As the 2026 season approaches, the college baseball landscape is heating up with preseason polls, neutral-site announcements, and key roster updates. Here are the top headlines for Friday, January 9.
Division I: Preseason Polls and International Series
- East Carolina Tops AAC Preseason Poll Phil Stanton of College Baseball Insider reports that East Carolina has been voted the favorite in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) preseason poll. The Pirates continue to be a dominant force in the conference as they eye another deep postseason run. Read more at College Baseball Insider
- UConn Edges Creighton for Big East Top Spot The Big East preseason coaches’ poll has been released, with UConn narrowly beating out Creighton for the #1 ranking. Both programs are expected to be major contenders for a regional bid this spring. Read more at College Baseball Insider
- Indiana State and Penn State to Face Off in The Bahamas In a historic move for the sport, ticket and hotel information was released today for a weekend series between Indiana State and Penn State at the Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium in Nassau. This will be the first-ever NCAA Division I regular-season baseball competition held in The Bahamas, scheduled for late February. Read more at GoSycamores.com
Division II & III: Convention and Rule Updates
- NCAA Convention Prep and Award Finalists The NCAA announced today further details regarding the upcoming 2026 NCAA Convention in National Harbor, Maryland (Jan 13–16). Of note for Division II baseball, Gannon University remains a top finalist for the Award of Excellence, which will be presented during the business sessions next week. Read more at NCAA.org
- Mandatory Bat Testing for DII and DIII in 2026 Under the 2025–2026 rules cycle, all non-wood bats in Division II and Division III must undergo mandatory testing prior to the start of each series or single date of competition this season. This implementation aims to ensure equipment compliance across the lower divisions. Read the Official Rule Change PDF
Collegiate Summer Leagues
- Cape Cod Spotlight: Brendan Lawson Eyes 2026 Return The Brewster Whitecaps have highlighted Florida infielder Brendan Lawson as a key returner for the 2026 summer season. Lawson, currently ranked as a top 2027 MLB Draft prospect, was the Whitecaps’ Offensive Player of the Year last summer and is expected to lead the “Cape” once again after his spring season with the Gators. Read more at CapeCodLeague.com
Disclaimer: This information was researched and curated with the assistance of AI, but reviewed and verified by a human.
