Sherman Johnson Drafted by Reds After Breakout Season at NC State

Sherman Johnson made the most of his lone season in Raleigh.

After transferring to NC State from the junior college ranks last offseason, Johnson turned in an All-ACC campaign that caught the attention of Major League Baseball scouts. On Sunday, the Cincinnati Reds selected the Wolfpack third baseman with the 212th overall pick in the 7th round of the 2026 MLB Draft.

Breakout Season with the Wolfpack

Johnson immediately established himself as one of the most consistent bats in NC State’s lineup.

His outstanding season earned him Third Team All-ACC honors.

2026 Statistics

.330 batting average
9 home runs
.970 OPS

Johnson also finished the season red-hot, carrying a 15-game hitting streak into the end of the Wolfpack’s season.

His combination of power, contact, and consistency made him one of the ACC’s top third basemen.

Exceeding Expectations

Johnson entered the season as an intriguing addition, but he more than exceeded preseason expectations.

Prior to Opening Day, D1Baseball ranked him as the No. 10 third baseman in the ACC.

By season’s end, he had firmly established himself as one of the ACC’s best players at the position and positioned himself to be selected in the MLB Draft.

A Recruiting Win for NC State

Landing Johnson proved to be one of NC State’s biggest offseason additions.

Originally committed to Arkansas, Johnson ultimately chose to continue his career with the Wolfpack instead.

That decision paid dividends for both sides.

Johnson elevated NC State’s lineup throughout the season, while his strong performance helped launch him into professional baseball.

Final Thoughts

Sherman Johnson only spent one season in Raleigh, but he certainly made it count.

He arrived as one of the nation’s top JUCO transfers, earned All-ACC honors, finished the season on a 15-game hitting streak, and is now headed to the Cincinnati Reds organization.

It was a memorable year for both Johnson and the Wolfpack.