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Vincennes University

Trailblazer Baseball Set to Build Forward in 2026

Trailblazer Baseball Set to Build Forward in 2026
February 2, 2026

VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University Baseball enters the 2026 season positioned for continued growth, fueled by historic postseason success, a retooled roster, and one of the deepest pitching staffs the program has assembled in recent years. With a demanding schedule and a youthful group eager to build on last spring's momentum, the Trailblazers open the new campaign focused on development, competitiveness, and sustaining championship standards.

Historic Breakthrough in 2024–25

The 2024–25 season proved to be a landmark year for Vincennes University Baseball. Entering the postseason as underdogs, the Trailblazers caught fire at the right time, reeling off eight consecutive postseason victories during one of the most thrilling runs in program history. VU opened its surge by capturing its first Mid-West Athletic Conference/NJCAA Region 24 Pool B Championship, which also marked the program's first Region 24 title since transitioning from Region 12 in 2016.

That momentum carried the Trailblazers into the NJCAA Central District Tournament, where they battled through the field and advanced to the district semifinals, falling just short of a national tournament berth. The late-season run transformed VU from spring underdogs into postseason contenders, energized the program, and reinforced its championship potential, as the Trailblazers closed the year with a 28–34 overall record and their first district appearance since 2014.

"We were playing our best baseball when it mattered most," Head Coach Chris Barney, now entering his 17th season at the helm, said. "That group learned how to win tough games late, and that experience carries over into the next season."

Roster Turnover and Advancement

Following the season, several key sophomores continued their careers at four-year institutions, underscoring VU's role as a developmental launching point. Third baseman Corbin Napier, second baseman Braden Douglas, and left fielder Nate Montgomery all transferred to Indiana University Kokomo, while shortstop Bryce Gross moved on to Brescia University. Right-handed pitcher Colton Okes continued his career at Indiana Tech University, and first baseman/left-handed pitcher Wyatt Burris transferred to Siena Heights University.

Barney views those advancements as a positive reflection of the program. "Anytime players move on to four-year programs, that's a positive reflection of the work they put in here," Barney said. "That's part of what Vincennes baseball has always been about."

Returning Production Anchors the Lineup

Despite the turnover, the Trailblazers return proven offensive production at key positions. Carter Gricius (Scottsburg, Ind.) emerged as one of VU's most consistent hitters last season, batting .323 with 16 doubles, seven home runs, and 42 RBIs, providing middle-of-the-order power and run production.

At the top of the lineup, Jevan Andrews (Hobart, Ind.) appeared in nearly every game, hitting .302, scoring 41 runs, collecting 55 hits, and stealing 29 bases, giving VU a dynamic catalyst with speed and versatility.

Additional returning position players include Jaret Phillips (Jeffersonville, Ind.), Ryan Robinson (Mooresville, Ind.), Brady Cloyd (Connersville, Ind.), Maddox Ray (Bedford, Ind.), and Cole Trevino (Jasper, Ind.), each of whom gained meaningful innings last season and will be counted on to take on expanded roles.

Pitching Depth a Defining Strength

The pitching staff enters 2026 as one of the program's strongest units in recent memory. Jacob Allen (Vincennes, Ind.) returns after leading the team in ERA, appearing in 22 games, throwing 47.2 innings, and striking out 40 hitters, primarily out of the bullpen. Eastin Whaley (Kokomo, Ind.) also returns after establishing himself in the rotation, posting a 4.81 ERA across 48.2 innings.

"We've got more depth on the mound than we've had in a while," Barney said. "That allows us to manage games better and compete over the long haul of the season."

Youth Movement and Impact Freshmen

The 2026 roster features 45 players, including 30 freshmen, with several newcomers expected to contribute immediately. On the mound, Talan Meyers (Lafayette, Ind.), Kaagen Kendall (Hagerstown, Ind.), Braden Burton (Franklin, Ind.), Drake Hoffa (Cloverdale, Ind.), and Parker Clarida (Harrisburg, Ill.) add velocity and depth.

Positionally, newcomers such as Tannar Patterson (Heath, Ohio.), Ethan Papalios (Beavercreek, Ohio.), Carson Reed (Mayfield, Ky.), Matthew Everroad (Greensburg, Ind.), Ryan Crawford (Jeffersonville, Ind.), Lucas Frack (Oxford, Mich.), and Grady Hartman (Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.) bring athleticism, balance, and competition throughout the lineup.

Schedule Built to Test

VU opens the 2026 season on February 6 at Cleveland State Community College (Tenn.), setting the tone for a schedule designed to prepare the Trailblazers for postseason play. The 56-game slate includes 20 games against NJCAA Division I opponents and a 32-game conference schedule, with 12 games against preseason nationally ranked teams.

Early-season competition will immediately challenge the Trailblazers against a slate of nationally recognized opponents. VU opens that stretch on February 20 against Joliet Junior College (Ill.), which received votes in the NJCAA Division III preseason poll, followed by a matchup with Kellogg Community College (Mich.) on February 27, ranked No. 9 in the NJCAA Division II preseason poll. The Trailblazers will then face John A. Logan College (Ill.) on March 3, with Logan entering the season ranked No. 11 in the NJCAA Division I preseason poll.

Conference play within the Mid-West Athletic Conference brings further high-level competition later in the spring, highlighted by a four-game series against Parkland College (Ill.) on April 3–4, ranked No. 15 in the NJCAA Division II preseason poll, followed by a road series at Heartland Community College (Ill.) on April 10–11, with Heartland opening the year ranked No. 4 in the NJCAA Division II preseason poll.

"We challenge ourselves every year," Barney said. "If you want to play meaningful games in May, you have to be willing to play tough opponents in February and March."

Measuring Progress

As he enters his 17th season, Barney continues to emphasize growth and consistency as the program's measuring sticks. "Our goal is to be better at the end of the season than we are at the beginning," he said. "If we defend, pitch, and compete every pitch, the wins take care of themselves."

With championship momentum, returning production, pitching depth, and a large freshman class eager to prove itself, Vincennes University Baseball enters the 2026 season focused on building forward and sustaining the program's upward trajectory.

Join the Journey

As always, fans can keep up with the Vincennes University Baseball squad all year long through a number of ways: