NC State’s outgoing transfer tally reached seven with infielders JR Matt Heavner and SO Ryan Jaros entering the portal, joining five others who departed earlier.
Heavner appeared in 49 games for NC State in 2025, starting 42, primarily at third base (42 games), with 10 games at shortstop and one at second base. The Lincolnton native hit .225/.307/.308 this season, with 1 double, 3 home runs, an 8.5% walk rate, 9.8% strikeout rate, and no stolen bases. Over his three-year tenure with the Wolfpack, he posted a .233/.325/.332 line, with 5 doubles, 6 home runs, an 8.5% walk rate, 12.6% strikeout rate, and 0-1 stolen bases. His career fielding percentage is .958, though it dipped to .949 in 2025. Heavner’s defensive versatility and strong contact skills should attract interest from lower-tier Division I programs, where he’s likely to secure a starting role.
Jaros, who transferred to NC State after one season at Georgia Tech, hit .304/.437/.493 in 2025, with 4 doubles, 3 home runs, a 17.0% walk rate, 23.9% strikeout rate, and no stolen bases across 30 games, including 19 starts, all at third base. His fielding percentage at the position was .818. Over his college career (NC State and Georgia Tech), Jaros boasts a .317/.463/.510 line, with 8 doubles, 4 home runs, an 18.5% walk rate, and 23.7% strikeout rate. While his bat is a strength, his glove is a concern. To remain at a high-major program, he may need to shift to first base or a corner outfield spot, though staying at third base in a lower-tier conference is an option. Additional time at third could also improve his defensive skills.
The emergence of freshman Ryder Woodson at third base during the Auburn Regional, where he excelled both offensively and defensively, likely influenced Heavner and Jaros’ decisions to enter the portal. Their departures may signal Woodson’s return to NC State for 2026. With the graduation of Justin DeCriscio, NC State’s left-side infield depth is thin. Woodson and Luke Nixon, both prep shortstops, are options, though Nixon has only played second base in the infield for the Wolfpack. Chris McHugh has limited summer league experience at third, and Brandon Novy, a prep third baseman, played just two games there this spring. Trenton Lyons, who missed most of 2025 due to injury (potentially eligible for a medical redshirt), has the arm strength and athleticism for the left side, with summer league experience at second, third, and shortstop, though he projects as a corner outfielder long-term.
NC State’s incoming freshman class includes two infielders: shortstop Aidan West and third baseman Quinn Bentley. West, ranked No. 118 by MLB Pipeline for the 2025 draft, may not reach campus if drafted. NC State is expected to pursue additional left-side infielders through the transfer portal to bolster the roster for 2026.
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