It’s no secret NC State baseball needed a serious re-up following its early exit in the Auburn regional to end the 2025 season.
Through graduation, the MLB draft or the abyss of the transfer portal, the Wolfpack witnessed a significant amount of turnover after last season. With a total of 22 players venturing from the Pack, there were positions to fill on the field and room on the roster to restock.
Head coach Elliott Avent returns for a milestone of what will be his 30th season coaching NC State baseball. In anticipation of the 2026 season, the Wolfpack has welcomed 20 new players to join its 15 returning. Among these additions are 10 true freshmen and 10 transfer players, bringing experience from the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, Sun Belt and junior college ranks. Turning attention to the transfers, here are five new faces Wolfpack fans can expect to see this spring.
Collins Black, RHP (Duke)
Sophomore Collins Black is a right handed pitcher who made the short move down the road from Duke. Only appearing in eight games from the bullpen for the Blue Devils, Black struck out 18 batters and worked 9.1 innings as a freshman. His stats may be seemingly modest, but not everything is as it seems.
“Extremely, extremely impressive,” Avent said about Black on the D1Baseball podcast, ACC Baseball Etc. “He was lights out pretty much all fall.”
Black adds some much-needed depth to the Wolfpack’s pitching staff this spring.
Mikey Ryan, INF (LSU)
From Louisiana State is infielder sophomore Mikey Ryan. Ranked No. 83, Mikey made PerfectGame USA’s Top-100 sophomores list along with other decorated NC State sophomores Anderson Nance (No. 53) and Ty Head (No. 51). Despite having played in 16 games with 3 at-bats for the Tigers his freshman season, the SEC transfer is expected to be a primary defensive player who can provide flexibility around the diamond.
Avent spoke positively about Ryan’s growth since arriving in Raleigh, describing him as a utility player, praising his shortstop and offensive abilities.
“As the fall went along, he got better and better and better and at the end of the fall, he was a much different player,” said Avent. “Mikey Ryan has a chance to do some special things here for NC State.”
Dalton Bargo, UTL (Tennessee)
Another addition from the SEC, senior Dalton Bargo, brings championship experience as a transfer from the University of Tennessee. Primarily playing left field for Tennessee, he was an impactful player for the team last year when it won the 2024 College World Series — the same year NC State made an appearance.
“[Bargo]’s seen a lot. He’s done a lot. He’s been around a lot. He’s been at every stage,” Avent said. “He can play third base, he can play first base, he can catch… what he gives us on the field is exceptional.”
The power hitter’s ability to play multiple positions adds more defensive flexibility for NC State. Avent also noted Bargo’s ample experience and the potential to provide leadership in the locker room.
Andrew Wiggins, OF (Indiana)
From the Big Ten, junior Andrew Wiggins from Indiana is another experienced bat to add to the lineup, who played in 79 games over his two seasons at Indiana. Wiggins is expected to be another big-bat and a regular offensive contributor.
As a freshman, he mainly served as a DH, but became the Hoosiers’ go-to right fielder as a sophomore. His speed and athleticism are apparent assets he brings to the team.
Wiggins was recently ranked No. 84 best college prospect for the 2026 MLB Draft by D1Baseball alongside other highly regarded NC State players Jacob Dudan and Ryan Mahron, ranked Nos. 50 and 55, respectively.
Sherman Johnson, INF (McLennan CC)
The Wolfpack also tapped into the junior college ranks, adding junior infielder Sherman Johnson to the roster. Another player Avent referred to as “extremely impressive,” Johnson appeared in the 2025 JUCO World Series and was named the Most Outstanding Defensive Player at the World Series.
In 59 games, Johnson hit .319 with 21 doubles, three triples, nine home runs and 51 RBIs, proving to be a contributor offensively and defensively.
