Lamar transfer outfielder commits to Arkansas
Following a visit last week, redshirt sophomore Lamar transfer outfielder Damian Ruiz has committed to Arkansas, he announced Sunday night on social media.
The Hogs beat out LSU and Mississippi State for Ruiz’s services.
A 6-foot-1, 170-pound native of Livingston, Texas, Ruiz was named the Southland Conference Hitter of the Year after slashing .388/.511/.607 with an OPS of 1.119. In 274 plate appearances, Ruiz totaled 22 doubles, two triples, seven home runs, 46 RBIs, 50 walks and 27 strikeouts. He also finished with 14 stolen bases.
Defensively, Ruiz primarily played right field for the Cardinals. He was charged with two errors for a .978 fielding percentage this season.
Notable performances for Ruiz in 2025 include a combined 6-for-8 outing in two games against common opponent North Dakota State, as well as his 2-for-4 day against Texas A&M and 2-for-4 showing versus Texas.
Ruiz began his collegiate career at Houston Christian, where he played from 2023-24 and logged 252 plate appearances across two seasons. In that span, he recorded a .256 batting average with nine doubles, one triple and four long balls.
Though a draft eligible redshirt sophomore with two years of eligibility remaining, Ruiz is primarily focused on improving his stock in the SEC in 2026, a source told HawgBeat.
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