Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
Zach Stevens, a 2023 graduate from Stanhope Elmore, has announced that he will transfer from South Alabama to play baseball for Auburn University. The chance to play at an SEC school was a huge opportunity for Stevens.
“It feels great to be able to achieve the dream of being an SEC baseball player,” said Stevens, “and especially to do it somewhere close to home. I’m looking forward to being a part of a winning program that builds players into professional baseball players, and also better people. I’m also looking forward to being a part of the Auburn family and building relationships with my teammates.”
Stevens played three seasons for the Jaguars. He found a lot of success in 2026, pitching 42.2 innings and recording 47 strikeouts with an earned run average of 2.53 and a win/loss record of 7-1.
Stevens’ fastball ranges between 92-95 miles per hour. He also has a cutter, curveball, and changeup that he frequently uses.
“I use all of my pitches well and often. I am confident in all of my pitches no matter the batter or the count,” said Stevens. “I feel like this is what all baseball players work towards. My focus won’t change much. I compete at 100% wherever I am and whoever is in the box.”
Prior to coming to Auburn, Stevens spoke mostly with Auburn Pitching Coach Everett Teaford. He also spoke with Head Coach Thompson.
He will be joining an Auburn program that ended the regular season ranked #4 in the nation. The Tigers dropped the opening game of their regional but came back to win four straight games and advance to the Super-Regional, where the Tigers fell to Ole Miss last weekend. Stevens hopes to help the Tigers get back to the College World Series next season.
“My goals at Auburn are pretty simple. To bring back a national championship. I do not know where I will be in the rotation, but I know that I will bring elite experience to a backend reliever/closer,” said Stevens.
