The return of the Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry just got a whole lot spicier. Who knew that was even possible? But tickets for next year's games between Texas and Texas A&M are going to be very popular.
Give Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte credit, he has been targeting Jim Schlossnagle to be the next head coach of the University of Texas baseball team … and he got him despite Schloss leading Texas A&M to within one run of their first ever College World Series title.
Nothing says “little brother” more than having your shining new toy taken by the big brother.
Schlossnagle has been at this for 23 years and has only missed the playoffs three times (four if you count the COVID year), that also included his very first year as a head coach at UNLV. In that time, he has led his teams to the College World Series seven times.
So what makes Schloss so good? It’s actually pretty simple. He hires good coaches and then gives them good players.
THE STAFF:
One of David Pierce’s downfall at Texas was his inability to maintain a consistent staff presence. That won’t be a problem under Schlossnagle. Texas A&M was able to win big this year, in no small part, due to his loaded assistant staff.
Pitching coach Max Weiner is an absolute star. Schloss hired him away from the Seattle Mariners where he was the pitching coordinator for four years. In his first season at College Station, the Aggie team ERA dropped from a 5.67 in 2023 to 3.82 in 2024.
“I think just the impact he’s (Weiner) had on everybody, it’s night and day,” Texas A&M pitcher Ryan Prager said. “To do it in one year and build trust with somebody, I think that’s super important, is how quickly you can have somebody trust you and build that relationship. I feel he was able to do that from day one.
“I think that’s truly what’s helped us make some steps forward is that there’s a total buy-in from everybody down there in the bullpen.”
Associate head coach Nolan Cain is the ace recruiter. The former LSU pitcher began his coaching career at his alma mater under head coach Paul Manieri. Cain was able to put together multiple top-5 recruiting classes at Baton Rouge, including a number two ranking by Baseball America in 2020. He has continued to dominate the recruiting trail at A&M pulling in star prospects such as outfielder Jace LaViolette.
These are just the latest protégés to learn their craft under Schlossnagle.
Current D1 coaches who coached under Schloss include Tony Vitello, the Tennessee head coach who just beat Schloss for the College World Series title. Others include; Kirk Saarloos (TCU), Randy Mazey (West Virginia), Bill Mosiello (Ohio State), Steven Trout (Texas State), Derek Matlock (UTRGV), and Ryan Shotzberger (Incarnate Word).
In an ideal world, Wiener and Cain will come with Schloss to Austin. But if they don’t, you can rest assured that he will be able to find capable replacements to fill those roles at UT.
THE PLAYERS:
Schlossnagle is obviously an incredible recruiter of talent when it comes to his coaching staff, but he’s just as tenacious when it comes to recruiting players. The Aggies put together the #4 ranked class this past season (according to D1 Baseball), led by third baseman Gavin Grahovac. The California product immediately stepped in as a starter and hit around .300 and added 27 homers. Caden Sorrell has been another early contributor from the freshman class hitting .275 in 61 games played.
Schlossnagle may be an older coach, but he has embraced the transfer portal in a way that Pierce never did. A&M also pulled in the #4 ranked transfer class led by Braden Montgomery (who missed the CWS finals with an injury). Hayden Schott graduated with a business degree from Columbia (which means he’s smart) and then transferred to A&M for graduate school (which makes you question those smarts). He then stepped up and led the team with a .329 batting average. Jackson Appel is another Ivy League transfer who has been an absolute steal for the Aggies. The Houston native started his career at Penn but came home and all he did was hit .325.
Can Schloss convince any of the current players to come with him to Texas? It's possible. But I don't think it's necessary in order for UT to build up its roster. Schloss will get his guys ... it's what he does.
WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS AT UT?
This one is quite simple. The College World Series is the bar for Texas coaches each year and he needs to win a title or two while in Austin.
A&M has done a lot to elevate their baseball team. They have committed a lot of money to stadium upgrades and the NIL. But let’s face it, the resources available to Schloss in Austin will be much greater than what he has in College Station.
Texas has struggled to fill their baseball NIL coffers, but Schlossnagle – fresh off the NCAA championship series – should help galvanize UT fans to open their wallets and contribute to the NIL kitty.
High school recruiting at Texas should be easier as well. UT is a blue blood program that will attract the top players from around the country.
Schloss should have everything he needs to live up to the very lofty expectations.
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