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2026 D1Baseball: Sun Belt Conference College Baseball Preview

SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball

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Arkansas State Red Wolves
At first glance, Arkansas State’s 26–28 record and 14–16 conference finish don’t stand out — but the foundation is quietly shifting. Head coach Mike Silva, hired after leading Nicholls to back-to-back NCAA Regionals, guided the Red Wolves to one of their most competitive seasons in years.

Institutional support is arriving as well. Arkansas State announced plans for a 40,000-square-foot Player Development Center overlooking right field at Tomlinson Stadium, featuring batting cages, pitching tunnels, a full turf infield, weight room, and premium seating — a major long-term boost for recruiting and development.

On the field, Arkansas State returns six regular offensive contributors. Patrick Engskov produced 13 doubles, nine home runs, and 35 RBI, while freshman Ashton Quiller impressed with a .318/.371/.479 slash line, five triples, and 30 RBI. Cross Jumper, Cason Campbell, Kaden Amundson, and Jake Henry Williams also return with meaningful experience.

Pitching depth improves with returners Jack Hibbard ( 4.95 ERA, 45 strikeouts, 12 starts ), Colin Maloney ( 4.46 ERA, 36 strikeouts ), and senior Jack Nelson ( 3.86 ERA, 49 innings ). Portal additions Wes Pritchard (Mississippi State), Houston Tomlinson (Texas A&M), and Ryan Ashford (Miami) add upside.

Arkansas State may not be ready to contend yet, but the pieces are in place for a noticeable jump in 2026 — and the program’s trajectory is finally pointing upward.

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Sun Belt Baseball Sets the Standard
The Sun Belt Conference continues to be one of the most underrated — and most competitive — leagues in Division I college baseball. The 2025 season only reinforced that reputation, showcasing elite depth at the top and postseason-level talent throughout the standings.

Coastal Carolina led the league with a 26–4 conference record and finished 56–13 overall, while Southern Miss followed closely at 24–6 in league play and 47–16 overall. The league tournament ran through the 10-team Sun Belt Baseball Championship at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama (May 20–25), where Coastal secured the automatic NCAA bid by defeating Southern Miss 7–5 in the title game.

On Selection Monday, the Sun Belt placed two teams into the NCAA Tournament — with a strong argument that Troy, which finished 39–21 overall and 18–12 in conference, deserved a spot as well. That backdrop sets the tone for 2026: a clearly defined standard at the top and relentless competition chasing it.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.
Projected Conference Champion – Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
Picking against a team that reached the College World Series Final is difficult, especially when so much pitching returns. Coastal Carolina enters 2026 with unfinished business after a 56–13 season that included a 26-game winning streak and a trip to Omaha.

Head Coach Kevin Schnall and his staff were rewarded with extensions through 2030, a reflection of the program’s sustained excellence. Coastal loses key pieces — including catcher Caden Bodine and starters Jacob Morrison and Riley Eikhoff — but the foundation remains elite.

The rotation is anchored by right-hander Cam Flukey, who posted a 3.19 ERA, 118 strikeouts, and 101 innings pitched. Flukey has developed into one of the premier arms in college baseball and is widely viewed as a top-five pick in the 2026 MLB Draft.

Left-hander Hayden Johnson transitions into the rotation after recording a 2.82 ERA with 55 strikeouts in 38.1 innings out of the bullpen. Georgia State transfer Ross Norman rounds out the staff, bringing upside under pitching coach Matt Williams.
Coastal’s Bullpen, Bats, and Portal Boost
Coastal’s bullpen remains a major strength. Ryan Lynch led the team with nine saves, a microscopic 0.56 ERA, and 36 strikeouts in 32 innings. Dominick Carbone followed with a 2.36 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 42 innings, while Darin Horn also returns.

Offensively, production was more uneven in 2025. Only Caden Bodine and Blake Barthol reached double-digit home runs. With Bodine gone, Barthol steps into a leadership role, while Colby Thorndyke returns after slashing .303/.395/.445 with 18 doubles, four home runs, and 48 RBI. Dean Mihos, who led the team with a .332 batting average, profiles as a key table setter.

The transfer portal helped address power concerns. Jordan Taylor (Stetson) slashed .322/.359/.504 with 16 doubles, eight home runs, and 43 RBI. Rex Watson (San Diego) added 13 home runs and 60 RBI, while Phillip Ard brings serious pop after hitting 35 home runs over his final two seasons at North Georgia.

With pitching stability and upgraded bats, Coastal again looks like the team to beat.
Southern Miss Golden Eagles
Southern Miss remains a model of consistency, finishing 47–11 overall and 24–6 in conference in 2025 while hosting both a regional and super regional at Pete Taylor Park. Under Head Coach Christian Ostrander, the program hasn’t dipped below 40 wins since 2015.

The lineup will look different after losing Nick Monistere, who posted a 1.033 OPS, 21 home runs, and 71 RBI, along with Ozzie Pratt, Jake Cook, and Carson Paetow. However, Matthew Russo returns after finishing with a .970 OPS, 18 home runs, and 57 RBI, making him a potential Sun Belt Player of the Year candidate.

Outfielder Joey Urban slashed .333/.417/.552 with 19 extra-base hits, and catcher Tucker Stockman returns after driving in 33 RBI.

On the mound, Kros Sivley (4.14 ERA, 71⅔ innings) and Grayden Harris (3.39 ERA, 58⅓ innings) step into expanded rotation roles, while closer Colby Allen anchors the bullpen after recording 12 saves, 77 strikeouts, and holding hitters to a .214 average.
Troy Trojans
Troy was arguably the biggest postseason omission of 2025 after finishing 39–21 overall and 18–12 in conference, losing just one league series. Head Coach Skylar Meade has now posted three straight 37+ win seasons.

