Texas A&M will open the 2026 college baseball season on Friday night, as the Aggies open the new campaign hungry to return to the NCAA Tournament after missing the postseason, and for second-year head coach Michael Earley, this season could decide his future at the helm.
After entering the 2025 season as the No. 1-ranked team in the country, the Aggies immediately struggled in conference play, and outside of surprising series wins against Arkansas and LSU, Texas A&M struggled against lesser competition, including a home sweep against last-place Missouri, which shocked the college baseball landscape.
After losing a long list of veteran starters to the 2025 MLB Draft, Texas A&M’s pitching depth took a massive hit, losing ace Ryan Prager and weekend starter Justin Lamkin, while Shane Sdao and Weston Moss opted to return, and were named as two of the three weekend starters before opening the season vs. Tennessee Tech this weekend.
However, Texas A&M’s 2026 batting lineup will define the Aggies’ season, led by star hitters Caden Sorrell and Gavin Grahovac. Combined with transfer additions Chris Hacopian, Jake Duer, and Wesley Jordan, the offense shouldn’t be lacking. Sophomore outfielder Terrence Kiel Jr. hasn’t received the preseason praise he deserves and has quietly put in the work, mainly due to Michael Earley’s “intense” practices.
“He’s been on us, but that’s what we need. Our practices are more intense, and that’s good. I know if there’s one game in our program that’s ready, it’s him… and he’s the coach,” Kiel stated. “He’s not even playing. He’s doing everything to get us prepared for the opening weekend, and we’re going to be ready.”
Texas A&M will need to maintain this mindset throughout the regular season and develop chemistry during conference play to enter the conference slate with momentum before games truly begin to matter for NCAA Tournament selection.
Texas A&M will open the 2026 season against Tennessee Tech on Friday, February 13, at 6:00 p.m. and will be available to stream on SEC Network+.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M star OF discusses ‘intense’ practices before 2026 opener
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
