West Virginia Baseball Ranked No. 3 in Big 12 Preseason Poll

West Virginia University (WVU) baseball enters the 2026 season with notable expectations, having secured the No. 3 spot in the Big 12 Preseason Coaches Poll. This ranking marks the highest for the Mountaineers since joining the Big 12 in 2013, reflecting their growing competitiveness in collegiate baseball.

The ranking results from votes cast by conference coaches, who are prohibited from voting for their own teams. Last year, the Mountaineers were placed No. 4, but they have since shown significant improvement. Under the leadership of head coach Steve Sabin, WVU clinched the Big 12 regular-season championship in 2025 before facing a challenging NCAA Tournament.

Strong Performance and Key Players

During the NCAA Tournament, the Mountaineers excelled by winning the Clemson regional. They advanced to the Super Regionals but were ultimately eliminated by Louisiana State University (LSU), which went on to win the National Championship. The Mountaineers’ performance last season sets a solid foundation as they prepare for the upcoming games.

Heading into this season, Texas Christian University (TCU) claims the top position in the poll, receiving 13 out of 14 first-place votes. TCU nearly achieved 40 wins last season and has garnered significant recognition, with three of the four preseason player accolades awarded to their athletes. Arizona, the defending champions, ranks just above the Mountaineers at No. 2, earning one first-place vote.

Among the individual accolades, right-handed pitcher Chase Meyer stands out as the only Mountaineer selected for the Preseason All-Big 12 team. Last season, Meyer demonstrated impressive skills on the mound, concluding with a record of 9-2, a 3.94 ERA, and 63 strikeouts over 48 innings. Opponents faced challenges against him, as he limited their batting average to .192.

Upcoming Matches and Broadcasting Details

The Mountaineers are set to kick off their season with a matchup against Georgia Southern on February 13, 2026. This game will take place in Georgia and is anticipated to be broadcast on ESPN+. Following this, WVU will host its first home game on February 24 against Canisius, another exciting opportunity for fans to support the team.

As the Mountaineers prepare to take the field, the combination of their strong ranking, key player performances, and anticipation for the season ahead suggests that they are ready to make a significant impact in the Big 12 Conference. With a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, WVU baseball aims to build on last year’s successes and strive for further achievements in 2026.