
After an initial verbal pledge to the University of Houston, Dutchover reopened his recruitment when the coaching staff changed, ultimately deciding on Tarleton State for its welcoming environment, beautiful campus and the program’s upward trajectory.
The decision highlights the growing prominence of Tarleton State baseball, which finished the previous season with a 38‑21 record, captured the Western Athletic Conference Tournament and made its inaugural appearance in an NCAA Division I Regional in Austin.
Tarleton State coach Todd Whitting welcomed the addition, noting that Dutchover’s dual‑threat capabilities will strengthen both the pitching rotation and the lineup, joining other promising arms such as Will Davis and Joshua Hulin.
The move also reflects a broader trend of top Texas talent reassessing traditional powerhouses in favor of programs that offer a blend of competitive play, academic opportunity and a close‑knit community, a factor that resonated strongly with Dutchover and his family.