BLOCKBUSTER COMMITMENT: Texas Longhorns Secure Dynamic Lefty Cal Higgins — Another Bullpen Weapon Joins in SBC Transfer Raid

In a continuing surge through the transfer portal, the Texas Longhorns have struck gold yet again. This time, they’ve landed one of the most talked-about left-handed arms in the Sun Belt Conference — southpaw pitcher Cal Higgins — in a move that promises to further strengthen an already rising bullpen unit in Austin.

Higgins, who dazzled last season at Southern Miss, officially committed to Texas this week, becoming the latest major addition in what has become a calculated and aggressive transfer campaign by head coach David Pierce and his staff. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound junior lefty was widely considered one of the top arms available out of the SBC, thanks to a devastating combination of off-speed deception and fastball command.

Cal Higgins’ arrival is more than just a shiny portal pickup. It’s a deliberate move by a Longhorns coaching staff determined to revamp their pitching corps after a rollercoaster season that saw Texas fall short of expectations. By adding Higgins, they inject experience, maturity, and most importantly, a left-handed presence that was sorely missed during key stretches of the 2024 season.

In 2024, Higgins posted an impressive 2.73 ERA across 62.2 innings of work. He notched 81 strikeouts while issuing just 18 walks, a stat line that spoke volumes about his control and command. He showed the ability to start, relieve, and even close in pressure moments — a rare versatility that makes him a dream asset in today’s bullpen-first era of college baseball.

A native of Madison, Mississippi, Higgins came into college ball with limited fanfare but quickly rose through the ranks at Southern Miss. His breakout came in 2023, when he silenced bats throughout the Sun Belt with a mix of movement, velocity, and mound presence. His stock soared further during the 2024 campaign, drawing attention from major programs across the Power Five.

Texas, however, had an edge. Between recent success developing arms and a top-tier academic and athletic brand, the Longhorns presented an irresistible opportunity. Higgins reportedly received offers from SEC and ACC programs but chose Texas after a recent campus visit and in-depth talks with the coaching staff.

Higgins is expected to compete immediately for a prominent bullpen role, though sources suggest he could also be in contention for a weekend starting job depending on how the rotation shakes out during fall camp.

Regardless of where he slots in, Higgins’ impact will be felt. His presence gives Texas greater flexibility, allowing Coach Pierce to deploy bullpen strategies that were unavailable last season. It also takes pressure off younger arms still developing their collegiate legs, offering a veteran presence in both the clubhouse and on the mound.

More importantly, Higgins represents a mindset — a player not afraid to embrace the moment, step into a bigger spotlight, and challenge himself at the highest level of college baseball.

With Higgins’ commitment, Texas continues its methodical raid through the Sun Belt and other mid-major hotbeds. In the past two weeks alone, the Longhorns have added two position players and another right-handed arm, all from SBC or Conference USA programs. The pattern is clear: find high-upside, experienced players from battle-tested leagues and plug them into a roster loaded with potential but lacking consistency.

The Higgins pickup is already earning high praise on social media and message boards. Longhorns fans have dubbed it another “portal masterstroke” from Pierce’s staff — one that could prove vital come May and June next season.

The addition of Cal Higgins isn’t just about numbers or ERA. It’s about firepower, grit, and building a staff that can withstand the grueling demands of the SEC gauntlet that now looms ahead. Texas is assembling a bullpen capable of suffocating opposing lineups, and Higgins might be the unexpected ace in the hole.