Oral Roberts University has been selected to finish first in the 2026 Summit League Baseball Preseason Coaches’ poll, League officials announced Wednesday. The Golden Eagles shared the 2025 regular season title with St. Thomas, marking their 21st such title.
Summit League Baseball Outlook
Oral Roberts earned 24 points and four first-place votes in the poll. The team returns eight starters, including all-league first team pitchers Easton Teel, who was named Summit League Pitcher of the Year after a successful freshman campaign and Nathan Love.
Omaha and St. Thomas tied for second place with 19 points each. Omaha received two first-place votes, while St. Thomas boasts a veteran infield returning all four starters, including all-league first team selection Matthew Maulik. Omaha also returns 2025 Player of the Year Henry Zipay.
South Dakota State is predicted to finish fourth, narrowly ahead of North Dakota State, the defending tournament champion. Northern Colorado rounds out the six-team poll.
The 2026 Summit League season will consist of 10 three-game series, with each team playing five opponents in home-and-home matchups for a total of 30 regular season games. Play begins March 13-15. The regular season will conclude on May 16.
The top four teams in the regular season standings will qualify for The Summit League Baseball Championship, scheduled for May 20-23 at Siebert Field in Minneapolis, Minn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What team was selected to finish first in the 2026 Summit League Baseball Preseason Coaches’ poll?
Oral Roberts University was selected to finish first.
Which two teams tied for second place in the poll?
Omaha and St. Thomas tied for second place.
Where will the 2026 Summit League Baseball Championship be held?
The 2026 Summit League Baseball Championship will be held at Siebert Field in Minneapolis, Minn.
As teams prepare for the start of league play in March, what factors do you feel will be most crucial for success in the Summit League?
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