Duke Loses Seven to Transfer Portal After Chris Pollard’s Exit, Including Star Pitcher Henry Zatkowski

When Duke baseball head coach Chris Pollard accepted the head coaching job at Virginia on Tuesday, it didn’t just mark the end of a wildly successful era in Durham — it sparked a rapid chain reaction that saw seven Blue Devils, including standout left-handed pitcher Henry Zatkowski, enter the NCAA transfer portal within 24 hours. For longtime followers of the program, this wasn’t a shocking development. In fact, for some, it was entirely predictable.

Pollard’s departure didn’t just signal a coaching change — it signaled a seismic shift in Duke baseball’s immediate future. Over 13 seasons, Pollard accomplished what many thought impossible at a basketball-centric school. He turned the Blue Devils into a consistent NCAA Tournament presence, guiding them to more postseason victories than the program had recorded in its previous 66 years combined. Under his watch, Duke emerged from the shadows of its ACC baseball counterparts and built a reputation as one of the most competitive, well-coached, and resilient squads in the country.

But success, particularly when built by one man, is fragile in today’s NCAA landscape. And when that man leaves, others often follow. That was the case this week, as the portal opened up for Duke baseball players looking to reevaluate their future following Pollard’s exit.

Among the seven players to enter the transfer portal, none looms larger — literally or figuratively — than Henry Zatkowski. Known as “Big Hen” by teammates and fans, Zatkowski has been a rising star in the ACC. A towering presence on the mound, the left-hander brought a mix of velocity, craft, and command that made him one of the conference’s most reliable arms. He was also a fan favorite, earning the tongue-in-cheek nickname “Henry XII” from Duke die-hards — a nod to both his jersey number and the royalty-like status he carried among the faithful at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

So when Pollard’s move to Charlottesville was announced, the first instinct for many wasn’t to speculate about who would replace him — it was to wonder how soon Zatkowski would pack his bags. That answer came swiftly.

Within a day, Zatkowski had entered the portal, joining a growing list of teammates seeking a new opportunity in the wake of their coach’s departure. While the portal has become a routine part of college sports, the speed and scale of this particular exodus signal deeper implications. For one, it underscores the unique bond players felt with Pollard. This wasn’t just about a coaching change — it was a relational fracture. For many of these players, their commitment to Duke was also a commitment to Pollard’s leadership, his vision, and his development plan for each athlete.

Zatkowski’s next move remains the subject of speculation, but one logical destination is clear: Virginia. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the southpaw follow Pollard to Charlottesville, where he could continue his trajectory under the coach who helped mold him. The Cavaliers are already one of the nation’s premier programs, and adding Zatkowski would only bolster their pitching rotation for the 2026 season. His familiarity with Pollard’s system and coaching style would allow for a seamless transition — and potentially a career-defining year.

For now, though, Duke fans are left grappling with what feels like a full reset. In the span of 24 hours, the program lost not just a foundational head coach, but also a chunk of the roster that helped carry them to the top of the ACC in recent years. The portal departures include a mix of experienced veterans and younger players with upside — a reminder that rebuilding isn’t just about hiring a coach, but about rebuilding trust, stability, and momentum.

Replacing Pollard won’t be easy. His track record speaks for itself. Under his guidance, Duke reached Super Regionals, produced MLB Draft picks, and elevated expectations across the board. He took over a program that hadn’t seen the NCAA tournament since 1961 and made postseason appearances the norm, not the exception. His legacy isn’t just about wins — it’s about culture, identity, and a belief that Duke could compete with the best in the ACC and beyond.

Zatkowski, meanwhile, represents the type of player every program covets: hard-working, durable, coachable, and clutch. He has the kind of postseason poise that can swing a series, the kind of edge that intimidates opponents, and the kind of loyalty that makes him a coach’s dream. But like so many players in today’s NCAA world, he also has options — and the portal gives him the freedom to pursue the next step in his career without delay.

Should he end up at Virginia, it would not just be a win for Pollard’s new program — it would be a signal that the bond between player and coach can transcend institutional loyalty. Wherever he goes, Zatkowski is expected to make an immediate impact and remain on MLB Draft boards as one of the top lefties in the college game.

As for the Duke faithful, there’s no sugarcoating the sting of this week’s developments. Losing your coach hurts. Losing seven players in the aftermath stings even more. But perhaps the hardest blow is losing a player like Zatkowski — a symbol of how far the program had come under Pollard, and a reminder of how quickly that progress can be put to the test.

The next few weeks will be critical for Duke athletic director Nina King. Hiring the right coach — someone who can steady the ship, retain remaining talent, and continue the growth of the program — is essential. The transfer portal cuts both ways, and Duke may still be able to bring in talent to offset the departures. But the loss of Zatkowski will be felt in the clubhouse, in the rotation, and in the hearts of fans.

For now, the only certainty is change. “Henry XII” may no longer wear a Duke jersey, and Pollard will soon wear Virginia colors, but the legacy they built together will remain part of Duke baseball lore. The challenge now is writing the next chapter.

And if you’re wondering: yes, you can retire the nickname. “Big Hen” may have outgrown Durham, but his story — and Duke’s — is far from over.