Two-Time Pitcher of the Year Kyle Johnson Transfers From Duke to Virginia, BURG Sports Community Celebrates Riverside High School Alum

BURG Sports followers, we have breaking news that’s sure to resonate across the high school diamonds and collegiate mounds: Two-time Pitcher of the Year and Riverside High School legend Kyle Johnson is on the move. After beginning his college baseball career at Duke University, Johnson has officially announced he is transferring to the University of Virginia to continue his collegiate journey.

This isn’t just a transfer; it’s a statement.

For those who have followed Johnson’s trajectory from high school stardom to ACC-level promise, this move marks another chapter in a storybook career that has continually exceeded expectations. Riverside fans, Duke supporters, and now Virginia followers are all tuning in to watch what comes next for a young man who has consistently embraced every challenge with maturity, poise, and unshakable determination.

Kyle Johnson’s baseball journey began long before his first high school pitch. He was the kid who showed up early to team workouts, the one staying late to throw bullpen sessions with volunteer coaches, the student who excelled in the classroom with the same intensity he showed on the mound. It was no surprise when he became a dominant force at Riverside High School, earning the title of Pitcher of the Year not once, but twice, and establishing himself as one of the most feared arms in the state.

His senior year at Riverside was something out of a movie. Johnson racked up strikeouts in the triple digits, limited walks to near-zero, and led the Pirates to deep playoff runs with pinpoint command, electric velocity, and a presence on the mound that screamed future star. Scouts took notice. Colleges came calling. And eventually, Duke University secured the commitment of one of the top right-handed pitchers in the region.

At Duke, Johnson faced the reality check that comes with stepping into Division I baseball. He wasn’t just playing against high school hitters anymore; he was facing nationally ranked lineups with players bound for professional careers. But Johnson never backed down. He embraced the grind, learned from veteran teammates, adjusted to the new pace, and carved out innings as a freshman that spoke volumes about his potential.

Still, for reasons both personal and professional, Johnson made the difficult but mature decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal following the 2024 season. He did so with respect for the Duke program, gratitude for the coaching staff, and a deep desire to find the environment that best aligned with his long-term goals.

And now, after a rigorous process and plenty of speculation, Johnson has announced that the University of Virginia will be his new home.

This decision wasn’t made lightly. The Cavaliers have become a powerhouse in college baseball, known for their elite player development, pro-ready conditioning programs, and a winning culture that routinely lands them in Omaha. For a player like Johnson—someone with an eye on Major League Baseball—Virginia checks every box. With their track record of grooming pitchers for the next level, he steps into a situation where he can develop not only as a pitcher, but as a complete athlete and competitor.

Virginia fans, rejoice. You’re getting more than a big arm. You’re getting a competitor, a leader, and someone whose work ethic is as sharp as his slider. Johnson brings a fastball that sits in the low-to-mid 90s, a devastating breaking ball, and a changeup that has fooled some of the best college hitters in the country. But more than that, he brings experience, toughness, and a relentless drive to succeed.

From a statistical standpoint, Johnson showed flashes of brilliance at Duke. He struck out batters at an elite clip, demonstrated an ability to pitch in high-pressure situations, and proved capable of going deep into games against some of the ACC’s toughest opponents. But what stood out most to scouts and coaches wasn’t just his stuff—it was his poise.

When the game sped up, Kyle slowed down. When the count was full, the bases loaded, and the crowd roaring, he found a way to silence it all and make the pitch. That’s what makes a pitcher great—not just the velocity or the movement, but the mentality.

Johnson’s transfer to Virginia also opens up exciting possibilities within the Cavaliers’ pitching rotation. With a few departures from the previous year, UVA is looking to reload with arms that can contribute right away, and Johnson fits the bill. Whether he enters as a weekend starter, middle reliever, or long-term anchor, one thing is certain: he’s going to have a massive impact.

Back at Riverside High School, the news of Johnson’s transfer was met with pride and celebration. Former coaches, teammates, and fans flooded social media with messages of support, videos of his iconic high school performances, and heartfelt congratulations. BURG Sports was among the first to recognize Johnson’s potential back then—and we couldn’t be prouder today.

“Watching Kyle develop into the pitcher and young man he is today has been a blessing,” said one of his former high school coaches. “He’s earned every bit of this opportunity, and we know Virginia’s getting a real gem.”

For Riverside, his journey is a reminder of what’s possible when talent meets discipline. Johnson didn’t rely on natural ability alone; he put in the hours, studied the craft, and committed to getting better every single day. Young players looking up to him now have a clear blueprint: work hard, stay humble, and never lose sight of your goals.

And for Johnson himself, this transfer is more than just a move on paper—it’s a decision rooted in belief. Belief in his talent. Belief in his ability to thrive in a new environment. Belief in the next phase of his career.

He’ll arrive in Charlottesville with more experience, more polish, and a chip on his shoulder. The kind that drives elite athletes to reach their ceiling. The kind that turns top prospects into MLB draftees. The kind that inspires teammates and terrifies opponents.

The ACC will once again be the proving ground for Kyle Johnson, but this time, it’ll be under the orange and blue of the Virginia Cavaliers. He won’t be sneaking up on anyone. Everyone knows who he is now. But Johnson has never needed to surprise anyone—he just needs the ball in his hand and a target in sight.

So to our BURG Sports family, thank you for riding along this journey with us—from Kyle’s high school heroics to his big-stage battles in the NCAA. And to Kyle: we salute you. Your story is still being written, and we’ll be here for every pitch.

Congratulations, Kyle Johnson. From Riverside to Duke and now Virginia—your journey continues, and we can’t wait to see where it leads.