Jake Schaffner brings grit, leadoff talent to UNC baseball

The transfer from North Dakota State will likely be the Diamond Heels' starting shortstop and leadoff hitter.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Jake Schaffner, a junior infielder who transferred from North Dakota State, is bringing his toughness, grit, and leadoff hitting talent to the UNC baseball team. Schaffner was a standout multi-sport athlete in high school, excelling in football, hockey, and baseball, before ultimately choosing to focus on baseball in college. After an impressive first two seasons at NDSU, Schaffner entered the transfer portal and chose to continue his career at UNC, where he'll likely be the team's starting shortstop and leadoff hitter.

Why it matters

Schaffner's arrival at UNC adds a talented and experienced player to the Diamond Heels' lineup. As a leadoff hitter and shortstop, he will be a key contributor to the team's success. His grit, work ethic, and all-around skill set make him a valuable addition to the program as they look to build on their recent postseason appearances.

The details

In his two seasons at North Dakota State, Schaffner had a .367 batting average and tied the school record with 84 hits. He was named the Summit League Defensive Player of the Year and was a semifinalist for the Brooks Wallace Award, given to the best college shortstop. Despite being a standout multi-sport athlete in high school, Schaffner ultimately chose to focus on baseball in college, turning down a Division I football offer from the University of Wisconsin to play at NDSU. After a loss in the NCAA Regionals, Schaffner entered the transfer portal, and UNC head coach Scott Forbes was impressed by Schaffner's competitiveness and work ethic during his visit to Chapel Hill.

  • Schaffner suffered a leg injury requiring 10 stitches during a bike ride with his family in his junior year of high school, but refused to sit out a game two days later.
  • In his second year at North Dakota State, Schaffner tallied a .367 batting average and tied for second in school history with 84 hits.
  • Schaffner was named the Summit League Defensive Player of the Year and a semifinalist for the Brooks Wallace Award in his second season at NDSU.
  • After a loss in the NCAA Regionals, Schaffner entered the transfer portal and ultimately chose to continue his career at UNC.

The players

Jake Schaffner

A junior infielder who transferred from North Dakota State to UNC, known for his toughness, grit, and leadoff hitting talent.

Scott Forbes

The head coach of the UNC baseball team, who was impressed by Schaffner's competitiveness and work ethic during his visit to Chapel Hill.

Tom Schaffner

Jake Schaffner's father, who played football and hockey at the University of Wisconsin-Stout and installed an ice rink in their backyard when Jake was young.

Nick English

Jake Schaffner's assistant varsity coach in high school, who said Schaffner treated every drill like Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Josh Shere

The head baseball coach at Craig High School, where Schaffner played and broke nearly every offensive record.

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What they’re saying

“We had Jake and they didn't.”

— Josh Shere, Craig High School baseball head coach (dailytarheel.com)

“His intangible is his heart and his desire to work. You cannot measure that with him. And it's just, he will never stop doing that. He will never stop working.”

— Josh Shere, Craig High School baseball head coach (dailytarheel.com)

“The thing that separates UNC, just the small details. I mean, they look for everything. They've helped me so much to make me a better player and a person.”

— Jake Schaffner (dailytarheel.com)

What’s next

Schaffner will look to make an immediate impact as the starting shortstop and leadoff hitter for the UNC baseball team in the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Jake Schaffner's arrival at UNC adds a talented and experienced player to the Diamond Heels' lineup. His grit, work ethic, and all-around skill set make him a valuable addition to the program as they look to build on their recent postseason appearances.