UNC Lands Nation’s Top Overall (LHP/Outfielder) From Portal: Erik Paulsen Commits to Tar Heels Over LSU, WVU, and Tennessee
In a major win on the transfer portal front, the University of North Carolina baseball program has secured a commitment from the nation’s top-ranked two-way player in the portal: Erik Paulsen. The dominant left-handed pitcher and outfielder announced on Thursday that he’s headed to Chapel Hill, choosing the Tar Heels over other elite contenders including LSU, West Virginia, and Tennessee.
Paulsen, a 6-foot-4 standout from the University of San Diego, had drawn widespread interest from across the country after entering the portal earlier this summer. With a fastball consistently hitting 96 mph and a lefty swing that has delivered serious pop at the plate, Paulsen was considered the No. 1 overall transfer prospect by multiple outlets. His rare two-way ability immediately makes him one of the most valuable additions in college baseball heading into the 2025 season.
“I wanted a place where I could compete at the highest level, continue developing both on the mound and at the plate, and be surrounded by a winning culture,” Paulsen said in his commitment post. “After visiting Chapel Hill, talking with Coach Forbes and the staff, and getting a feel for the campus, I knew this was where I wanted to be.”
Paulsen’s impact is expected to be immediate and substantial for the Tar Heels, who are coming off a strong postseason run but are losing several key contributors to the MLB Draft. On the mound, Paulsen posted a 2.43 ERA in 78 innings last season, striking out 103 batters while walking just 19. At the plate, he hit .314 with 9 home runs and 37 RBIs, playing primarily in left field and occasionally at first base.
“He’s a game-changer,” UNC head coach Scott Forbes said. “It’s not every day you get a guy who can start on Friday nights and hit cleanup. Erik is the kind of competitor who makes everyone around him better. He’s the total package.”
The addition of Paulsen not only boosts North Carolina’s chances at contending for an ACC title and a return trip to Omaha, but also reaffirms the program’s rising national profile in the new era of college baseball, where portal recruiting plays a pivotal role in sustained success.
Paulsen’s decision to pick UNC over powerhouse programs like LSU and Tennessee is particularly notable. LSU was widely seen as the early frontrunner due to their rich history and recent national title, while Tennessee and West Virginia made strong late pushes. But in the end, Paulsen cited UNC’s strong developmental track record, its balanced approach to two-way players, and the campus atmosphere as the deciding factors.
With Paulsen now on board, UNC has positioned itself as one of the most dangerous and balanced teams in the country for 2025. And for fans in Chapel Hill, the arrival of a player like Erik Paulsen signals that Tar Heel baseball is not just building for the future—it’s aiming to dominate it.
