Duke University’s baseball team is facing a shake-up as senior right-handed pitcher Jackson Emus, a graduate student, has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal. The news, first reported by On3, comes as Emus, formerly a Princeton transfer, concludes his tenure with the Blue Devils after the 2024 season.
Emus’ debut year with Duke presented some challenges, with the pitcher encountering a few bumps along the way. Throughout the season, Emus made 15 appearances, including one start, and pitched a total of 17.2 innings. Despite his efforts, he conceded 17 earned runs, while tallying 31 strikeouts and 12 walks. While consistency and control proved to be areas needing improvement, Emus undoubtedly offers a seasoned arm to any team in need.
Before joining the Blue Devils, Emus made a mark during his time at Princeton. Across 26 games, he secured 23 starts, accumulating 125.1 innings pitched with a career ERA of 5.89. His performance at Princeton showcased promise, with Emus amassing an impressive 134 strikeouts and even boasting a complete game. Notably, he played a pivotal role in a combined no-hitter against Yale, where he struck out nine batters.
Beyond his on-field contributions, Emus garnered recognition for his academic achievements and athletic prowess. He earned distinction as a two-time Academic All-Ivy recipient and clinched the Ivy League Pitcher of the Week award twice during his collegiate career.
As Emus ventures into the transfer portal, his experience, coupled with his track record of success and accolades, positions him as an attractive prospect for teams seeking to bolster their pitching rotation. While his journey with Duke may be coming to an end, Emus remains poised for new opportunities and fresh challenges on the collegiate baseball stage.