Jacob ‘Ready To Show What I Can Do’ At Pittsburgh

Jordan Jacob 3B / SS / Bill Crothers, ON / 2025

MAPLE, Ontario - While the thought of playing college baseball in the south is attractive to so many, Jordan Jacob saw a major plus in the opportunity to play up north at the University of Pittsburgh.

“The fact that it’s only five hours away from home, that’s a nice plus there,” the Bill Crothers High School junior explained about his decision to commit to Pitt. “The others I was considering were a lot further away.”

A strong performance at the Future Games helped Jacob get on the radar of a number of elite programs in the country, with interest from Alabama, Texas Tech and Miami, Fla. in addition to an offer from Georgia State. But it was Pittsburgh that made the biggest impression on the 16-year-old who lives just northwest of Toronto.

“They saw me at the Future Games and a couple of weeks later hit me up on Twitter,” related the second-rated 2026 in Ontario. “They wanted me to come up and I went on a visit to watch a football game. I toured the campus and liked the culture and the environment. Plus, it’s ACC baseball.

“They offered me and I thought about it,” Jacob added. “I talked to my coaches and then called to accept.”

The decision made in late October, nearly two months after the visit, helped Jacob obtain his aspiration of playing college baseball.

“Ever since I got an understanding of what my future can be I’ve wanted to do this,” Jacob said. “Seeing older guys get drafted, that became something I wanted to do.”

However, a broken ankle delayed the process.

“It was tough just watching games, but overall it just made me want it more and want to put in the work needed,” Jacob noted. 

Fielding is one area that the top-rated 2026 third baseman in Ontario has made strides in during a recruiting process that was “very good,” according to Jacob.

“When it came down to making a decision it was a little stressful, but overall I enjoyed the process,” Jacob said. “When Aug. 1 came along, getting texts and getting phone calls, you feel you made it in a sense.”

Pittsburgh found the 6-1 195-pounder to have one valuable tool the program is in need of at this time.

“They like that I was a power bat,” Jacob explained. “Coach told me they used to be a slap hitting team, but they’re trying to change that. They think I can be a middle-of-the-lineup bat.”

Admittedly, more work is needed to get to that point.

“I need to hit the weight room,” Jacob pointed out. “College is a different game. Getting stronger and improving speed is important to get a good overall game and possibly play freshman year.”

Jacob is of the belief he can be a vital piece to the Atlantic Coast Conference program.

“I have the power bat they’re looking for,” Jacob said. “I’ll give them some home runs on offense and I’m a defensive third baseman that can play. And for a big guy I’m someone that can run a little bit.”

Jacob gave credit to a number of people with helping his baseball journey continue at the next level.

“My parents, teammates and coaches, especially at OBJ, played a big part in my development,” Jacob noted. “I want to thank my old coaches and everyone in the baseball world that helped me get here.”

Making the decision official was “unreal” for Jacob.

“You tell them your decision and then you get off the phone and it’s a big stress relief,” Jacob explained. “You’re ready to go to college.”

A major in kinesiology or mechanical engineering is being considered by the 3.1 student, who has big dreams about what his future will be like at Pitt.

“I’m looking forward to the experience of college that playing D-I baseball brings,” Jacob concluded. “Players going to get drafted, being in the ACC where you’re getting pro looks, I’m ready to show what I can do.”