Despite losing catcher Brooks Bryan (12 HR, 61 RBI), the offense returns six starters. Steven Meier slashed .300/.447/.507, stole 24 bases, and ranked sixth nationally with 29 hit-by-pitches. Blake Cavill led Troy with a 1.078 OPS, 64 walks, 11 home runs, and 50 RBI.

The pitching staff faces the biggest question after losing its top six arms, including Noah Edders. Lefty Drew Nelson returns after posting a 5.49 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 33⅓ innings. Troy’s ceiling hinges on how quickly the staff stabilizes.
Texas State Bobcats
Despite a 27–31 overall record, Texas State was one of the more intriguing Sun Belt teams in 2025, picking up statement wins over Texas, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma State. Injuries and lack of depth caught up to the Bobcats late, leading to a 14–16 conference finish and eighth place in the league, but the flashes were real.

Entering 2026, optimism centers around a retooled roster and growing depth. Assistant coach Danny-David Linahan emphasized balance and upside, noting the mix of high school, junior college, and portal additions — even as much of the group gains Division I experience on the fly.

On the mound, Jesus Tovar stands as the lone returning starter after making 11 starts, posting a 6.21 ERA with 58 strikeouts over 66⅔ innings. Texas State lost its top three bullpen arms, creating opportunity for new roles. Pitching coach Blakley experimented heavily in the fall, searching for reliable options across leverage situations.

Offensively, Chase Mora returns as the anchor after leading the team with an .834 OPS, eight home runs, and 44 RBI. Rehawn Galloway is back after missing most of 2025 with a broken hamate, while Coy DeFury looks ready for another jump after 31 starts last season. One breakout candidate to watch is Ethan Ferris, who showed exit velocities approaching 110 mph this fall.

Texas State remains a rebuild, but if health cooperates, the Bobcats are positioned to climb the Sun Belt standings in 2026.
Marshall Thundering Herd
Marshall quietly put together one of the league’s biggest turnarounds in 2025, finishing 33–26 overall and 16–14 in conference after an 18–37 campaign the year prior. It marked the program’s best season under head coach Greg Beals, now in his third year, with upgraded facilities playing a key role in roster development.

The strength of this team lies squarely in its pitching staff. Marshall returns its entire weekend rotation, led by Griffin Miller, who posted a 3.46 ERA, 71 strikeouts, and 83.1 innings. He’s penciled in as the Friday night starter once again. Bryce Blevins and Clint Moak round out the rotation, with Blevins looking to rebound after a strong 3.45 ERA in 2024.

Out of the bullpen, Charlie Krebs ( 2.92 ERA, 52.1 innings ) and Peyton Jackson ( 3.55 ERA, 25.1 innings ) give the Herd experienced late-inning options.

Offensively, replacing Maika Niu (transfer to Arkansas) and Eddie Leon is the challenge. Still, AJ Harvilla returns after driving in 45 runs with a .287/.420/.446 slash line, while Tyler Kamerer and Jackson Halter provide on-base ability and speed. Ethan Murdoch ( 10 HR ) and Akron transfer Evan Bottone ( 13 SB, .413 OBP ) could help offset lost power.

With pitching depth and incremental offensive growth, Marshall profiles as a legitimate top-half Sun Belt threat again.
Arkansas State Red Wolves
At first glance, Arkansas State’s 26–28 record and 14–16 conference finish don’t stand out — but the foundation is quietly shifting. Head coach Mike Silva, hired after leading Nicholls to back-to-back NCAA Regionals, guided the Red Wolves to one of their most competitive seasons in years.

Institutional support is arriving as well. Arkansas State announced plans for a 40,000-square-foot Player Development Center overlooking right field at Tomlinson Stadium, featuring batting cages, pitching tunnels, a full turf infield, weight room, and premium seating — a major long-term boost for recruiting and development.

On the field, Arkansas State returns six regular offensive contributors. Patrick Engskov produced 13 doubles, nine home runs, and 35 RBI, while freshman Ashton Quiller impressed with a .318/.371/.479 slash line, five triples, and 30 RBI. Cross Jumper, Cason Campbell, Kaden Amundson, and Jake Henry Williams also return with meaningful experience.

Pitching depth improves with returners Jack Hibbard ( 4.95 ERA, 45 strikeouts, 12 starts ), Colin Maloney ( 4.46 ERA, 36 strikeouts ), and senior Jack Nelson ( 3.86 ERA, 49 innings ). Portal additions Wes Pritchard (Mississippi State), Houston Tomlinson (Texas A&M), and Ryan Ashford (Miami) add upside.

Arkansas State may not be ready to contend yet, but the pieces are in place for a noticeable jump in 2026 — and the program’s trajectory is finally pointing upward.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Sun Belt Baseball Sets the Standard
The Sun Belt Conference continues to be one of the most underrated — and most competitive — leagues in Division I college baseball. The 2025 season only reinforced that reputation, showcasing elite depth at the top and postseason-level talent throughout the standings.

Coastal Carolina led the league with a 26–4 conference record and finished 56–13 overall, while Southern Miss followed closely at 24–6 in league play and 47–16 overall. The league tournament ran through the 10-team Sun Belt Baseball Championship at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama (May 20–25), where Coastal secured the automatic NCAA bid by defeating Southern Miss 7–5 in the title game.

On Selection Monday, the Sun Belt placed two teams into the NCAA Tournament — with a strong argument that Troy, which finished 39–21 overall and 18–12 in conference, deserved a spot as well. That backdrop sets the tone for 2026: a clearly defined standard at the top and relentless competition chasing it.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.

2026 D1Baseball: Sun Belt Conference College Baseball Preview

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