CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Ryan Johnson is getting ready to move away from his home state for the first time in his life.

The Cartersville, Georgia native played his freshman year of college baseball at Georgia Tech. After starting, and having a huge role, in high school, his first year of college was a change of pace. It was a humbling change of pace, he says.

“It was definitely different,” Johnson said. “It was definitely a mindset change… I think it was definitely a humbling experience for sure… I think the biggest thing for me was learning that even though things didn’t go the way I want them to this year – That doesn’t make me a worse baseball player than what I was. I’m still really good. Other guys are still really good.”

Johnson says confidence is a big factor for him. He’s spending the 2025 summer pitching in his hometown, for the Cartersville Cannons, in the Sunbelt League.

Illinois wasn’t on his radar when he entered the transfer portal. However, conversations with a number of Illini coaches, including new pitching coach Dillon Napoleon, won him over.

He’s also excited to play in a true college town after the freshman campaign in Atlanta.