The top baseball player in the SWAC is headed for the transfer portal

The top baseball player in the SWAC is moving on.

Junior outfielder and SWAC Player of the Year Cardell Thibodeaux officially entered the NCAA Transfer Portal after a standout season with the Jaguars.

Thibodeaux, a Louisiana native, was great throughout the 2025 season. In just one year with Southern, he posted a remarkable .473 batting average, belted 18 home runs, drove in 71 runs, and stole 23 bases to help lead the Jaguars to a strong season.

Thibodeaux, who will participate in the 2025 HBCU Swingman Classic, has been on a baseball journey of perseverance and growth. Before arriving at Southern, he played two seasons with the UL-Monroe Warhawks, where he saw limited action but showed flashes of potential. His breakout at Southern has now made him one of the most coveted players in the transfer market.

TRANSFER: #SWAC Player of the Year and Southern U OF Cardell Thibodeaux has entered the Transfer Portal. Thibodeaux had a monster 2025 campaign that ended with a .435 average, 13 doubles, 3 triples, 18 homers and 71 RBIs + 23 stolen bases.

Profile: https://t.co/fwAmIRqfKO… pic.twitter.com/HjXjOnnGTv

— Kendall Rogers (@KendallRogers) July 1, 2025

Southern University now faces the challenge of replacing both Thibodeaux’s production and leadership. His departure comes at a time when the college baseball transfer portal is more active than ever, with top players seeking new opportunities and programs looking to reload after the spring season.

Thibodeaux is now the third 2025 All-SWAC baseball player to enter the transfer portal, joining Alabama State infielder Juan Cruz and Florida A&M catcher Broedy Poppell.

Key Stats: Cardell Thibodeaux, 2025 (Southern University)