The softball world was shaken on Monday when Jordy Bahl announced she would enter the transfer portal out of a desire to return to her home state of Nebraska.
A few days later, the game’s best pitcher has found her new home. Bahl announced she’ll continue her softball career with the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
It’s a landscape-changing move that bolsters the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ national title aspirations.
After 2 years of wonderful memories, I’m excited for 2 more representing the Nebraska Cornhuskers. This state, these people, and this N are all things I’m excited, proud, and thankful to be a part of. @HuskerSoftball pic.twitter.com/TctJwJgik3
— Jordyn Bahl (@jordybahl) June 15, 2023
The Cornhuskers reached the NCAA tournament in 2023, but were eliminated in the Stillwater regional after losing 6-5 to Wichita State in the opener and 5-2 to Oklahoma State in the regional final.
Nebraska ranked No. 148 in the nation in team ERA in 2023, but was 70th in runs per game this season. Their top two pitchers, Sarah Harness and Courtney Wallace, each had an ERA above 3.4.
The addition of Bahl and her career ERA of less than 1 gives the Cornhuskers a boost that could push them into Women’s College World Series contention. Nebraska finished fourth in the Big Ten in 2023, but with the addition of Bahl it will be a conference title contender in 2024.
It’s a big addition for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and a great spot for Bahl to land to be closer to family and in her home state. On Monday, the former Sooner stated, “I am excited thinking about growing the game that has provided me so many opportunities for growth in the home state, a current overlooked state for girls in softball at all ages, and I am excited to finish the softball journey right where it began.”
Softball has seen tremendous growth in the United States over the last two decades, and Jordy Bahl has been a huge part in its growth over the last two years. The move to Nebraska gives the sport and the broadcast partners another team with a superstar talent to build the product around.
She’ll be missed at Oklahoma but will still be must-see television with the Cornhuskers. Here’s a look at how social media reacted to the news.