KEARNEY, Neb. - A former high school baseball standout from Central Nebraska is heading to one of the most storied programs in college sports.

Former Kearney High and Iowa Western pitcher Cal Higgins has officially committed to the University of Texas after several successful seasons at D-I Western Kentucky University.

Higgins is a left-handed grad transfer, and recently said on the Doug and Daddy show that the decision to transfer came during a busy day in the transfer portal where he fielded calls from coaches all across the country.

He says Texas stood out thanks to their elite facilities, a pitching coach with Major League credentials, and a campus feeling unlike any other.

"It's a massive honor just to be able to say that I'm a Texas commit," Said Higgins.

"There was something special about when we went down there for our visit. I felt that, and I'm sure my dad felt that, there was just some sort of like aura, just some sort of mystique when you step on what they call the 40 acre campus. You just fall in love. It was crazy, like there was not a bad experience that was had down there, so yeah, it was just special for sure," said Higgins. 

Higgins says that he'll have to work harder than ever to make his impact known, and that he's ready to compete for his role next season.

Locally, all eyes will be on the lefty from Kearney next Spring as he takes the mound for the first time in burnt orange.

You can listen to the full interview with Call Higgins on the ESPN Tri-Cities Doug and Daddy Show here.