NC State Pitcher Derrick Smith has Entered the Transfer Portal

NC State junior pitcher Derrick Smith has entered the transfer portal.

NC State right-handed reliever Derrick Smith entered the transfer portal, https://t.co/bvSB98ghWu and On3 have learned.

Smith, who was a key piece of the Pack's 2024 College World Series run, made just six appearances this spring.

More here: https://t.co/Hm1VTBpdP4 pic.twitter.com/Un9zM1WgKq

— Noah Fleischman (@fleischman_noah) June 5, 2025

Smith is arguably the most significant Wolfpack player to enter the portal so far.

The 2024 season was a breakout year for Smith. He led the Wolfpack with 8 saves and held opponents to a .181 batting average. His strikeout-to-walk ratio was 41:11. Smith shined brightest in postseason play, recording 3 saves during the NCAA Tournament, which ultimately culminated in a College World Series appearance. In the tournament, he posted a 2.45 ERA and held opponents to a .130 batting average. He finished the season with a 3–2 record and a 4.55 ERA.

Smith missed the start of this season due to injury, making his first appearance on March 11th. Last year, NC State had a dominant late-game duo—Jacob Dudan pitching the 8th inning and Smith closing out the 9th. This season, however, Smith never quite regained his form after returning from injury, and as a result, he didn’t reestablish his role in the bullpen rotation. He made just 6 appearances in 2025, posting a 6.00 ERA. Truth be told, he never seemed to find his stuff again.

Smith has one year of eligibility remaining.

Eleven NC State players have now entered the transfer portal since it opened:

Sophomore Relief Pitcher Jaxon Lucas, Redshirt Sophomore Catcher Drew Lanphere and Freshman Right-Handed Pitcher Aden Knowles

Junior Third Baseman Matt Heavner and Sophomore Third Baseman Ryan Jaros. 

Freshman Outfielder Trey Bentley and Sophomore Outfielder Jet Gilliam

Redshirt Junior Pitcher Jacob Dienes, Junior Pitcher Eli Pillsbury and Sophomore Outfielder Jake Bechtel.