FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Arkansas Razorbacks are adding another proven bat to their infield.
Texas Tech’s TJ Pompey, a 2024 Freshman All-American, announced Thursday that he is transferring to Arkansas, filling a key gap for coach Dave Van Horn as the Razorbacks reload after another deep postseason run.
Pompey, a 6-foot-4, 200-pound infielder from Coppell, Texas, arrives in Fayetteville carrying the sort of promise and production that immediately boosts expectations.
As a freshman at Texas Tech, Pompey hit .279 with 10 home runs, 11 doubles, and 49 RBIs, earning Freshman All-American honors from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and Perfect Game.
“It’s an honor to be recognized, but I know there’s more work to be done,” Pompey told local media following his award announcement last summer.
The transition comes after an injury-shortened sophomore season.
Pompey started 18 of 19 games in 2025, batting .348 with five home runs and 15 runs batted in before a season-ending wrist injury on March 30 against Kansas State. He spent the remainder of the season in the dugout wearing a brace, missing the final 28 games.
Despite playing just 37 games in his sophomore year, Pompey’s offensive numbers were strong enough to keep him on the radar of top programs.
His career slash line at Texas Tech of .297/.391/.544 reflects a player with pop, patience, and room to grow. He also brings experience against SEC arms, having faced Arkansas in a two-game midweek series as a freshman, where he went 2-for-5.
Defensively, Pompey has primarily played shortstop and third base, though his fielding numbers have fluctuated.
He posted a .934 fielding percentage as a freshman but struggled in the field early in 2025, finishing with a .848 mark and seven errors in 46 chances.
Still, scouts and coaches cite his athleticism and potential, especially given his size and arm strength.
“He’s got the frame and the tools to be a difference-maker with some polish,” said one Big 12 assistant coach.
Pompey’s arrival bolsters a transfer class that has been ranked among the best in the nation.
The Razorbacks have already added right-handed pitchers Jackson Wells (Little Rock) and Jackson Kircher (Oklahoma), left-handed pitcher Ethan McElvain (Vanderbilt), shortstop Dylan Grego (Ball State), and outfielder Zack Stewart (Missouri State) this offseason.
Van Horn, entering his 23rd year at Arkansas and still chasing that elusive national championship, has leaned heavily on the transfer portal to counter MLB Draft departures and early graduations.
“The SEC is as tough as it gets,” Van Horn said at a postseason press conference. “To compete, you need guys who have been through it. Guys who aren’t afraid of the moment. TJ has already shown he can hit at this level, and we expect him to fit right in with what we’re building here.”
For Pompey, the move offers a fresh start and a chance to compete on one of college baseball’s biggest stages.
“I’m excited to join Arkansas and compete for championships,” he said in his commitment announcement. “The tradition here is incredible, and I can’t wait to get to work with Coach Van Horn and the rest of the team.”
If Pompey can replicate, or even exceed, his freshman production, Arkansas will have addressed one of its most pressing needs.
