HBCU Baseball players worked hard in the weight room and during their fieldwork. Coaches have them getting stronger, faster, and mentally prepared for their upcoming spring season. Players are energized. The main goal is to have a lot of competition at every position this year. The head coach brings in transfers that will impact the program and is very excited to see them on the field competing.
Below is a list of transfer players for the 2025 season who have transferred to HBCU baseball large school NCAA Division I, small school NCAA Division II, and NAIA programs. This list is mostly based on the players who were ranked among the top prospects entering their respective programs in fall ball from August 2024.
Black College Nines (BCN) takes an in-depth look at the top crop of transfer players at HBCU Baseball programs. Usually, pitchers get the most looks before anyone else. We at BCN don’t necessarily look for the top players as they step on campus, but rather the talent they bring to fill the needs and the commitment that makes everybody around them better. This is meant to give an idea of where they will be during the regular season.
Alabama A&M University
Jaiden Proper (Morehouse)
The Morehouse College transfer threw 50.1 innings on the mound with 55 strikeouts.
Trey Rutledge (Miles College)
Rutledge hits to all fields, evidenced in the 50 hits in 46 games, 4 home runs, and 34 runs driven in which includes a .676 slugging percentage. Slugged .571 and had 31 of 35 stolen bases. Good fit for Alabama A&M. a .507 on base percentage (10th SWAC), 1.09 RBI per game ranked 7th in the conference.
Bethune Cookman University
Armani Newton (Florida Gulf Coast University)
Florida Gulf Coast University before arriving to B-CU. Armani had a really good fall and should see time in the outfield as well as 1B. Armani showed the ability to hit for power while also having really good strike-zone awareness. He recorded some of the highest exit velocities off of Trackman and Bethune is looking forward to his continued development this upcoming season.
Jeter Polledo (Wake Forest)
Came from Wake Forest in the ACC. Jeter has made tremendous strides this fall both defensively and offensively. Jeter should show plus range from the shortstop position with a good arm and has the ability to impact the game offensively.
Jean Zambrano RHP (Barry University)
Came from NCAA D2 program Barry University. Zambrano is an elite strike thrower who commands all three pitches and will find himself in either the starting rotation or in a long relief role this upcoming season.
Darryl Lee (Coastal Alabama Community College)
Coastal Alabama CC. Darryl is a left-handed hitting outfielder who covers a ton of ground and showed the ability to hit to all fields. Darryl has really good bat-to-ball skills and at Coastal CC he hit .337 with 12 home runs and 48 RBI’s. The Wildcats are looking forward to Darryl making an immediate impact on the program.
Christopher Watson (Meridian Community College)
Sustained an injury during the early part of the fall, but made significant strides. Has the ability to slug and has a really good arm from the RF position. Completed his career at Meridian hitting .338 with 8 home runs and 59 RBIs.
Reinaldo Plasencia (Western Oklahoma State College)
JUCO transfer who should hit in the middle of the order from Western Oklahoma State College. Should play at 3B for B-CU this upcoming spring. Reinaldo last season hit .345 with 12 home runs and had 41 RBIs for WOSC.
Jesus Vanegas (Tallahassee State College)
Had a good fall at the plate. Looking for Vanegas to continue to develop defensively and should see action in the middle of the lineup for B-CU and play 2B. Wrapped up his sophomore campaign at TSC hitting .327 with 7 home runs and 35 RBIs.
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
Vinny Saumell (Arkansas State)
A switch hitting catcher, should anchor the Golden Lions behind the plate.
Jesus Riera (Alabama A&M) 
Riera should lead the middle infield at SS. Hit 6 home runs and 31 runs batted in last year for Alabama A&M.
Lincoln University (PA)
Keith Gardener (South Eastern CC)
Keith is a serious presence in the lineup and will play 1B and DH. His ability to stay on pitches and hit for power provides some real length to what they do offensively. He is a strong presence at 1B that allows the IF to be comfortable.
Kenneth Gaskins (University Maryland Eastern Shores)
Kenneth is a smooth fielding 1B with a smooth swing from the left side. His ability to hit for power and provide a strong target at 1B will afford him ample opportunities to see regular action in the lineup.
Aaron Graves II ( Fayetville Tech)
Graves ability to patrol the OF and pitch will provide some real 2-way opportunities to impact the program. Expect some real chaos to be created with him on the bases and his ability to stay through the baseball at the plate will show with a ability to reach base frequently and hit with some pull side power.
Talladege College
Emilio Duque (Texas A&M International)
Left-handed pitcher with excellent command and control, a fastball clocking in at 88-90 mph, and a devastating change-up that will make an immediate impact on the mound.
Diego Duque (Texas A&M International)
A dynamic two-way player, Duque adds power to the lineup and brings a lefty arm to the rotation with great command and secondary pitches. He is expected to play a significant role both offensively and on the mound.
Mississippi Valley State University
Jaxon Haynes (Ranger College)
MVSU is counting on Haynes showing up everyday behind the plate. Plus defender who will hit in the middle of the lineup.
James Rivera (Chaffey College)
RHP threw 70 innings recording 73 strikeouts with a 5.12 earned run average.
Claflin University
Xavier Campbell (Rust College)
Transfer will start on the mound. He’s been consistently 90-92 mph throughout the fall.
Florida Memorial University
Christopher Marte (Coppin State) Freshman last season C/1B/3B/RHP started in 42 of 43 games he appeared in, seeing time at catcher, first base and designated hitter with nine doubles, five home runs and 26 RBI.
Honorable Mention:
Texas Southern University – Calvin McClendon, Kewan Braziel, Bryce Hughes, Elijah Rodriguez
Morris College – Julian Scott, and Dylan Levy. Both are Spartanburg Methodist transfers that will bring in experience from the junior college level to a young Morris College team. They will bring power and speed to the top half of the line up this season.
Bluefield State University – Will Ricketts – transferring from Frostburg State, has made a name for himself with an impressive career ERA of 0.98. He has showcased his skills in summer collegiate leagues, playing for the Winchester Royals and the Purcellville Cannons of Valley League. Anderson Moreno joins Bluefield State after a successful stint at Southern New Hampshire University. He earned his place on the ALL Region Team and was recognized as part of the ALL-Tournament Team during the NCAA Division 2 Championship.
Southern University – Cardell Thibodeaux brings speed and versatility to the outfield.
Southern University – Edward Gregory adds depth and skill to the infield.
Mississippi Valley State University – Jace Jones 1B/RHP South Florida State .289 / 5 HR / 34 RBI.
Prairie View A&M University – Sebastian Paz Solid and versatile defensive infielder that plays primarily 1B, but can play 3B and 2B as well. Solid offensively with gap to gap power.