Former West Virginia Mountaineer Starter Lands at Big 10 Program

Former WVU baseball starting infielder Spencer Barnett lands with a Big 10 school after entering the transfer portal earlier this month.
West Virginia Head Coach Steve Sabins visits the mound as The LSU Tigers take on the West Virginia Mountaineers in game 1 of the 2025 NCAA Div 1 Super Regional Baseball Championship at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge, LA. Saturday, June 7, 2025.
West Virginia Head Coach Steve Sabins visits the mound as The LSU Tigers take on the West Virginia Mountaineers in game 1 of the 2025 NCAA Div 1 Super Regional Baseball Championship at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge, LA. Saturday, June 7, 2025. | SCOTT CLAUSE / USATODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

As many college baseball fans know, the current transfer portal era can bolster your team or leave you with holes in your lineup for the next year. 

WVU baseball is not immune to losing players in the portal, as was the example earlier this month when Spencer Barnett, who started numerous games in the 2025 season, decided to seek a nre home. Recently, Barnett found his new home in the Big 10 as he announced his commitment to Penn State on June 13. 

Barnett spent two seasons at WVU, starting in 28 games in 2025 as a sophomore, and 29 games in 2024 as a freshman. The infielder appeared in 45 and 46 games, respectively. 

Two-year contributor commits to Big 10 school

The infielder is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and will return to the commonwealth to play for Penn State. Barnett will join the Nittany Lions with starting experience at both second and third base.

During his sophomore campaign, Barnett hit for an average of .278 with five doubles, four home runs, 26 RBIs, and three stolen bases. Barnett posted a .336 OBP and a .443 slugging percentage, good enough for a .779 OPS. 

As a freshman, the lefty hitter posted a .269 average with four doubles, two home runs, 21 RBIs, and four stolen bases. The Pittsburgh native definitely showed signs of improvement from his rookie season to his second season and with more consistent playing time, he could turn into a fine hitter for the Nittany Lions. 


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