University of Georgia Athletics
Lujo Steps Into the Spotlight at Georgia
October 16, 2025 | Baseball
Adam Greene
UGA Sports Communications
"Even during practices, I look around and I'm thinking, 'Wow.' Just playing in the stadium itself — I don't even need people in it," Georgia infielder Rylan Lujo said as he looked out at Foley Field. The Coconut Creek, Fla., native transferred to Georgia following an outstanding freshman campaign at Dayton, and is entering his first season with the Bulldogs. "It didn't need much selling," he said of the program.
His first impression of Athens was one of awe, and he expressed how motivating it's been to step out onto historic Foley Field and picture himself playing in front of thousands of fans in just a few months' time.
"Thinking about what's coming up and the fan base here … you're gonna put your blood, sweat, and tears into the program, right? For the years that I'm here, I'm gonna give absolutely everything I have," Lujo said. "You gotta give 110%, because as amazing as this is, the goal is to get to the next level."
Despite a scorching .361/.415/.556 slash line last spring, Lujo prides himself on versatility being his calling card. "It's very important for me specifically, because I feel like I'm the kind of player and have the body type to be able to play anywhere," Lujo said. "And that's what they've been doing with me here. I feel comfortable at every position."
Lujo has worked out at second base, shortstop, all three outfield positions, and third base, where he's notably spent the most time between his freshman year at Dayton and a brief stint with the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League.
Part of a transfer class ranked No. 1 in the nation by D1Baseball, Lujo has already integrated himself into the Georgia baseball program. "I felt the care immediately on the first call with Coach [Will] Coggin," he described. "It wasn't just business; it felt like building a personal connection here at the University of Georgia."
Back to his earlier point, it's been surreal for Lujo joining an SEC program, something that's long been a dream of his. "It's been great," he began. "You know, this is all new to me. I've never played in something like this." He repeated how special it's been to step onto the field every day. "Just like I told you earlier, there could be five people in the stands and I'd still be speechless."
A constant reminder now, being part of a premier program like Ike Cousins Head Baseball Coach Wes Johnson's, is that there's always room for improvement. The biggest thing he's focused on is making it through a full, grueling collegiate season. "I started last year out not very great, but I started doing better and better," he said. "Midyear, I was batting in the .400s, but my body as a freshman wasn't prepared for a 60-game season."
Lujo felt himself slipping, and he doesn't want to make the same mistake twice. "The Georgia staff and I are really focusing and preparing for the physical aspect of things. Getting to this level, you already have the talent, you already have the skill. It's more about the consistency and the longevity of it." He says building upon his physicality will give him the best opportunity to play his best baseball — especially if he's going to be at multiple positions.
With preseason scrimmages underway, Lujo can feel the season inching closer. "I do want to go play ball, but like I said, I've never been in this type of environment before," he said. "I've never been under this spotlight, but I'm excited to see what it's all about and how it feels to play in front of thousands of people every day."
The biggest difference for Lujo, more impactful than the level of play, new teammates, or any other aspect of Georgia baseball, has actually been the weather. "I've had days where I'm outside practicing in 20 degrees and it's raining," Lujo joked about his time at Dayton. For a kid from South Florida, the weather in Athens is much more comparable to what he's used to.
Lujo will spend the next few months preparing for the regular season, but one thing will remain the same through it all: "When I'm out there, I'm just a kid with a dream. This is amazing to me."