Welcome back to a familiar face.
Texas A&M left-handed pitcher Ethan Darden is back on the roster and a full participant in team activities as he awaits a final ruling on his eligibility.
The news was first reported by TexAgs baseball analyst Ryan Brauninger on X.
Not part of any class-action suits, the southpaw is relying on the passing of the Protect College Sports Act (PCSA) and its “5-in-5” protection to grant him an additional year of college baseball.
Previously, it was unclear whether Darden, who is still enrolled as a student at Texas A&M University, would have access to baseball facilities or practices this fall, while the United States Senate waits to vote on the PCSA next month.
That question has now been cleared, as the Rock Hill, S.C., will be going through fall workouts with Michael Earley and the Aggies in the coming weeks.
If the PCSA passes and is signed into law, Darden will be on the A&M roster in 2027.
Listed at 6-foot and 175 pounds, he played one season as an Aggie in 2026 following three years as a Clemson Tiger.
Last spring, Darden appeared in 25 games with five starts, owning a 5.56 ERA and 1.56 WHIP in 34.0 innings pitched. He fanned 25 batters against 15 walks for a pitching staff that has since received plenty of reinforcements via the transfer portal this offseason.
Throughout his four seasons of collegiate ball, he is 16-13 with a career ERA of 5.51 in 196.0 innings of work.
TexAgs will continue monitoring the PCSA, which now has the support of the Southeastern Conference, and its potential impacts on Darden and other A&M athletes.
