Mississippi State Transfer Pitcher Luke Dotson Commits to Texas Longhorns, Bolstering Elite Left-Handed Depth for 2025 Season

The Texas Longhorns have added a critical piece to their 2025 pitching puzzle with the commitment of Mississippi State left-handed pitcher Luke Dotson. In a move that signals Texas’ continued ambition to return to the College World Series and compete at the highest level of college baseball, Dotson’s addition provides both experience and tactical depth from the left side of the mound—a combination that pitching coach Woody Williams and head coach David Pierce are likely thrilled to welcome.

Dotson, a 6-foot-3 southpaw with an imposing presence and a developing arsenal, entered the transfer portal earlier this month after spending two seasons in Starkville. While his time with the Bulldogs didn’t include headline-grabbing statistics or front-line starter status, his raw stuff, competitive makeup, and left-handed versatility attracted plenty of attention from elite programs around the country. Texas moved quickly, aggressively pursuing the Georgia native, and ultimately won out over several SEC and ACC programs vying for his services.

This marks a calculated and impactful addition for the Longhorns, who are eyeing a deeper pitching staff for the 2025 campaign following another postseason run that ended short of Omaha. With Luke Harrison graduating and the status of several current pitchers uncertain due to the MLB Draft or injury recoveries, Dotson’s presence becomes a cornerstone for Texas’ left-handed options. He figures to slot in as either a high-leverage reliever or a back-end starter, depending on how the rest of the rotation shapes up over the offseason.

Dotson’s decision wasn’t just about playing time or exposure. According to sources close to the recruitment, he was drawn to Texas’ development-first culture, the championship expectations, and the opportunity to play under a coaching staff known for elevating pitching potential. His own words echoed that sentiment in a statement he posted to social media shortly after his commitment.

“Hook ’Em! I’m blessed and excited to announce my commitment to The University of Texas,” Dotson wrote. “Grateful for Mississippi State and everything they gave me, but ready for a new chapter in Austin. Let’s chase greatness.”

The move comes at a pivotal moment in Dotson’s career. After a freshman year at Mississippi State where innings were hard to come by amid a deep staff, he saw more usage this past season, particularly in midweek starts and late-inning relief. Over 24.1 innings, he posted a 3.70 ERA with 32 strikeouts, showing flashes of dominance—especially against left-handed hitters, who batted just .182 against him.

His fastball sits in the low 90s and touches 94 with tailing action that runs in on righties, while his slider is a legitimate wipeout pitch when he commands it. The biggest challenge for Dotson at Mississippi State was consistency, particularly with his command and pitch sequencing. Texas believes that a more defined role, better situational usage, and a player-specific developmental plan could unlock his breakout potential in 2025.

Dotson also brings a level of competitiveness and SEC seasoning that can’t be overstated. Having pitched in pressure-packed environments like Dudy Noble Field and on the road against top-10 teams, he’s not just physically ready but mentally hardened for what lies ahead. He’s already battle-tested in a conference where mistakes are magnified and stuff needs to miss bats.

What also makes this transfer especially intriguing is how Dotson fits into Texas’ evolving pitching philosophy. Under Williams’ guidance, Texas has emphasized pitch efficiency, strike-throwing, and movement over velocity alone. Dotson’s fastball-slider combo already checks two of those boxes, and with improvements in command and possibly adding a changeup into the mix, he could quickly become one of the most effective lefties in the Big 12—or whatever version of the conference Texas plays in as realignment continues to shuffle the deck.

From a roster management standpoint, the Longhorns are hitting the transfer portal with purpose this offseason. Dotson is the second confirmed pitching transfer for Texas this summer, with whispers of more bullpen help on the way. There’s a renewed sense of urgency in the program, not just to reach Omaha, but to win it all. Texas hasn’t raised a national championship trophy since 2005, and while they’ve made several trips to the College World Series in the past decade, that last step remains elusive.

Dotson’s commitment, while not the splashiest, is emblematic of how the Longhorns are building for sustained postseason success—targeting players who fit their system, come with upside, and can deliver in pressure moments.

Recruiting insiders note that Texas zeroed in on Dotson within days of his portal entry. They liked his mechanics, the downhill angle he creates, and his ability to throw strikes in pressure moments. During his visit to Austin last week, Dotson was reportedly impressed by the campus, facilities, and team camaraderie. He also had in-depth meetings with the coaching staff about how they saw his role, which further sold him on the idea of donning the burnt orange.

Those close to the program believe Dotson could thrive in either a multi-inning relief role or develop into a weekend starter, particularly if Texas loses any arms to the MLB Draft. While it’s too early to project exact usage, insiders say Texas views Dotson as someone who can immediately compete for key innings.

His presence also has a ripple effect on the bullpen. With Dotson in the fold, it allows returning right-handers to slide into more favorable matchups and alleviates pressure on younger arms who may have been forced into high-leverage roles too soon. Balance across the staff is key, and Dotson helps provide just that.

Off the field, Dotson brings leadership and a team-first attitude. He was a favorite among teammates at Mississippi State for his work ethic and willingness to embrace any role. Those same traits will serve him well in a program like Texas, where competition is fierce, and every inning matters.

The Longhorns will now look to further solidify their staff with at least one more lefty, ideally a high-leverage reliever or swingman with SEC or ACC experience. But make no mistake—Dotson was near the top of their wishlist, and landing him sends a clear message that Texas remains a top destination for high-end transfers looking for a fresh start and a title shot.

With the 2025 season still months away, the addition of Luke Dotson is one of many dominoes to fall. But for Texas fans, it’s a promising sign that the staff is being proactive, intentional, and aggressive in assembling a team that can go toe-to-toe with the best in the nation.

As fall workouts approach and rosters begin to crystallize, all eyes will be on how Dotson adapts to his new environment—and whether Austin will be the place where his full potential finally takes center stage. Given the tools, the mentality, and the opportunity, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Luke Dotson turns out to be one of the key arms that Texas rides deep into June.