BLOCKBUSTER BREAKING: Ohio State’s Rising Pitching Star Chase Herrell Stuns Buckeye Nation — Transfers to USC, Leaves Bullpen in Limbo

In a shocking move that sent ripples through the college baseball world, Ohio State’s emerging pitching sensation Chase Herrell has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal and committed to the University of Southern California. The decision, confirmed Tuesday morning, caught Buckeyes fans and coaching staff off guard and instantly reshaped the outlook for both programs ahead of the 2025 season.

Herrell, a right-handed pitcher whose fastball has drawn comparisons to some of the Big Ten’s best, was widely expected to anchor Ohio State’s rotation next season. After a breakout sophomore campaign in which he posted a 2.89 ERA with 82 strikeouts in 71.2 innings, Herrell had positioned himself as one of the Big Ten’s top arms and a future MLB Draft candidate. But just as expectations for his junior year reached a fever pitch in Columbus, he opted to pack his bags for Los Angeles, delivering a gut punch to Buckeye Nation.

What makes the move even more jarring is the timing. Herrell had shown no public signs of dissatisfaction at Ohio State. He participated in summer workouts, stayed active on team social media, and was reportedly on track to be the Friday night starter in 2025. That all changed seemingly overnight, with whispers of an impending departure quickly confirmed when USC Athletics released a statement welcoming Herrell to the Trojans program.

Herrell’s departure leaves a major void in a Buckeyes pitching staff already navigating several offseason transitions. With senior relievers graduating and another key starter, Mason Elliott, reportedly exploring pro options, head coach Bill Mosiello now faces the challenge of reconstructing a staff that was expected to be among the strongest in the Big Ten.

Sources close to the program suggest that Herrell’s transfer wasn’t motivated by playing time or discord within the locker room. Rather, it appears to be a combination of factors: USC’s recent investments in its baseball program, the appeal of playing in a warmer climate, and the exposure of the Pac-12 (or what remains of it after realignment) may have been too much to pass up.

On the West Coast, the mood couldn’t be more different. Herrell’s commitment marks a significant win for a USC program that has been aggressively rebuilding under Coach Stankiewicz. After years of underperformance, the Trojans are now stacking up talent, both through recruiting and portal acquisitions.

Adding Herrell gives USC a legitimate ace-caliber pitcher to build around, especially as they transition into a new era of West Coast baseball power shifts amid conference realignments. His high-velocity fastball, deceptive changeup, and commanding mound presence make him a dangerous weapon in any league.

Herrell’s transfer is yet another high-profile example of how the NCAA transfer portal has transformed college baseball. Once an afterthought in the national sports discourse, the sport has seen a surge of player movement in recent years, with stars jumping between programs more freely than ever before.

For Ohio State, the challenge now is twofold: replace a frontline starter who was essential to their 2025 plans and keep the rest of the roster from following Herrell out the door. Expect Mosiello and his staff to be aggressive in the transfer portal themselves, perhaps targeting experienced arms who can eat innings and help stabilize the rotation.

Meanwhile, Herrell begins a new chapter in Los Angeles — one filled with sunshine, high expectations, and the weight of proving he made the right choice. Whether he shines on the West Coast or fades under the spotlight, one thing is certain: his departure has left a lasting mark in Columbus.