Chance Nolan, former Oregon State Beavers starting quarterback and Oregon State-Oregon rivalry game legend, showed the MLB’s New York Yankees enough for them to sign him to a contract on Tuesday, beginning his career as a professional baseball player.
Former Beavers QB Chance Nolan Joins MLB’s Most Storied Franchise, NY Yankees
Chance Nolan, best known as a quarterback for the Oregon State Beavers, has signed with the MLB’s New York Yankees as a pitcher. He started for most of the 2021 season and at various points during the 2020 and 2022 seasons as well.
A three-star recruit out of Paloma Valley High School in California, Nolan began his career with the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, where he redshirted as a freshman. From there, he transferred to Saddleback College before joining the Beavers in 2020.
Nolan instantly became entrenched in Oregon State lore. Down 38-34 in the rivalry game against the Oregon Ducks with under a minute remaining, starting quarterback Tristan Gebbia was injured at the opposing 1-yard line. In came Nolan to take the snap.
Oregon State came out victorious after Nolan scored on a quarterback sneak, cementing himself as a Beaver legend after only one snap.
He started the ensuing three games before heading into the 2021 season as the starter. He led the Beavers to a 7-6 record, including an LA Bowl appearance. Nolan posted solid numbers, completing 64.2% of his passes for 2,677 yards and 19 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. He also showed athleticism on the ground, rushing for 286 yards and three scores.
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The Beavers entered the 2022 season with high expectations, beginning the season with three straight victories before falling at home to the USC Trojans. Nolan threw four interceptions in the game, which was the final start of his college career. He threw only seven more passes in his career. Two of which were intercepted.
Nolan transferred to TCU following the season but never threw a pass for the Horned Frogs. While his football career didn’t end on a great note, Nolan has revived his athletic career by turning to baseball.
While with the Beavers, he was known for his arm strength and ability to push the ball in tight windows in the intermediate parts of the field. That has carried over to the diamond, as Nolan signed with the New York Yankees as a pitcher.
Nolan posted the news to his X account, along with pictures of him in the iconic pinstriped uniform.
“Thank you @Yankees for giving me this opportunity. Thankful for all the help and guidance along the way! Excited to get to work.”
Thank you @Yankees for giving me this opportunity.✍️Thankful for all the help and guidance along the way! Excited to get to work. pic.twitter.com/awz2bNYMJg
— Chance Nolan (@chance_nolan) January 28, 2025
A solid college quarterback once upon a time, Nolan will now focus on honing his skills within the baseball diamond.
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