Nate Kesselmark, the top Connecticut pitcher in the Class of 2027, has decided to change his college commitment from Notre Dame to the University of South Carolina following an attention-grabbing performance at the Perfect Game WWBA World Championships in Jupiter, Fla., last month.
The Choate Rosemary Hall right-hander returned to the mound 100-percent healthy for the first time following the spring discovery of a frayed labrum, and promptly earned the premier showcase event's No. 1 ranking among pitchers. He joined the Canes National 18U Mets Scout Team and logged 4 ⅓ perfect innings with seven strikeouts. His fastball sat in the 90- to 94-mph range, and he also offered a sweeping changeup.
Shortly after the tournament, several SEC programs expressed their interest in Kesselmark through his agent, Chris Lemonis of Covenant Sports Group. Kesselmark will sign with South Carolina on Wednesday, Nov. 11. South Carolina, an SEC school, has more NIL money than Notre Dame.
"They do, but for me and my family, it's not about the money," Kesselmark said. "It's a great add-on. Nobody ever complains about making money. The main thing for me is I have goals I want to achieve. I want to be in the best place possible to develop. I know the coaching staff at South Carolina will help me do that."
