SEARCY, Ark. — Former Harding University pitcher Maddox Long, the most decorated arm in program history and a consensus First Team All-American, has signed a professional contract with the Washington Wild Things of the Frontier League.

Long, a native of Morrilton, Arkansas, joins the independent professional club following a senior campaign in 2025 that saw him sweep nearly every major regional and conference pitching award. The Frontier League is a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball.

Long's 2025 season was historic. He finished the year 11-3 with a 2.16 ERA, setting single-season school records for wins (11), strikeouts (122), and innings pitched (108.1). His dominance earned him First Team All-America honors from the ABCA, NCBWA, D2CCA, and D2 Baseball.

He was named the Central Region Pitcher of the Year by all three major organizations (ABCA, NCBWA, D2CCA) and repeated as the Great American Conference (GAC) Pitcher of the Year, having also won the award in 2024.

Locally, Long was recognized as the top collegiate player in Arkansas, earning "The Natural" award and Pitcher of the Year honors from Natural State Baseball. He was also the recipient of the Berryhill Award, Harding's highest athletic honor.

Over his four-year career, Long rewrote the Harding record books. He departs as the all-time leader in wins (29), strikeouts (386), innings pitched (374.1), and games started (59). He was a key figure in leading the Bisons to consecutive NCAA Central Region Tournament appearances in 2024 and 2025.

The Washington Wild Things play in the Frontier League's West Division and are based in Washington, Pennsylvania.