After adding four position players through the NCAA transfer portal, the Texas Longhorns have added the first pledge from a pitcher during the current window, landing a commitment from former Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders right-hander Gavin King on Tuesday.
The 6’7, 210-pounder has
three seasons of eligibility remaining with the new five-for-year rules.
Originally committed to South Carolina out of Hendersonville (Tenn.) Liberty Creek, King was the No. 21 prospect in Tennessee and the No. 7 right-handed pitcher in the state as a 2024 graduate. After undergoing Tommy John surgery, King landed at Volunteer State in 2025, starting in three of his four appearances and recording 19 strikeouts in 10.2 innings pitched.
After transferring to MTSU, King held multiple roles for the Blue Raiders as a sophomore, making two Friday starts and also appearing in long relief and as a closer. In 19 appearances, King went 3-2 with five saves and a 6.00 ERA. Opponents only hit .247 against King and he struck out 59 batters in 42 innings, but also walked 31 batters and gave up 10 home runs, so improving King’s command will be a major priority for Texas pitching coach Max Weiner this offseason, as well as an imperative for the big right-hander to get into games for the Longhorns in 2027.
