The 2026 college baseball season kicks off on Friday, coinciding with The Athletic’s annual coaches forum, wherein seasoned college baseball coaches share invaluable insights and predictions for the upcoming season. This year, participants discussed key topics including the best players they have encountered, recruiting anecdotes, and contemporary issues like revenue sharing, the transfer portal, and postseason formats.
Coaches on the panel included J.D. Arteaga of Miami, Mike Bianco of Ole Miss, Jordan Bischel from Cincinnati, Dan Fitzgerald of Kansas, Scott Forbes of North Carolina, Pat Hallmark of UTSA, Wes Johnson of Georgia, Skylar Meade of Troy, and Eddie Smith from Washington.
Arteaga noted that revenue sharing had been positively impactful, particularly enhancing recruiting efforts at programs like Miami, which face unique financial pressures as a private institution. He highlighted the importance of financial stability in offsetting tuition costs and improving the overall program.
Bianco echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about the direction of college baseball amidst evolving regulations. He acknowledged the challenges of adapting to yearly changes and underscored the necessity of finding a systematic approach to build winning teams.
The coaches unanimously recognized the potential benefits of revenue sharing, emphasizing its role in leveling the playing field, particularly for underfunded programs. Bischel argued that, while improvements are needed to ensure fair execution, the transparency it brings can only help the sport. Conversely, Fitzgerald pointed out the disparity in financial resources among various programs, which could complicate the landscape if not addressed adequately.
When it comes to recruiting via the transfer portal, Arteaga highlighted evaluating a player’s motives for leaving their previous school and their playing history. A uniform set of metrics is crucial for the other coaches, including not just skill but also how a player fits within the culture of their prospective team.
Discussions also touched on the importance of the postseason format, with various coaches advocating for potential expansions to allow more deserving teams to participate. Bischel and Fitzgerald expressed a desire for a larger field, arguing it would benefit the competitiveness and excitement of the tournament while bringing in teams that have excelled during the regular season.
Overall, the consensus among these college baseball coaches highlights a forward-thinking approach, with a focus on enhancing the game through fair compensation structures, strategic recruiting, and evolving postseason formats. As the season unfolds, the implications of these changes will become increasingly apparent, shaping the future of college baseball in the years to come.