Photo Credit: gousfbulls.com
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South Florida baseball continued its recent momentum during the 2026 MLB Draft as three Bulls earned selections. The program also celebrated another milestone with players drafted in consecutive years for the first time since 2020. That achievement marked another step forward under head coach Mitch Hannahs and reflected the talent throughout the roster. The Bulls previously produced at least one draft pick every year from 2000 through 2020. However, that streak ended before the program returned to the draft board in 2025. Now, South Florida has built another run after placing three players into professional baseball during the 2026 draft.
Head coach Mitch Hannahs praised the players for their commitment and work ethic throughout their careers. He said the selections represented more than baseball ability. Instead, he credited each player for developing into outstanding young men while preparing for professional opportunities. Hannahs also expressed excitement about watching them pursue their dreams at the next level. Ryan Pruitt became the first South Florida player selected. The Houston Astros chose the standout infielder in the ninth round after another productive season. Pruitt also became the Bulls’ first position player drafted since catcher Carmine Lane entered professional baseball in 2022.
Pruitt served as one of the team’s most dependable players throughout the 2026 season. He led South Florida with 53 games played, 193 at-bats, and 48 runs scored. His durability and consistency helped anchor the Bulls’ lineup from opening day through the end of the season. His success followed another strong campaign in 2025. During that season, Pruitt started all 56 games while posting a .281 batting average. His steady improvement made him one of the program’s most valuable everyday players.
Pruitt also reflected warmly on his college experience after hearing his name called. He praised the coaching staff, facilities, and campus environment. Additionally, he credited Hannahs’ demanding coaching style for helping him grow both personally and athletically. Pruitt believed those challenges prepared him for professional baseball. Next, pitcher Edwin Alicea joined the draft class when the Detroit Tigers selected him in the 14th round. Alicea handled the Friday night starter role for much of the season. That responsibility often placed him against the opponent’s best pitcher.
Alicea appeared in 19 games and started 10 contests during the 2026 season. He logged 72.1 innings while posting a 6-5 record. Furthermore, he led the Bulls’ pitching staff with 60 strikeouts and finished the year with a 5.23 ERA. His ability to work deep into games strengthened South Florida’s weekend rotation throughout the season. The Los Angeles Dodgers selected relief pitcher Ethan Sutton in the 16th round. Sutton emerged as South Florida’s most reliable bullpen arm during the 2026 campaign. Whenever the Bulls needed to protect a late lead, they frequently turned to him.
Sutton led the team with nine saves and made 20 appearances during the season. His consistent performances also earned recognition on the NCBWA Midseason Stopper of the Year Watch List. That honor highlighted his standing among the nation’s top relief pitchers. South Florida celebrated more good news after the draft concluded. Catcher Lance Trippel signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Detroit Tigers. His signing continued another positive trend for the program. Trippel became the first Bull to sign as an undrafted free agent since 2022. That year, Dylan Burns and Logan Lyle both signed professional contracts with the Chicago White Sox. Although Trippel did not hear his name during the draft, he still secured an opportunity to begin his professional career.
Trippel earned American Athletic Conference All-Conference Second Team honors during the 2026 season. He also produced a remarkable 26-game on-base streak. That stretch became the longest by a South Florida player since 2021 and demonstrated his consistent approach at the plate. His production extended beyond one season. In 2025, Trippel started 51 games while batting .249 and stealing 10 bases. Those performances helped establish him as one of the Bulls’ most dependable players behind the plate.
Overall, the 2026 MLB Draft showcased the continued growth of South Florida baseball. Three draft selections and one undrafted free agent signing highlighted the development taking place within the program. Moreover, the Bulls demonstrated they can prepare players for professional opportunities across multiple positions. As a result, the program enters the future with growing confidence. Consecutive draft classes featuring professional talent should strengthen recruiting efforts and reinforce South Florida’s reputation. Most importantly, Pruitt, Alicea, Sutton, and Trippel now begin the next chapter of their baseball careers while representing the Bulls at the professional level.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker serves as the Director of Operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a co-host on the P&W Sports Report and hosting The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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