D-II Standout OF Connor Clark is Transferring to NC State

NC State added another key piece to its 2027 baseball roster on Thursday, landing a commitment from UT Tyler outfielder Connor Clark, who announced he will be running with the Wolfpack next season.

 

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The 5-foot-10, 185-pound outfielder arrives in Raleigh after three seasons as a starter for the Patriots, where he established himself as one of the top leadoff hitters and defensive outfielders in the Lone Star Conference.

With All-ACC center fielder Ty Head now off to professional baseball after being selected 46th overall by the Baltimore Orioles, Clark appears to be a strong candidate to help fill one of the biggest holes on NC State’s roster.

Proven Producer at UT Tyler

Clark has been a fixture in the Patriots’ lineup since arriving on campus.

Although capable of playing all three outfield spots, he has primarily patrolled center field while serving as UT Tyler’s leadoff hitter.

His production earned him Third Team All-Lone Star Conference honors in 2025 before improving to Second Team All-Conference recognition in 2026.

Career Year in 2026

Clark turned in the best season of his collegiate career this spring.

2026 Statistics

Batting Average: .356

Hits: 80
RBI’s: 49
Runs: 72
Home Runs: 8
Stolen Bases: 36
On-Base Percentage: .484
OPS: 1.000

Clark led UT Tyler in both hits and stolen bases, while posting an elite .484 on-base percentage, showcasing the type of table-setting ability every lineup covets.

Similar Skill Set to Ty Head

Replacing Ty Head won’t be easy.

The former Wolfpack center fielder earned Second Team All-ACC honors, won a national Gold Glove, and was selected in the second round of the MLB Draft after leading NC State in home runs, runs scored, walks, and stolen bases.

Clark, however, brings a remarkably similar offensive profile.

Like Head, Clark excels at reaching base and creating havoc once he’s there.

Both players are disciplined hitters with outstanding on-base skills, elite speed, and the ability to impact games without relying solely on power.

While Clark’s transition from Division II baseball to the ACC will present a new challenge, his offensive approach appears well suited for the next level.

Consistency Throughout His Career

Clark’s breakout 2026 campaign wasn’t an outlier.

Over three collegiate seasons, he compiled a .336 career batting average, demonstrating consistent production rather than a one-year surge.

That track record likely made him an attractive Transfer Portal target for NC State’s coaching staff as it looks to reload after another successful season.

Final Thoughts

Finding a replacement for Ty Head was one of NC State’s biggest offseason priorities.

Connor Clark may not arrive with the same national recognition, but his résumé suggests he has the tools to make an immediate impact.

A career .336 hitter with elite on-base ability, plus speed, and proven production at the top of the lineup, Clark gives the Wolfpack an experienced center fielder capable of helping soften the loss of one of the program’s best all-around players.

If his game translates to the ACC, NC State may have found another valuable addition through the Transfer Portal.