Southern Miss baseball has secured a high‑profile addition to its roster, confirming the commitment of UAB second baseman Brady Waugh. The junior, who posted a .322 batting average and a .431 on‑base percentage during the 2026 campaign, will step into the vacated second‑base role left by Kyle Morrison and is expected to inject both speed on the bases and a potent bat into the Golden Eagles lineup.
A Boost to Speed and Power
Waugh’s collegiate journey includes two seasons at Shelton State Community College before he transferred to UAB, where he compiled 67 hits, 49 RBIs and seven home runs while maintaining a flawless .970 fielding percentage at second base. He famously capped the season with a walk‑off grand slam against Middle Tennessee on March 7, 2026, a moment that highlighted his clutch performance under pressure.
The Golden Eagles’ base‑running prowess was evident last season, as the team stole 29 bases overall. Waugh joins three other incoming transfers — Brock Clayton, Cannon Peery and Cade Baker — who together contributed 41 stolen bases in 2026, underscoring a strategic emphasis on aggressive baserunning.
The transfer portal class also welcomes Drew Harrison, rounding out a group that brings a blend of experience and youthful energy. Coach staff believe the new arrivals will complement the returning core as the program looks to build on recent successes.
Looking Ahead
Meanwhile, five current players have announced their intentions to depart the program. Among them, McCarty English committed to Arizona on June 12, while Jace Norton, Brooks Willoughby, Jake Neely and Camden Rodgers round out the list of departures, creating openings for fresh talent. With the new infusion of talent and a clear plan to maximize speed on the bases, Southern Miss aims to contend strongly in the upcoming season, positioning the Golden Eagles as a formidable force in the conference.