ST. PAUL, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris baseball team was selected third in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches Poll, announced Thursday, Feb. 5. Matt O'Brien enters his eighth season as head coach of the program.
 
"There's a lot to be excited about this season with 18 returners and 21 new players," said O'Brien. "Having six returning all-conference players leading our team gives us the opportunity to dream big and set high goals."
 
The Cougars are coming off a 17–21 season in 2025 and finished fourth in the UMAC with a conference record of 13–8. Ryan McGie, Ben Meuser, and Trevor Haberman each set a single-season home run record at their time at Minnesota Morris. On the mound, Breckin Silvain and Parker Gilchrist are closing in on 100 career strikeouts. The Cougars also return UMAC First Team All-Conference infielder Bradie Black.
 
The 2026 season gets underway on Feb. 24 as the Cougars travel to Minneapolis, Minn., for a nonconference doubleheader with Martin Luther College. First pitch is scheduled for 9 a.m.
 
2026 UMAC Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll
 

Place	School	Points
1	Bethany Lutheran (6)	36
2	UW-Superior (1)	27
3	Minnesota Morris	25
4	Northwestern	23
5	Crown	19
6	North Central	9
7	Martin Luther	8