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Former USC Trojans Infielder Adrian Lopez Transfers to Big Ten Rival USCs baseball program returned to center stage during his historic run in the 2026 season an overall record of 48-18, nationally ranked bullpen, snapped a tw May 31, 2025; Corvallis, OR, USA; USC infielder Adrian Lopez waves off a teammate as he tags first base during the ninth inning against Saint Mary's at Goss Stadium.
| IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect USCs baseball program returned to center stage during his historic run in the 2026 season an overall record of 48-18, nationally ranked bullpen, snapped a two-decade long drought with their College Station Regional victory and a Super Regional appearance.
Just as the Trojans were starting to build momentum for the future, the offseason might have changed the Trojans trajectory.The 2026 MLB Draft and the transfer portal put a dent in the Trojans roster.
One of Southern Cals biggest losses to the portal was infielder Adrian Lopez, who announced his departure from USC on June 29.
May 31, 2025; Corvallis, OR, USA; USC pitcher Caden Hunter high-fives teammates after a game against Saint Mary's at the NCAA Corvallis Regional at Goss Stadium.Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect As of July 12, the former Trojan will take his talents to the USCs longtime rival, the Oregon Ducks.
Oregon finished the 2026 season with an overall record of 43-18, hosted and won the Eugene Regional and made an appearance in the Super Regionals.
The Ducks also went 2-1 versus the Trojans during the regular season.Throughout the 2026 season, the California native served as the middle-of-the-order anchor due to his consistent batting and ability to produce runs.
Although Augie Lopez and Mason Edwards garnered most of the attention during the Trojans postseason run, Lopezs consistency gave life to their struggling offense.
In the playoffs, Lopez accounted for nine runs, eight hits, five RBI, a double, a triple and two home runs.Through 65 games, the former Trojan posted 68 runs, 77 hits, 15 doubles, two triples, 13 home runs, 47 RBI, a .304 batting average and an OPS .915.
June 7, 2026; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; USC Trojans head coach Andy Stankiewicz approaches the mound to coach his team in the ninth inning against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Boshamer Stadium.Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectJun 5, 2026; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; USC Trojans pitcher Mason Edwards reacts during the first inning after striking out the North Carolina Tar Heels at Boshamer Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Ace Mason Edwards, the Big Ten Pitcher of the Year, was selected in the second round by the Athletics.He finished the 2026 season with 95.2 innings pitched, 2.07 ERA, 169 strikeouts and an 8-0 record.
Catcher Augie Lopez, who originally entered the transfer portal, was drafted at No.
305 in Round 10 by the San Diego Padres.
Lopez was a dynamic player for the Trojans offense, posting 50 runs, 63 hits, 14 doubles, 19 home runs, 57 RBI, .278 batting average and an OPS of .954.The Trojans also lost two other bullpen members their No.
2 pitcher in Grant Govel.
Govel was selected at No.
568 by the Pittsburgh Pirates and right-handed pitcher Adam Troy to the Philadelphia Phillies.
Luke A.
Perez is a writer for USC Trojans On SI.
Luke started his sports career as a recreational flag and tackle football coach.He continues his passion for coaching as a Youth Engagement Coach for the Los Angeles Rams where he serves the L.A.
community.
At Azusa Pacific University, where Luke received his BA in Journalism, he worked as the News Section Editor for the student-run media outlet.
Shortly after graduating, Luke joined 247Sports as a Trending Sports Writer.
Luke became a high school sports contributor for Southern California News Group to cover football in the San Gabriel Valley.When Luke isn't watching football or combat sports, he's at the movies, checking out new cafes, catching up on books, or enjoying a run at the beach.