Fairfield outfielder TJ Schmalze is transferring to Penn State baseball, he announced on social media on Thursday. He has one year of eligibility remaining.

Schmalzle originally committed to Fairfield out of Wallenpaupack Area High School in Hawley, Pennsylvania, as part of the Class of 2022. He was ranked the No. 26 outfielder in the state, according to Perfect Game.

He redshirted in 2023 after missing the entire season with an injury and struggled in 23 games in 2024, but has turned into a real quality outfielder for the Stags in the last two seasons. In 2026 as a redshirt junior, he slashed .285/.397/.523 with 11 home runs, 42 RBIs, 28 extra-base hits, and 25 stolen bases in 54 games, being named to Second Team All-MAAC.

As a graduate transfer, Schmalzle entered the transfer portal early and found a quick home as he returned to his home state. His speed and ability to run the bases make it clear early in the portal cycle that head coach Mike Gambino is looking to bring back the team’s blazing-fast identity from their successful 2025 season, when they led the Big Ten in stolen bases.