Baseball
Razorbacks add top transfer pitcher Ethan McElvain from Vanderbilt
Arkansas lands top left-handed pitcher Ethan McElvain from Vanderbilt, bolstering a transfer class already ranked among the nation’s best
FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. — Arkansas made a significant move in the 2025 transfer portal cycle, landing sophomore left-handed pitcher Ethan McElvain from Vanderbilt.
McElvain, a 6-foot-4 Tennessee native, brings both high-level SEC experience and considerable upside to a Razorbacks team looking to reload after a season of major roster turnover.
McElvain, who was ranked as the No. 8 overall transfer portal prospect and the No. 1 relief pitcher by 64Analytics, announced his commitment to Arkansas on Friday via social media.
His addition marks the second high-profile pitching commitment for the Razorbacks this week, following the arrival of right-hander Jackson Wells from Little Rock.
This move further cements Arkansas’ transfer class as one of the best in the nation—Baseball America recently ranked the Razorbacks’ portal haul No. 2 in the country, just behind LSU.
In 2025, McElvain appeared in 16 games for Vanderbilt, including five starts, and struck out 45 batters over 27.1 innings.
While he finished the year with a 7.24 ERA and a 2-3 record, his underlying numbers and late-season improvements have caught the attention of scouts and coaches alike.
After struggling with command early issuing 23 walks in his first nine outings, McElvain tightened up considerably, allowing just five walks in his last seven games and holding opponents scoreless in five of those appearances.
“I’m excited for a fresh start and to join a program with such a strong tradition and fan base,” McElvain said on Friday. “Coach [Dave] Van Horn’s track record with pitchers speaks for itself. I can’t wait to get to Fayetteville and get to work.”
The Razorbacks, under Van Horn, have consistently produced top-tier pitching talent, with several alumni moving on to professional baseball.
McElvain’s high school pedigree was well established before his college career.
He was considered the fifth-best left-handed pitching prospect nationally by Perfect Game and posted a 6-0 record with a 0.95 ERA during his senior year at Nolensville High School.
At Vanderbilt, his fastball has reached the low-90s, and scouts have praised his ability to generate swings and misses with a sharp breaking ball.
“He’s got the size, pitch mix, and upside that teams covet,” wrote Baseball Prospect Journal, projecting him as a possible early-round MLB Draft pick if he continues to develop.
For Arkansas, the addition of McElvain comes at a crucial time.
The Razorbacks have seen a wave of departures via the transfer portal this offseason, with as many as 24 players leaving since the regular season ended.
Van Horn and his staff have responded aggressively, signing 15 new players through the portal, with a clear focus on replenishing the pitching staff.
“Ethan’s talent is obvious, but what excites us most is his willingness to embrace a challenge and develop his game,” Van Horn said about McElvain’s decision. “We believe he can be an impact arm in our bullpen or rotation.”
The move also underscores a growing trend in college baseball with top programs like the HOGS and Vanderbilt increasingly rely on the transfer portal to stay competitive in the ever-shifting SEC landscape.
“I’m just grateful for the chance to compete in this environment and hopefully help Arkansas make a push for Omaha,” McElvain said.
With McElvain now set to don Razorback red, Arkansas fans have reason to be optimistic about the upcoming season and about the program’s ability to attract elite talent from across the country.
