NC State Lands South Carolina Transfer Pitcher Connor Chicoli

NC State continues to strengthen its pitching staff through the Transfer Portal.

The Wolfpack picked up another commitment yesterday, landing South Carolina right-handed pitcher Connor Chicoli, who will return home to Raleigh for the 2027 season.

Chicoli enters the program after two collegiate seasons in the SEC and ACC, bringing both experience and upside to Chris Hart’s first roster.

Homecoming for Raleigh Native

For Chicoli, the move to NC State is more than just another transfer.

It’s a return home.

Chicoli started off at Garner High School before playing at Pro5 Baseball Academy in Holly Springs.

The Raleigh native will now have the opportunity to pitch in his hometown after spending the past two seasons at Georgia Tech and South Carolina.

Breakout Sophomore Season

Chicoli took a significant step forward in 2026.

After posting a 5.46 ERA as a freshman in 14 appearances at Georgia Tech, he transferred to South Carolina and lowered his ERA to 3.20 during his sophomore campaign.

2026 Statistics

3.20 ERA
17 appearances
6 starts
39.1 innings pitched
34 strikeouts
1.35 WHIP

One of the encouraging aspects of Chicoli’s season was his versatility.

He proved capable of contributing both as a starter and out of the bullpen, giving the Wolfpack another arm that can fill multiple roles.

Former Top North Carolina Prospect

Chicoli was one of North Carolina’s top high school players coming out of the 2024 recruiting class.

Perfect Game ranked him as:

No. 10 overall player in North Carolina
No. 4 right-handed pitcher in the state

That talent is beginning to translate at the collegiate level after a strong sophomore season in the SEC.

Another Experienced Arm for Chris Hart

NC State has made pitching a clear priority this offseason.

With Jacob Dudan off to the MLB Draft and several pitchers departing through the Transfer Portal, the Wolfpack has aggressively replenished its staff.

Chicoli joins a growing transfer class that includes Wright State’s Chet Lax, San Jose State’s Jesse Gutierrez, and Florida’s McCall Biemiller.

Each addition brings collegiate experience, and Chicoli may possess one of the highest ceilings after his impressive improvement in 2026.

Final Thoughts

Connor Chicoli checks several important boxes for NC State.

He’s a proven Power Four pitcher, he’s shown year-over-year development, and he’s capable of helping in multiple roles.

Add in the fact that he’s returning home to Raleigh, and this appears to be another solid addition as Chris Hart continues to reshape the Wolfpack’s pitching staff.