Jack Lausch isn’t your average college student. This Northwestern Wildcat isn’t just excelling on the football field as a starting quarterback; he’s also making a name for himself on the baseball diamond. His meticulously planned days start before dawn and often end late at night, a testament to his dedication and organizational skills.
His planner, filled with handwritten tasks in black ink, is a crucial tool in this juggling act. Balancing spring football practice with starting in center field for the Wildcats’ baseball team requires precision and commitment. There are even “conflict days,” like the time he practiced football before flying to Michigan State for a crucial baseball game. This demanding schedule, however, is a dream come true for Lausch.
He was a highly touted high school baseball prospect, with the potential to go pro straight out of high school. However, his love for football led him to Northwestern, where he became the Wildcats’ starting quarterback in 2024. The opportunity to play baseball again presented itself, and he embraced it wholeheartedly. Now, he’s reacclimating to the sport, starting in 26 of 27 games and contributing significantly to the team’s success.
His journey to Northwestern wasn’t straightforward. Initially, he prioritized football, even turning down a potential pro baseball career to pursue his passion on the gridiron. The decision was made with the full support of his parents, both college athletes themselves. He had initially planned to attend Notre Dame, where he had offers for both sports, but Northwestern’s scholarship quarterback offer proved too tempting to pass up.
The transition back to baseball wasn’t without its challenges. After focusing solely on football for a while, he needed to retrain his body and relearn the nuances of baseball. Hitting, in particular, proved to be a significant hurdle. His coach, Ben Greenspan, recognized these initial struggles but remained supportive, allowing Lausch to start every game. Interestingly, football analogies have been surprisingly helpful. Greenspan’s advice to visualize throwing a football over a linebacker and in front of a safety helped Lausch transform into a strong outfielder.
Despite the intense demands of playing two sports, Lausch is thriving. His football experience has translated surprisingly well to baseball, and he’s showing consistent improvement on the diamond. His coach has noticed a shift in his mindset, from tentative to confident and aggressive. This mental strength, honed on the football field, is crucial for his success in baseball. His football teammates have also shown incredible support, cheering him on at games.
The future is uncertain. Lausch is eligible for the MLB draft and will graduate in June. His performance in the coming weeks will likely determine whether he pursues a professional baseball career or returns to Northwestern for another year of both football and baseball. For now, he’s focused on the tasks at hand, living in the moment, and letting the future unfold naturally.
