The road from Early to NCAA Division I baseball isn’t a straight line, but Caydon Laird has not been afraid of the route. The sophomore right hander for Southern Indiana — located in Evansville, Indiana — is building his career on resilience, adaptability, and a competitive edge when the pressure peaks. Now, midway through the 2026 season, he’s become one of the most trusted bullpen arms in the country — and one of the most frequently used.

Laird’s path to USI began at Early High School, where he earned District 8 3A Pitcher of the Year honors and established himself as a competitor. He carried that mentality into his freshman season at Lenoir Rhyne University, where he delivered his breakout performance on the biggest stage: the Division II Southeast Regional. There, Laird struck out five batters in two innings in back to back postseason outings, helping push the Bears into the Division II College World Series.

Now at Division I, Laird has embraced a role that fits him perfectly: USI’s stopper. He is called upon when the inning is in question, when runners are on, when outs are needed. And he’s delivered.

Through 21 appearances — a number that ranks top 15 nationally amongst all D1 pitchers — Laird owns a 1–0 record, a 1.76 ERA, and has held opponents to a .259 batting average. His ability to enter any situation, shut down rallies, and restore order has made him a valuable bullpen piece in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Composure Beyond the Mound

What makes Laird’s rise even more impressive is what he balances off the field. While carving out a major role in a Division I bullpen, he is currently pursuing a Civil engineering degree — a demanding academic path that requires discipline, time management, and focus. The same traits that make him a reliable reliever show up in the classroom.

The jump from Division II to Division I can be overwhelming. Laird has adapted seamlessly.

Whether it’s a clean inning, a bases loaded jam, or a late inning push from the opponent, Laird’s mentality doesn’t change. He wants the ball. He wants the moment. And he wants to help Southern Indiana win in any way possible.

As the Screaming Eagles continue their climb through the Division I landscape, one thing is clear: Caydon Laird has embraced his role on USI’s pitching staff, a stopper who has learned to enjoy the pressure as a student athlete.