In one of the most unexpected commitments of the summer, two-time College World Series champion catcher Jake Hollister has announced his pledge to the University of North Carolina, turning down powerhouse programs LSU, Texas A&M, and Vanderbilt. The stunning decision, made official during a press conference held in Chapel Hill, sends a powerful message that the Tar Heels are becoming a serious national player on the recruiting trail.
Hollister, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound backstop out of Orange Lutheran High School in California, is widely regarded as one of the top catchers in the 2025 class. His rare combination of leadership, championship pedigree, defensive command, and clutch hitting made him one of the most sought-after prospects in the country. But despite visits to some of the most tradition-rich programs in the SEC, the California native shocked the baseball world by choosing UNC.
> “I wanted a place that felt like home, where I could lead a team and build something special,” Hollister said. “UNC just felt right. The coaching staff believed in me from the start, and I want to help bring a national title to Chapel Hill.”
A Blow to the SEC
Hollister’s commitment represents a major recruiting win for the Tar Heels—and a significant loss for several SEC contenders. LSU and Vanderbilt, both known for producing MLB-caliber catchers, were long considered frontrunners. Texas A&M had made a late push with strong NIL incentives and a promise of early playing time.
LSU, in particular, had reason to believe Hollister would wear purple and gold. The Tigers’ championship-caliber roster and track record with catchers made them an ideal destination. With Hollister already boasting two CWS titles playing club ball, many saw LSU as a natural continuation of that success.
But North Carolina never wavered. Head coach Scott Forbes and his staff remained consistent in their messaging and emphasized the role Hollister could play in leading a new era of Tar Heel baseball. The plan worked.
> “He’s not just a player—we believe Jake is the type of catcher who can change a program,” Forbes said. “His presence behind the plate, leadership, and big-game experience are things you just can’t teach.”
Building a Contender in Chapel Hill
With Hollister in the fold, UNC’s 2025 recruiting class climbs into the national top 10 and becomes one of the program’s strongest in the last decade. He joins a group of high-upside arms and position players that could elevate the Tar Heels back into serious College World Series contention.
UNC hasn’t reached Omaha since 2018, but Hollister’s arrival brings renewed hope and momentum. He’s expected to contribute from day one, not only with his glove and game-calling skills but also with a potent bat that has delivered in high-pressure moments throughout his amateur career.
In 2024, Hollister hit .391 with 11 home runs, 38 RBIs, and threw out 42% of would-be base stealers. He was also named MVP of the Under Armour All-America Game and helped Team USA U18 to a gold medal.
A Symbolic Shift?
Hollister’s decision may also signal a subtle but significant shift in college baseball’s recruiting balance. For years, elite talent—especially in key positions like catcher—gravitated toward SEC titans. But with NIL expanding and programs like UNC building more competitive rosters and facilities, the playing field is beginning to even out.
> “This commitment says a lot about how players view UNC,” said 247Sports analyst Mike Rosen. “They’re no longer a stepping stone or an afterthought. They’re competing toe-to-toe with the big boys now.”
As recruiting battles intensify across college baseball, North Carolina just landed a big win in the war for elite talent.
And for Jake Hollister, the path to Chapel Hill may have surprised many—but he’s right where he wants to be.
> “The banners, the stadiums, the hype—it’s all great,” he said. “But I want to win in Carolina blue. That’s the legacy I want to build.”