NC State’s Jacob Dudan Projected as a High Draft Pick Despite Tommy John Surger

NC State pitcher Jacob Dudan officially announced on June 4 that he will enter the 2026 MLB Draft rather than return to Raleigh for his senior season.

While Dudan’s junior campaign ended prematurely because of injury, his draft stock remains strong heading into next month’s draft.

Season Cut Short

Dudan’s season came to an abrupt end after his April 4 start against Notre Dame.

Following the outing, he experienced discomfort in his throwing arm.

A week later, the Wolfpack received the news it feared most: Dudan had suffered a torn UCL.

On April 29, he underwent Tommy John surgery.

Before the injury, however, Dudan was enjoying the best season of his collegiate career.

2026 Statistics

4-1 record
3.60 ERA
62 strikeouts
50.0 innings pitched

After beginning his NC State career as one of the ACC’s top relief pitchers, Dudan successfully transitioned into the Wolfpack’s starting rotation and quickly became one of the team’s most reliable arms.

Draft Stock Remains Strong

Despite recovering from Tommy John surgery, MLB organizations continue to view Dudan as one of the better pitching prospects available in this year’s draft.

Current prospect rankings include:

MLB Pipeline: No. 70
ESPN: No. 78
Perfect Game: No. 147

Those projections place Dudan firmly in position to hear his name called during the first few rounds of the draft.

Proven Performer

Professional scouts aren’t evaluating Dudan based solely on his abbreviated 2026 season.

As a freshman, he immediately established himself as one of the ACC’s premier relievers.

His accomplishments include:

Freshman All-American
All-ACC Freshman Team

His success in both the bullpen and the starting rotation gives MLB teams confidence in his long-term potential.

Betting on the Future

Tommy John surgery has become increasingly common among pitching prospects, and organizations are often willing to invest early draft picks in talented arms while they recover.

Dudan appears to fit that mold.

With his size, stuff, and track record of success, MLB clubs are betting that his best baseball still lies ahead.

### Final Thoughts

Jacob Dudan’s NC State career didn’t end the way anyone hoped.

Instead of finishing his junior season atop the Wolfpack rotation, he now begins the long road back from Tommy John surgery.

Even so, his decision to enter the MLB Draft shouldn’t come as a surprise.

The projections suggest professional baseball still believes in his future, and in just a few weeks, Dudan is expected to become the next Wolfpack pitcher to hear his name called on draft day.