Pitching has been a hallmark for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons for much of the past decade. That’s what earned the school a berth in the 2026 NCAA tournament, and could very well dictate how things go in the upcoming 2027 season.
The Returnees
The “big three” of Wake Forest’s 2026 pitching staff are back on the roster for 2027.
Chris Levonas, Troy Dressler, and Cameron Bagwell were all sophomores last season, and the three were among the team leaders in starts. Levonas, who impressed as a freshman in 2025 after he spurned the Brewers two years ago, struck out 116 batters over 73.1 IP. It was a fantastic season for the right-hander, who will enter 2027 as one of the best college arms in the upcoming MLB Draft.
Dressler, who finished fourth in starts behind Levonas, Bagwell, and now-Reds prospect Duncan Marsten, punched out 79 strikeouts. And as for Bagwell, the former UNCW pitcher was burned by the home run ball, with 16 total allowed. However, he limited runners on base and finished with an ERA of 4.64.
Wake Forest also retained Rhys Bowie, who struck out 69 batters over 39.2 IP last season. Bowie only started two games, one of which came in the Demon Deacons’ lone ACC tourney game. Lots of swing-and-miss, including in the Cape Cod League this past summer, where he posted a 31.7% Whiff%.
The same can be said for Ryan Bosch (31.4% Whiff%), who struck out 29 over 20 last season and was one of three key freshman pitchers for the Wake Forest. Evan Jones and Marcelo Harsch, the other two, are also back for 2027.
As for the offense, it’s going to look significantly different. Kade Lewis, Blake Schaaf, JD Stein, Javar Williams, Andrew Costello, Dalton Wentz, and Matt Conte are all gone. It’s going to bring some new opportunities this upcoming season for other players.
However, there are some returning hitters. Boston Torres, Austin Hawke, Nick Rubino, and most notably, Luke Costello return for the Demon Deacons.
The Newcomers
As noted above, there will be plenty of opportunity on this roster. Wake Forest has 13 new freshmen, perhaps most notably David Hinojosa.
Hinojosa was drafted by the Reds in the 15th round of the 2026 MLB Draft but didn’t sign. Live arm from the New York City high school, as he played at Brooklyn-based powerhouse Poly Prep Day School.
TJ McQuillan is a big high school bat from Indiana. Power hitter with loft, and likely profiles as a corner infielder.
Daniel Kellis, Will Holden, Brady Marshall, and Grayden Seuferling are among some of the other notable freshmen.
Moving to the transfer portal, Vincent DeCarlo played a handful of games with NC State. He now joins a Wake Forest team that will have a very different look behind the dish this upcoming season.
Isaac Sturgess spent two seasons with Michigan State before moving to North Carolina. He hit over .300 with the Spartans but only .234 with Cotuit in the Cape Cod League. Was aggressive in the Cape; he had a Take% just a tick below 52%.
Check out more of our college baseball coverage.