NC State baseball lands commitment from LSU transfer INF Mikey Ryan.

NC State baseball has strengthened its infield depth for the 2026 season by landing a commitment from LSU transfer infielder **Mikey Ryan**, the 6-foot, 195-pound sophomore from Luling, Louisiana. Ryan, a standout at LSU this past season, brings a blend of defensive prowess, speed, and high-upside offensive potential to the Wolfpack lineup ([backingthepack.com][1]).

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### 🚀 High School Stardom & Early Promise

Coming out of Rummel High School, Ryan was one of the top prep players in the country. He was ranked as Louisiana’s No. 1 shortstop and earned a Top 75 national freshman rating from Perfect Game ([si.com][2]). His athletic, twitchy swing showcased gap-to-gap pop, with significant speed that made scouts take notice. Despite concerns about chasing power at times, evaluators highlighted his potential to grow into his frame and refine his strike-zone discipline .

MLB Pipeline slotted him between the 4th and 6th round in draft projections, praising his raw tools—solid bat-to-ball skills, speed, and defense—while cautioning about consistency at the plate ([backingthepack.com][1]).

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### 🐯 LSU Debut & Transfer Portal Move

In his true freshman season at LSU under coach Jay Johnson, Ryan saw limited action. He appeared in 16 games—mostly as a defensive late-inning sub—tallying just five plate appearances (three at-bats, one hit) with a .333/.600/.333 slash line ([backingthepack.com][1]). Nearly all of his appearances were on defense, covering shortstop, third, and second base, and he made his final appearance on April 1. While it appears unlikely he’ll receive a redshirt, his defensive flashes reaffirmed his value ([backingthepack.com][1]).

Seeking more opportunity, Ryan entered the transfer portal in early June ([crescentcitysports.com][3]). His choice to join NC State represents a strategic move toward increased playing time and development under coach Elliott Avent and hitting coach Chris Hart.

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### 🌅 Summer Surge in the Northwoods League

Mikey Ryan has taken advantage of summer ball to prove his bat belongs alongside his glove. Playing in the Northwoods League, he’s impressed with a .292 average, .551 on-base percentage, and .479 slugging mark. His profile includes 4 doubles, 1 homer, an elite 30.8% walk rate, 19.2% strikeouts, and an explosive 24 steals in 28 opportunities ([backingthepack.com][1]).

This summer breakout reinforces his MLB Draft potential and signals the kind of offensive project NC State prized during their recruiting pursuit.

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### 🔁 Filling the Infield Void at NC State

NC State’s infield underwent significant turnover via the transfer portal, creating a pressing need for experienced depth ([backingthepack.com][1]). Ryan’s commitment adds versatility—capable at shortstop, second, and third—melding well with a veteran-heavy roster that includes players like Chris McHugh, Luke Nixon, Brandon Novy, Aidan West, and Quinn Bentley ([backingthepack.com][1]).

Seen through the lens of previous transfer additions (e.g., Ryan Jaros, Matt Ossenfort, Trenton Lyons), Ryan stands out for his defensive skillset—“defensive chops” the article highlighted as something his predecessors lacked ([backingthepack.com][1]). While offensive growth remains a work in progress, his Northwoods League performance suggests a positive trajectory.

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### 👨‍🏫 Development Under Chris Hart

Hitting coach Chris Hart is well-regarded nationally for his ability to unlock offensive growth in hitters. The consensus among analysts is that Hart’s tutelage could be transformative for Ryan’s swing refinement and strike-zone awareness .

NC State expects Ryan to benefit from a structured progression. Similar former portal players hit right away but often struggled defensively; Ryan’s value lies in the inverse. If Hart can yield bat gains, Nc State’s infield may be one of the deepest and most athletic in the ACC.

### 🏆 What’s Next for Ryan & the Pack

Ryan joins the Wolfpack with a clear mission—to earn meaningful playing time in a packed infield and assert himself offensively. His established defensive reliability and recent summer surge make him a strong candidate for mid-season lineup integration.

His ultimate trajectory—whether he blossoms into a multi-positional starter or provides key depth—will hinge on his consistency at the plate and how the freshmen next year shape out amid MLB draft uncertainty ([backingthepack.com][1]).

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### 🎯 Final Take

Mikey Ryan’s commitment is a significant pickup for NC State’s infield strategy. With his combination of speed, defense, and evolving bat, he personifies the Pack’s transfer portal philosophy: bringing high-upside, underutilized talent and developing it into on-field impact.

If he maintains this upward momentum under Chris Hart’s coaching, Ryan could become a dynamic piece of Wolfpack baseball for years to come.