Western Kentucky LHP Cal Higgins commits to Texas

The Longhorns land another left-handed arm with bullpen experience.

The Texas Longhorns made another addition to the 2026 pitching staff for Max Weiner with the commitment of Western Kentucky Hilltoppers left-hander Cal Higgins.

The 6’4, 245-pounder has one year of eligibility remaining and pledged to Texas over LSU while on a visit to the Forty Acres.

A native of Kearney, Neb. Higgins spent one season working out of the bullpen for Iowa Western CC before transferring to Western Kentucky, where he struggled as a sophomore with a 9.58 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 20.2 innings over 18 appearances, including four starts.

In 22 appearances as a junior in 2024, Higgins showed significant improvement, 9.58 ERA with 22 strikeouts in 20.2 innings, posting a 3-0 record with a 3.18 ERA, striking out 29 batters in 34.0 innings over 22 appearances while holding opponents to a .218 batting average.

This year, Higgins was working his fastball up to 96 miles per hour, earning second-team All-Conference USA recognition for recording a 1.87 ERA with a 3-2 record and six saves. Opponents only hit .190 against Higgins as he struck out 52 batters in 43.1 innings. In addition to the power arm from the left side, Higgins dominated the zone in 2025, allowing only 11 walks and 28 hits for a WHIP of 0.90.

Higgins is the second pitcher to join Texas from the portal this offseason, along with former Mississippi State left-hander Luke Dotson. Head coach Jim Schlossnagle and his staff have landed six players overall — former Wichita State first baseman Josh Livingston, former Butler outfielder Jack Moroknek, former Georgia State infielder/outfielder Kaleb Freeman, former Seton Hall outfielder Aiden Robbins, and the two pitchers.