Why?
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The Chanticleers were fresh off a run to the College World Series Finals, finishing No. 2 nationally in 2025 after falling to eventual champion LSU. Texas, meanwhile, finished No. 18. For Cantu, the decision came down to development and opportunity.
“Coastal Carolina really develops their players, and that was a huge selling point,” he said. “I’ll have an opportunity to get on the field as a freshman at one of the top programs in the country. That’s all you can ask.”
Winning has always followed Cantu.
He started at quarterback for the Pioneers as a freshman, leading them to the playoffs while racking up more than 1,500 yards of offense and 16 touchdowns. But his journey hasn’t been smooth. Injuries sidelined him during parts of his freshman and sophomore seasons before he returned fully healthy as a junior — and hungrier than ever.
“Going through that was very difficult,” he said. “That’s what made last year so special — winning state with that group of guys. We were so close and had such great chemistry. That was the difference.
“What I love about LSA is that state is the standard. The older guys help the younger guys prepare for varsity, and it’s a seamless transition.”
When he’s not taking hacks in the cage, the left-handed slugger can usually be found at Chipotle.
“If I had an NIL deal, I’d want it there,” he laughed. “I eat there all the time — the same thing every time… a bowl with double rice, double chicken, lettuce, salsa and cheese.”
And if he could share a meal with anyone in history?
“It would be Jesus,” he said. “Just sitting there talking and asking all the questions I could think of would be pretty special.”
Talent may open doors, but Cantu’s perspective and perseverance suggest his biggest moments are still ahead — and he’s stepping into them with confidence.
