After struggling for two seasons to field enough outfield depth to survive injuries and defections, the Texas Longhorns have made the position a focus in recruiting from the NCAA transfer portal this offseason, efforts bolstered on Tuesday with the commitment of former Campbell Fighting Camels standout Carlos Lugo.
The 5’9, 185-pounder is ranked as the No. 232 portal prospect by 64Analytics and has four seasons of eligibility remaining.
Out of Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Cavalry Christian Academy, Lugo played first base and pitched in addition to playing in the outfield. A true left-hander pitching and hitting, Lugo has a fastball that reached into the low 90s in high school. During an impressive senior season, Lugo slashed .494/.614/.882 with 12 doubles, seven home runs, and 17 stolen bases.
In one season at Campbell, Lugo earned first-team All-CAA recognition thanks to an impressive debut that saw him make 54 starts in the outfield among 56 games played, posting a 3.48 ERA in 10.1 innings over eight appearances, striking out 12 while holding opponents to a .194 batting average. As a hitter, Lugo was even better, slashing .370/.457/.534 with 13 doubles, six home runs, 34 RBI, and 11 stolen bases. With 26 walks and only 16 strikeouts, Lugo is a contact hitter who flashed some power and struck out in only 8.5 percent of his at bats, presenting a unique hitting profile for his size and contact ability.
In recording three outfield assists in 2026, Lugo also showed off the arm strength that makes his fastball a credible pitch at the college level.
Next season, Lugo projects as a depth piece for the Longhorns who provides a valuable left-handed bat and insurance in case of injuries as head coach Jim Schlossnagle tries to avoid future scenarios similar to light-hitting utility player Jayden Duplantier slashing .255/.372/.362 in 94 at bats in 2026.
