College Baseball · 2 hours ago

2026 D1Baseball: Top Mid-Major Teams in the Midwest Region

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UW Milwaukee – Horizon League
2025 Overall Record: 24-35

2025 Conference Record: 16-13

Wisconsin may not be known as a baseball hotbed, with its lone Division I program often flying under the radar. Still, the Panthers are quietly making strides, slowly turning a string of losing seasons into a foundation for future success by retaining local talent and building continuity.

The pitching staff leads the optimism heading into 2026. Sophomore left-hander Riley Peterson, who dominated out of the bullpen as a freshman with a 1.83 ERA over 29.1 innings, is expected to step into a rotation role and could make a significant leap forward. Grad-senior Gavin Theis returns after leading the team in starts (16) and innings (88⅓), finishing with 74 strikeouts and a 4.38 ERA, while Aric Ehmke adds depth after 11 starts and 60 innings last season.

Offensively, the Panthers return just two qualified hitters, but Charlie Marion will anchor the lineup after posting a team-best 12 home runs and 61 RBI in 2025. Sophomore infielder Tate Schmidt also returns, adding stability to a mostly new lineup.

With a solid pitching core and an infusion of new bats, Wisconsin could be a team to watch in 2026 as it looks to take the next step forward.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.
Creighton Blue Jays – Big East
2025 Overall record: 46-16

2025 Conference record: 17-4

Creighton enters the 2026 season riding the momentum of a standout 2025 campaign that included a Big East regular-season title, a conference tournament championship, and a trip to the Fayetteville Regional final in a 46–16 season. While the Bluejays will need to replace key pieces from that run, the foundation for another strong year remains firmly in place.

Offensively, Creighton loses five of eight qualified hitters, most notably Nolan Sailors, who posted a 1.069 OPS while starting all 59 games. Still, the lineup returns essential anchors. Junior catcher Connor Capece is back after starting 45 games and finishing with a .897 OPS and 41 RBI. Grad-senior infielder Ben North, the team’s 2025 RBI leader, also returns after pacing the Bluejays in home runs and extra-base hits, while Tate Gillen adds stability after starting every game last season.

On the mound, Creighton brings back two-thirds of its rotation. Sophomore right-hander Wilson Magers headlines the staff after leading the team in starts and innings as a freshman with a 3.47 ERA. Senior Ian Koosman also returns after logging over 60 innings with a team-best 59 strikeouts.

With depth returning and the Big East shaping up as a loaded race, Creighton remains firmly in the conference title conversation.

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Wright State Raiders – Horizon League
2025 Overall Record: 40-21

2025 Conference Record: 25-5

Wright State enters 2026 fresh off another dominant season, capturing the Horizon League title and advancing to the regional championship game before falling to Louisville. At 40 wins, the Raiders once again proved to be one of the most dangerous four-seeds in the postseason, a reputation that should carry over despite some roster turnover.

The most significant offensive loss is Boston Smith, who led the team across the board with a massive 1.274 OPS, 26 home runs, and 71 RBI. While replacing that production won’t be easy, Wright State returns several battle-tested contributors with postseason experience and enough firepower to remain a 35-plus win threat. Junior infielder JP Peltier headlines the lineup after blasting 20 home runs and driving in 69 runs while leading the team with 24 stolen bases, making him one of the Horizon League’s most complete players. Sophomore Hunter Warren, the only Raider to start all 61 games, returns alongside senior Evan Fultz, who posted a .914 OPS with 45 RBI and double-digit steals.

On the mound, the Raiders lose two rotation arms but bring back ace right-hander Cam Allen, who logged 13 starts and shone in the postseason. Two-way standout J.J. Thompson adds value both on the mound and at the plate.

Even with key departures, Wright State remains the Horizon favorite, and a postseason matchup no one wants.
Missouri State Bears – Missouri Valley
2025 Overall Record: 30-25

2025 Conference Record: 17-8

Missouri State enters the 2026 season with unfinished business after narrowly missing the NCAA Tournament a year ago, falling to Missouri Valley champion Murray State, which went on to make a memorable run to Omaha. With much of the roster returning, the Bears are positioned to push back to the top of the MVC and reclaim their place in the national field.

The Bears lose only three starters, though the departures are significant. Nick Rodriguez, Jake McCutcheon, and Tyler Epstein accounted for a third of the team’s RBI and nearly half of its stolen bases in 2025. Even so, Missouri State returns plenty of offensive firepower. Junior outfielder Caden Bogenpohl anchors the lineup after posting a 1.007 OPS with 13 home runs and 44 RBI, while utility man Taeg Gollert returns after leading the team with 22 doubles. Two-way standouts Max Knight and Curry Sutherland add impact on both sides of the ball, combining power bats with reliable innings.

On the mound, the rotation remains largely intact. Sophomore Michael Yusypchuk and junior left-hander Tyler Charlton both return after making 14 starts apiece, combining for over 128 innings. Most of the bullpen is also back, giving Missouri State valuable continuity.

With Murray State retooling, the Bears enter 2026 as an early MVC favorite and a strong bet to represent the league in the NCAA Tournament.

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UW Milwaukee – Horizon League
2025 Overall Record: 24-35

2025 Conference Record: 16-13

Wisconsin may not be known as a baseball hotbed, with its lone Division I program often flying under the radar. Still, the Panthers are quietly making strides, slowly turning a string of losing seasons into a foundation for future success by retaining local talent and building continuity.

The pitching staff leads the optimism heading into 2026. Sophomore left-hander Riley Peterson, who dominated out of the bullpen as a freshman with a 1.83 ERA over 29.1 innings, is expected to step into a rotation role and could make a significant leap forward. Grad-senior Gavin Theis returns after leading the team in starts (16) and innings (88⅓), finishing with 74 strikeouts and a 4.38 ERA, while Aric Ehmke adds depth after 11 starts and 60 innings last season.

Offensively, the Panthers return just two qualified hitters, but Charlie Marion will anchor the lineup after posting a team-best 12 home runs and 61 RBI in 2025. Sophomore infielder Tate Schmidt also returns, adding stability to a mostly new lineup.

With a solid pitching core and an infusion of new bats, Wisconsin could be a team to watch in 2026 as it looks to take the next step forward.

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

2026 D1Baseball: Top Mid-Major Teams in the Midwest Region

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