EXCLUSIVE: Longhorns baseball transfer Kaleb Freeman reflects on his journey to Texas
Since the 2025 campaign came to an end, Longhorns baseball has wasted no time improving their roster. That has led to multiple additions in the transfer portal, including Kaleb Freeman. The former Georgia State is coming off one of the best seasons of his career.
In 51 games for Georgia State, Freeman posted a .358 batting average while driving in 45 runs. He also showed some power, as 42 of his 68 hits went for extra bases. Due to his performance at the plate, the Georgia native was a popular prospect in the portal. While Freeman had plenty of options, his conversations with the Longhorns coaching staff, including former MLB star Troy Tulowitzki, sealed the deal.
"We had so many similar traits," Freeman said. "When we were sitting in his office, he was like, dude, I love the way you play; I love your fire and your passion. I know that you had to scratch and claw for everything you got, and I had to do the same thing. We were able to relate on a bunch of different things that you can't put a price tag on. He showed, along with Coach Schlossnagle and Coach Caine, how much they valued me. That is huge for me because I've been to places I wasn't valued."
When Freeman makes his Longhorns debut, it will make the fourth program he has played for. His college career has included stops at Auburn, North Georgia, and Georgia State. Each stop has presented its own set of challenges that have made Freeman a better player.
"I would say each spot has held its challenges and things I've had to learn," Freeman said." The University of North Georgia was basically like, 'It's time to grow up a little bit.' Auburn was kind of different. I feel like it showed me how to be a better person outside of baseball. It showed me that there is more to life than just baseball. At Georgia State, all the pieces fit together, and all those guys took me under their wing. The only word I have for it is that it was awesome."
Although Freeman's stint at Georgia State was short, he made the most of his time. He was named the 2025 Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year. The honors didn't stop there, as Freeman earned a spot on the 2025 All-Sun Belt 2nd team.
For Freeman, the focus is now building on his stellar 2025 campaign. Freeman's success was due to the freedom he had to be himself under Georgia State's coaching staff.
"I would say the freedom of letting me be the guy who was called to be on the field," said Freeman. " I am a very fiery and passionate guy. Whenever I get the freedom to go out and be that guy, that's when the stats will go up. There were some points in the season last year when I struggled mentally because I was pressing mentally. It took off so much pressure not having to worry about the draft and just focus on this game I love and have gotten to play my entire life."
With Freeman on the roster, Texas is in a good position to end its national title drought.
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