One year ago, Paul Skenes found himself in the heart of a celebration at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska. The LSU Tigers had just secured their seventh College World Series title with an 18-4 victory over Florida, and Skenes was a central figure in their success. With a postseason record of 3-0 and a 1.10 ERA, Skenes was named the tournament's most outstanding player, culminating a historic season that led to his selection as the first overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2023 MLB draft.
Skenes' journey to this pinnacle was marked by a significant change in NCAA rules. Before 2021, players like Skenes, who transferred as undergraduates, were required to sit out a year. However, the introduction of the "one-time transfer rule" allowed Skenes to move from the Air Force Academy to LSU and immediately contribute. This rule change was pivotal for Skenes, transforming him from a promising two-way player at Air Force into a star at LSU.
Reflecting on his time at Air Force, Skenes acknowledges the strong potential he displayed. His coaches and family encouraged him to enter the transfer portal in the summer of 2022, knowing that the new rule would allow him to continue playing without interruption. "I would have taken my chances at Air Force," Skenes says, citing examples like Griffin Jax, an Air Force alumnus who made it to the MLB. However, the transfer portal offered a clearer path to his goals.
The transfer portal's impact on college sports is profound. Thousands of athletes enter the portal each year, seeking better opportunities. While the portal has benefited players like Skenes, it has also led to significant roster turnovers. For instance, Skenes noted that Air Force lost at least five players to transfers, and LSU saw 11 departures. This dynamic creates both opportunities and challenges for athletes and coaches alike.
In addition to the transfer portal, the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness deals has reshaped college athletics. While Skenes' decision to transfer was driven by the chance to work with LSU's pitching coach Wes Johnson, NIL deals are a significant factor for many athletes. Skenes' girlfriend, Livvy Dunne, a prominent LSU gymnast, is well-known for her lucrative brand deals. However, Skenes emphasizes that NIL promises can be misleading. "The numbers people throw out on Twitter aren't always accurate," he notes, highlighting the need for transparency in the NIL landscape.
Despite the complexities of the current college sports environment, Skenes remains grounded. He cherishes his time at Air Force and the unique experiences it offered. "Transferring wasn't something I was seeking out," Skenes admits. "I wanted to stay there. I wanted to graduate." Nonetheless, the transfer to LSU was a pivotal step in his career, providing him with opportunities that might not have been possible otherwise.
As Skenes continues to make waves in the MLB with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he reflects on the broader implications of the transfer portal and NIL deals. While these changes have undeniably benefited many athletes, they have also introduced new challenges and uncertainties. Skenes' journey underscores the transformative power of these developments in college athletics, illustrating both the potential and the pitfalls they bring.
In the rapidly evolving world of college sports, Paul Skenes stands as a testament to the opportunities and challenges that define this new era. His story is one of resilience, adaptability, and success, made possible by the very changes that continue to reshape the landscape of collegiate athletics.
