Three Key Texas Longhorns Pitchers Reportedly Spurn MLB Draft Opportunities to Return and Chase Omaha Glory in 2026 Season

In an era where elite college baseball talent frequently turns pro at the first chance, the Texas Longhorns just received a major boost that could alter the trajectory of their 2026 campaign. According to multiple reports, three prominent pitchers from last year’s squad — Tanner Witt, Gage Wood, and Andre Duplantier II — have informed the program that they will forego the 2025 MLB Draft and return to Austin for another season.

The decision, while surprising to some draft analysts, is being hailed by Texas fans and coaches alike as a massive win. Each pitcher brings a unique value to the staff and collectively provides stability, leadership, and experience to a rotation that had several question marks entering the offseason. The trio’s return immediately vaults Texas into early national relevance and sends a strong message: the Longhorns are all-in on a run to Omaha.

For a program that has reached college baseball’s promised land more than any other in history, the 2025 season ended in bitter disappointment. Texas was eliminated in the regional round, a frustrating early exit for a team that flashed moments of brilliance but lacked consistency, especially on the mound. These three pitchers returning ensures that next year’s Longhorns will feature one of the most experienced and potentially dominant staffs in the Big 12, if not the nation.

Tanner Witt: Rewriting His Legacy

Tanner Witt’s story is one of perseverance, patience, and unfinished business. Once seen as a surefire first-round MLB Draft prospect, Witt returned in 2024 following Tommy John surgery with expectations sky-high. However, his return to form was slower than anticipated. Though flashes of brilliance were there — including a dominant seven-inning performance against TCU — Witt struggled at times with control and velocity inconsistency, leading scouts to drop his draft stock significantly.

With another offseason to get stronger and refine his mechanics, Witt now has an opportunity to reassert himself as a Friday night ace. His fastball can still touch the mid-90s, and his curveball, when right, remains one of the most unhittable pitches in college baseball. A healthy, confident Witt could not only lead Texas back to Omaha but also elevate his draft stock in a way that ensures a lucrative professional future.

But for now, it’s clear that Witt’s focus is on the burnt orange and white. Sources close to the program say he was heavily involved in end-of-season meetings and took on more of a leadership role in summer workouts. His return is more than just about baseball—it’s about legacy.

Gage Wood: The Transfer Who Found a Home

Gage Wood’s journey to Texas began with a transfer from Arkansas, and his first season with the Longhorns exceeded most expectations. Initially viewed as a bullpen arm, Wood quickly established himself as a trusted high-leverage reliever and occasional spot starter. He finished the 2025 season with a 2.89 ERA, 58 strikeouts in 43 innings, and a reputation for being unflappable under pressure.

Scouts were intrigued by his rising fastball and deceptive delivery, but Wood reportedly felt he could develop further with another year in the Longhorns’ system. He’s also expressed how much he enjoys pitching in Austin, crediting the fan support and pitching coach Caleb Longley with helping him find consistency and confidence.

With another year under his belt, Wood is likely to slide into a more prominent role. Depending on how the staff shapes up, he could contend for a weekend starter spot or continue to be deployed as an elite reliever capable of multiple innings. Either way, Texas benefits enormously from his return. His competitive edge and versatility give David Pierce’s staff invaluable flexibility.

Andre Duplantier II: The Veteran Bulldog

The most experienced of the trio, Andre Duplantier II has been with the Texas program since 2021 and has seen it all—from Omaha appearances to early tournament exits. In 2025, he transitioned into a hybrid role, making starts while also closing games when needed. His numbers—3.45 ERA with 72 strikeouts across 67 innings—don’t fully encapsulate how vital he was to Texas’ success.

Duplantier’s fastball-slider combo and fearless demeanor make him a trusted option in any situation. But more than anything, it’s his leadership that sets him apart. Teammates regularly referred to him as a “glue guy” in the locker room, and coaches credited him with holding the pitching staff together during injury-riddled stretches.

Now entering what will be his final collegiate season, Duplantier returns not just to add polish to his own resume, but to help guide the next generation of Longhorn pitchers. His decision to pass on the draft, despite being viewed as a potential mid-round selection, speaks volumes about his commitment to the program and belief in what Texas can accomplish next season.

What This Means for Texas Baseball in 2026

The return of Witt, Wood, and Duplantier dramatically alters the outlook for 2026. Combined, the trio brings over 200 innings of experience, a variety of pitch arsenals, and high-level competitiveness. That’s the kind of core that championship-caliber teams are built around.

Texas will still need to address offensive inconsistencies and shore up its infield defense, but with a stable, veteran-led pitching staff, the margin for error grows wider. Younger arms can develop at their own pace, and new recruits benefit from mentorship in ways that go beyond the field.

Coach David Pierce, who entered last season with some pressure to produce postseason success, now finds himself with a golden opportunity. If the staff stays healthy and the offense evolves, Texas could very well return to the top of the Big 12 and beyond. Having three battle-tested arms leading the charge makes that vision more tangible than ever.

In a college baseball landscape shaped increasingly by NIL opportunities and transfer portal chaos, seeing three pitchers opt for loyalty and legacy over instant professional gain is a rare and refreshing sight. For Texas fans, it’s a signal that the foundation of the program is still strong — and still rooted in tradition, development, and winning.

Draft Implications and Long-Term Benefits

There’s no doubt all three pitchers weighed the decision heavily. The 2025 MLB Draft class is considered deep, and the financial incentives to leave early are always significant. However, their return may ultimately be the smartest long-term move.

For Witt, another healthy season with elite production could recapture first-round attention. For Wood and Duplantier, refining secondary pitches and showcasing versatility will only add to their value. More importantly, playing another year in the high-profile spotlight of Texas baseball, under a coaching staff familiar with their strengths, might provide the optimal setting to enhance both development and draft stock.

And then there’s the less quantifiable, but equally important element — college memories. Witt, Wood, and Duplantier have a chance to compete for a national title with teammates they trust, fans who adore them, and a program that has supported their growth. That’s not something every player gets to experience twice.

With Witt, Wood, and Duplantier anchoring the 2026 pitching staff, Texas suddenly looks not just like a contender, but a team with unfinished business. Omaha is the goal, and now, the roadmap to get there seems far clearer.

The trio’s return doesn’t guarantee a national title. But it does guarantee leadership, experience, and the kind of competitive fire that separates good teams from great ones. In the arms race of college baseball, Texas just took a major step forward — and perhaps even lit the spark for a season that could be remembered in Austin for a long time.