Iowa Baseball finished the 2025 season on a sour note. The Hawkeyes were dominated 9-3 by the UCLA Bruins in the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament and missed out on the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season.
The Hawkeyes entered the Big Ten Tournament as a three-seed following a late-season collapse. Iowa was No. 1 in the Big Ten standings for most of the season, but it fumbled the regular season title after dropping its final two series.
After going 2-10-1 down the stretch, the Hawkeyes failed to capitalize on a solid season.
On Thursday, the Iowa Baseball program received more bad news: a senior pitcher announced he is entering the transfer portal.
NEW:
— Kyle Huesmann (@HuesmannKyle) May 29, 2025
Iowa Baseball RHP Sam Hart has entered the transfer portal.
Hart appeared in 30 games out of the bullpen over two season with the Hawkeyes.
Senior pitcher Sam Hunt announced he is leaving the Iowa program and entering the transfer portal. Hunt made 30 appearances in two seasons with the Hawkeyes.
After transferring from Indian Hills Community College, Hunt joined the Hawkeyes before the 2024-2025 season.
During his first season with the Hawkeyes, Hunt had a 0-0 record with a 7.90 earned run average (ERA) in 13.2 innings. He allowed 13 runs (12 earned) and had 17 strikeouts.
Last season for the Hawkeyes, Hunt made 15 appearances out of the bullpen and finished with a 0-1 record and a 9.00 ERA. He allowed 14 runs (13 earned) and struck out 13 batters in 13 innings.
After entering the transfer portal, Hunt will have one year of remaining eligibility as a graduate transfer if he signs with a new team.
Hunt is the first player to enter the portal following a disappointing end to the 2025 season, and Manager Rick Heller and the Hawkeyes must retool and reload for next season.