
Isaac Cadena’s Transfer Moves Shake USC Baseball Outlook
After a standout 2026 season that saw USC fall just one game short of the Super Regional, the program loses Isaac Cadena and Augie Lopez, but returning talent offers a glimpse of renewal.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Grant Govel across Baseball.

After a standout 2026 season that saw USC fall just one game short of the Super Regional, the program loses Isaac Cadena and Augie Lopez, but returning talent offers a glimpse of renewal.

USC baseball’s season ended one inning shy of the College World Series, prompting a wave of transfers and new signings as the program looks to reload for next year.

USC's baseball team launches its 2026 campaign with a three‑game series versus Rice, highlighted by Grant Govel's no‑hitter, Kevin Takeuchi's offensive surge, and a free fan event at the still‑under‑construction Dedeaux Field.

Keith Zuniga, who helped guide the Rainbow Warriors to a No. 3 national ERA in 2026, joins the Trojans after Sean Allen’s departure, bringing a blend of coaching success, recruiting savvy and data‑driven preparation.

Mason Edwards' dominant 2026 season culminates in first‑team All‑American honors, complemented by Grant Govel's second‑team selection and both players' status as top MLB Draft prospects.

The USC Trojans baseball program enjoyed its most successful campaign in recent memory, finishing the 2026 season with a 48‑18 record under head coach Andy Stankiewicz. The team’s surge carried them to the Chapel Hill Super Regional, where they fell just one game short of the College World Series. In the Super Regional, the Trojans dropped a 4‑3 decision to the North Carolina Tar Heels, a loss that underscored how close the squad came to a national breakthrough. Despite the narrow defeat, the performance cemented the program’s reputation as a rising force in collegiate baseball. Central to the Trojans’ offseason agenda is the pursuit of South Carolina Gamecocks infielder Will Craddock, a highly touted transfer portal prospect. Craddock posted a .260 batting average and hit 10 home runs during the 2026 campaign, traits that have attracted considerable attention from USC’s recruiting staff. Coach Stankiewicz hopes the addition of Craddock will complement the return of junior infielder Kevin Takeuchi and senior outfielder Jack Basseer, both of whom contributed significantly last season. Takeuchi finished with a .320 average, 77 hits, 65 runs and 10 homers, while Basseer provides veteran depth in the outfield. On the mound, sophomore right‑hander Grant Govel is slated to anchor the rotation. Govel posted a 2.87 ERA and struck out 99 batters while compiling a 10‑3 record in 2026, numbers that position him as a frontline ace for the 2027 rotation. The Trojans’ blend of experienced returners and targeted transfers creates a compelling narrative as they aim to translate a strong regular season into a College World Series appearance. With a solid recruiting pipeline and a pitching staff that proved its mettle last year, USC is positioning itself as a contender in the national landscape.

The USC Trojans finished the 2026 campaign with a 48‑18 record under coach Andy Stankiewicz, returning key players like Kevin Takeuchi and Grant Govel while pursuing South Carolina infielder Will Craddock for the 2027 season.

The latest national awards recognize standout performances in college baseball, highlighting Nebraska’s Dylan Carey, UCLA’s John Savage and a host of other Big Ten standouts.

The Trojans' most successful season in 25 years showcases Coach Andy Stankiewicz's foundation, a heartbreaking Super Regional loss, and a future built on scholarship investment and player development.

Colin Hynek's two-hit night and a solo home run helped the Tar Heels blank USC 4-0, putting them one win away from Omaha and forcing a Game 3 in Chapel Hill.

The Tar Heels and Trojans meet in a high‑stakes baseball contest on Sunday, with pitching ace Caden Glauber and recent shutout hero Jason DeCaro poised to shape the outcome.

The USC Trojans and North Carolina Tar Heels are locked in a best‑of‑three Super Regional, with the winner advancing to the College World Series. A grand slam by Dean Carpentier sparked a 9‑5 victory in the opener, but a 4‑0 shutout left the team facing a must‑win Game 3.

After a 4‑0 loss in Game 2, USC must rally without ace Jason DeCaro on the mound, leveraging a potent bat and hoping a high‑scoring effort can overcome pitching uncertainty.
UNC’s 4‑0 win over USC on June 6 sets up a winner‑take‑all showdown, as the team chases its 13th College World Series appearance.

North Carolina’s 4‑0 victory over Southern California was anchored by a shutout from Jason DeCaro and solo homers from Colin Hynek and Erik Paulsen, paving the way for a decisive rematch on Sunday.

Jason DeCaro delivered a commanding performance as the Tar Heels blanked Southern Cal 4-0, striking out eight and allowing no runners past first base. The win puts Carolina in a strong position as they prepare for the final showdown.

North Carolina’s Jason DeCaro delivered a near‑perfect outing, shutting out USC 4‑0 and forcing a winner‑take‑all Game 3 that could end the Trojans’ 25‑year College World Series drought.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill baseball squad is staring down a pivotal Game 2 showdown with the University of Southern California, a contest that could determine whether its season survives the weekend.

UNC’s early advantage vanished as errors paved the way for a 9‑5 loss, setting the stage for a pitching duel between Jason DeCaro and Grant Govel.

After a late-inning collapse that erased a four-run lead, North Carolina’s baseball team will rely on its top arms and a revamped strategy when it hosts USC at Boshamer Stadium.
Despite a 9‑5 defeat in the opening game, the University of North Carolina baseball team draws on past resilience and a process‑oriented mindset to chase a second College World Series berth in three seasons.

Friday’s action saw No. 2 Georgia Tech fall to Oklahoma, Florida State eliminated by St. John’s, and Georgia advance past Liberty, but at a cost as Tre Phelps faces suspension.

The 2026 super regional pits North Carolina's disciplined staff against USC's rising offense, featuring star pitcher Mason Edwards and a deep Tar Heels rotation, setting the stage for a pivotal showdown.

The USC Trojans are two wins away from Omaha, relying on aggressive baserunning, strong starting pitching and a tight bullpen to upset the Tar Heels in a high‑stakes Super Regional.