Last year was a breakthrough year for the Texas baseball program, as the Longhorns returned to Omaha. And while things didn’t go as planned to a certain extent, one thing is for certain: the returning talent for the 2027 campaign received a crash course on what it will take to win it all. Heading into 2027, the Longhorns’ roster includes a strong mix of new & returning talent.
The Returnees
Even though Dylan Volantis has not been the anointed ace over the past two seasons in Austin, it’s been relatively clear that the left-hander was the top pitcher on the staff in both 2025 and 2026.
Aside from a hiccup at the worst possible time against Georgia in the 2026 College World Series, Volantis didn’t experience many problems at all last season. Armed with a fleshed-out arsenal and power stuff, Volantis struck out a team-high 135 over 95 IP, along with a 2.05 ERA. He can pound the zone, and he can induce chase.
Volantis headlines a pitching staff that also returns sophomore Sam Cozart. Cozart started 2026 as a weekday starter before he pivoted to become a very important part of the UT bullpen. Last year, Cozart struck out 77 over 52 IP, along with a sub-2.00 ERA.
Cozart isn’t the only notable returning sophomore. Michael Winter, Brody Walls, and Brett Crossland all returned, as well. Walls and Crossland are both power pitchers with mid-90s fastballs, and the two averaged over a strikeout per inning.
As for the offense, Anthony Pack Jr. is the headlining returning bat. Pack Jr. had quite an impressive freshman campaign, as he hit 12 home runs and finished two hits shy of the club lead (77). Plus, 21 stolen bases to lead the Longhorns.
Texas also got back Ethan Mendoza and Casey Borba for their senior campaigns. Mendoza came into 2026 with high expectations after a standout 2025 campaign. But despite a 10-home run season, he batted just .278 for the Longhorns. As for Borba, he hit 18 home runs for UT.
Adrian Rodriguez, who had a multi-hit in all but one postseason game for the Longhorns in 2026, is also back.
The Newcomers
Look, the 2026 Texas roster was filled with players ready to go pro. Aiden Robbins, Carson Tinney, and Ruger Riojas were just some of the lost players, thanks to the MLB Draft. Plus, the Longhorns took a beating with respect to who was lost on their high school recruit list.
Grady Emerson was an expected loss. But UT also lost Beau Peterson (Astros), Cooper Harris (Nationals), and Brody Bumila (Rangers). That doesn’t mean, though, that the Longhorns don’t have plenty of talent amongst their new list of additions.
Corner infielder Easton Autrey and pitcher Trey Rangel are among the high-profile high schoolers who are now freshmen with Texas. Those two are among 16 frosh on the 2027 UT roster.
Then, there are the transfers.
Outfielder Sawyer Solitaria is one of several new juniors on the teams. Solitaria hit 24 home runs over two seasons with Kent State, 16 of which came in 2026. Ian Armstrong, a replacement for Tinney, hit 16 home runs for Saint Mary’s last year. Plus, Armstrong batted .356 in those two campaigns he spent with the Gaels.
Carlos Lugo had a monstrous campaign as a freshman with Campbell of the CAA. Lugo batted .347, walked (32) more times than he struck out (22), and racked up 20 extra-base hits over 56 contests.
Texas also plucked another star 2026 freshman, one from the state of Texas. That would be ex-Texas Tech infielder Linkin Garcia, who slashed .338/.387/.489 last year with the Red Raiders.
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