In a significant turn for Texas baseball, sophomore outfielder Tommy Farmer IV has decided to enter the NCAA’s Transfer Portal after two seasons with the Longhorns. His choice comes on the heels of a season marked by both highs and lows, where he played a key role in Texas’ push for a Southeastern Conference regular-season title.
This move has people speculating about Farmer’s next steps and what it might mean for the Texas baseball program. Several other players have also announced plans to transfer, adding more uncertainty to the mix.
Tommy Farmer IV’s Journey with Texas Baseball
Tommy Farmer IV grew up in Santa Monica, California and joined Texas with plenty of promise. As a true freshman in 2024, he played in 16 games and earned three starts in the outfield under then-head coach David Pierce.
He didn’t get much time at the plate, but still managed to hit .200 with four hits in 20 at-bats. He scored four runs and drove in three RBIs. That first year was a learning curve, but it set the stage for what came next.
Sophomore Season and Performance
With new head coach Jim Schlossnagle at the helm, Farmer saw his role grow a lot in his sophomore year. He played in 58 games, started 48, and showed off his skills both at bat and in the field.
His batting average climbed to .249, with a .371 on-base percentage and a .339 slugging percentage, which gave him a .710 OPS. He hit one home run, drove in 25 RBIs, and racked up 13 doubles. The season had its bumps—he struck out 65 times—but he also drew 25 walks and stole seven bases, showing some range in his game.
Defensive Contributions
Farmer made a difference on defense for the Longhorns. He posted a .987 fielding percentage, with just one error, one assist, and 73 putouts.
His steady glove helped Texas secure the Southeastern Conference regular-season crown and proved his value to the team.
High School Career and Recruitment
Farmer’s path to Texas started with a standout high school run at Oaks Christian in California. He picked up two All-League honors and Perfect Game ranked him as the 106th outfielder and 500th player overall in his class.
In California, he came in at No. 81. Those accolades made him a pretty attractive recruit for the Longhorns.
The NCAA Transfer Portal: What It Means
The NCAA Transfer Portal is basically an online database for student-athletes who want to look for a new program. Players let their school’s compliance office know, and their names usually show up in the portal within 48 hours.
Once they’re in, other coaches can reach out and start a conversation about transferring.
Transfer Portal Timelines and Rules
Players can technically enter the portal whenever they want. But to avoid sitting out a season, they need to do it within their sport’s official “windows.”
For college baseball, the portal window opened on Monday, June 2, and stays open for 45 days. That gives players a chance to explore their options without losing eligibility.
Deciding to Enter the Portal
Entering the portal doesn’t always mean a player is definitely leaving. Some change their minds and stick with their current team.
Still, for most, entering the portal suggests there’s some dissatisfaction—on the player’s side, the program’s side, or both. Usually, players who enter the portal don’t come back, and teams often remove them from the roster right away.
Impact on Texas Baseball
Tommy Farmer IV’s move to the transfer portal is just one part of a larger shift in the Texas baseball program. After a season-ending loss to UTSA in the Austin Regional, a handful of other players have also said they’re leaving.
- Sam Richardson – Third baseman/outfielder
- Matt Scott – Outfielder
- Donovan Jordan – Outfielder
- Chance Covert – Left-handed pitcher
- Ace Whitehead – Pitcher
With these departures, the Longhorns are clearly in a period of transition. Losing experienced players stings, but it also cracks the door open for fresh faces and returning players to step up. Who knows—maybe it sparks something new.
Looking Ahead
Tommy Farmer IV and his teammates are making moves in the transfer portal. Their choices could really change the direction of Texas baseball.
For Farmer, the portal opens up a shot at joining a new program. He wants to keep growing as a player and make an impact somewhere fresh.
Texas, on the other hand, gets a moment to pause and rethink things. They’ll be looking at new recruits and figuring out how to build the next wave of talent.
If you want more on how this story is unfolding, check out 247Sports.
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