Making the Most of His New Role – The Cam Kozeal Story

Kozeal makes The Hill his home

Sports Reporter Collective

Friday, April 4, 2025

By Caden Zimlich | Aspiring Journalist

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The decision to leave the University of Vanderbilt, a historically successful collegiate baseball program, and play for the Razorbacks was not an easy decision for Arkansas baseball first baseman, Cam Kozeal.

After a disappointing season for the Commodores, the team new changes were imminent. Kozeal was aware and ultimately had to make a last-minute decision regarding his future in baseball. “It was a really tough decision,” Kozeal said. “I didn’t enter the [transfer] portal until 11:00 p.m. on the last day.”

“It was a really tough decision,” Kozeal said. “I didn’t enter the [transfer] portal until 11:00 p.m. on the last day.”

There would be many changes for Kozeal after his transferring. Having a new coach, new team, and new environment were all expected. However, after playing middle infield for his entire baseball career, midway through a game against Kansas State in Arlington, Texas, Coach Van Horn made a surprising decision.

“That Friday night in Arlington, Texas, against Kansas State, Coach put me in at first base about halfway through the game,” Kozeal said. “It was the first time in my life I’ve ever stepped foot on a baseball field and went out to first base.”

Yet, the switch to first base has not fazed Kozeal. His defensive stats are impressive. With a fielding percentage of (.993), the transition to first base has been smooth for the Sophomore thus far. Batting (.417) and accounting for 43 hits along with seven home runs this season, Kozeal has surely made some noise offensively as well.

Kozeal also acknowledged his teammates’ presence and their chemistry on and off the field as contribution to his performance.

“When you have a lot of really talented kids in the lineup, it takes the pressure off everybody,” Kozeal explained. “We have a group of guys who really genuinely love being around each other, and we’re all a big group of friends. It’s a great team environment.”

“When you have a lot of really talented kids in the lineup, it takes the pressure off everybody,” Kozeal explained. “We have a group of guys who really genuinely love being around each other, and we’re all a big group of friends. It’s a great team environment.”

This Razorbacks team has their sights set on winning the College World Series. Like most college baseball players and teams, the dream is to play in Omaha, Nebraska, and compete for a National Championship. But being from Omaha, it might mean just a bit more for Cam Kozeal.

“Out of high school, I didn’t sign professionally,” Kozeal said. “I wanted to go to college and have that opportunity to play in Omaha.”

Time will tell if that dream becomes a reality for Kozeal and the rest of the Razorbacks baseball team. Nevertheless, Kozeal has proven he’s ready for all opportunities and plans to help take Arkansas to the top.

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REPORTER’S BIO | Caden Zimlich is a junior majoring in Recreation and Sports Management in the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation at the University of Arkansas.

Caden Zimlich

Note: Photo courtesy of Cam Kozeal.