Welcome to College Baseball Today. We are officially 3 days away from the 2026 Division I Opening Day. The tension is palpable as rosters are finalized and the final preseason watch lists are released.
Here is the pulse of the college baseball world for Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
National Headlines: The “Stopper” Watch Begins
NCBWA Releases 2026 Stopper of the Year Watch List
The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) has officially released its initial watch list for the nation’s top relief pitcher. Highlighting the 104-player list are several SEC powerhouses, including a trio from Tennessee (Brandon Arvidson, Brady Frederick, and Bo Rhudy) and a pair of Mississippi State Bulldogs (Tyler Davis and Webb).
- Austin Peay also made a splash with three relievers (Alveti, Hohensee, and Shatwell) named to the list.
- Source: UT Sports | Hail State | LetsGoPeay
LSU Voted Popular Pick to Win 2026 Title
In a survey of 279 Division I programs released today, the defending national champion LSU Tigers were the overwhelming favorite to repeat in Omaha, receiving 99 votes. UCLA followed in second with 43 votes. Despite the hype, SEC rival Florida is leaning into an “underdog” role; ranked No. 13 in some preseason polls, Gator players are publicly stating they are ready to “prove everyone wrong.”
- Source: Saturday Down South | WRUF ESPN Gainesville
Conference & Team Previews
ACC: A New Look in the Sun
The ACC preview highlights a league in transition. Clemson (No. 17) enters the year with high expectations, while California and Stanford continue to adjust to their second year in the conference. Georgia Tech is being touted as a dark horse to watch under a revamped coaching staff.
- Source: New Baseball Media
Big Ten: Indiana’s Redemption Tour
After missing the tournament in 2025, the Indiana Hoosiers are banking on a veteran pitching staff and Big Ten Freshman of the Year Jake Hanley to lead them back to relevance. Reporters in Bloomington are split on who takes the MVP title, but expectations for a bounce-back year are unanimous.
- Source: Indiana Daily Student
Opening Day Spotlight: Friday, Feb 13
Most DI programs kick off their season this Friday. Notable matchups include:
- LSU vs. Milwaukee (2:00 PM ET)
- Mississippi State vs. Hofstra (4:00 PM ET)
- Florida vs. UAB (6:30 PM ET)
- Oregon State vs. Michigan (Surprise, AZ)
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Cameron Flukey at Coastal Carolina. Named the 2026 Preseason Pitcher of the Year by several outlets today, he is expected to be one of the most dominant Friday night starters in the country this spring.
- Source:GoCCUSports
