Springfield Standard

Missouri State University has announced the addition of 14 new players to its baseball roster for the 2026 season. The incoming transfer class was ranked 25th nationally by 64Analytics, a company specializing in college baseball data and analytics.

Head Coach Joey Hawkins commented on the new group: "We went into the summer wanting to check boxes in various parts of our roster and our staff did an outstanding job navigating, organizing and recruiting all avenues in the transfer market. We feel like we significantly raised the floor of our pitching staff by adding pitchers with tons of experience but also adding pitchers who can remain in our program for multiple years with tons of upside. The catching and middle infield was a major need for us especially after losing two all-conference players in the middle infield, and our staff did a great job creating depth up the middle of the field with players that have a ton of offensive upside and athletic defensive skills. We feel like we added some experience in the lineup by way of grad transfers that will plug some holes that were created via the draft. Altogether, we feel like we supplemented an exciting group of returners with an outstanding transfer class. We like our group on paper, and we look forward to getting to work this fall!"

The new commitments bring experience from several collegiate programs across different regions. Among them is Trent Ash, who comes from Bethany Lutheran College where he earned conference honors as both Rookie and Pitcher of the Year while helping his team win a championship.

Bobby Atkinson joins after playing at Bradley University where he was named second-team all-Missouri Valley Conference and MVC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. He previously played at Coastal Carolina and Heartland Community College, earning national recognition during his time there.

Jackson Beaman arrives as a sixth-year player following stints at Missouri and Iowa, bringing power-hitting credentials from his collegiate career.

Other additions include Harrison Bouthillette (USC Lancaster/San Jacinto College), Charlie Carter (Oklahoma State), Bryce Cermenelli (Central Arkansas/Riverside CC), Ross Felder (Arkansas), Brayden Gum (Coastal Bend JC/Iowa Western CC), Brock Lucas (Missouri), Gabe Roessler (Milwaukee/Madison College), Jax Ryan (Arizona State), Bowen Tabola (Eastern Florida State/Western Carolina), Lance Wade (Winthrop/Mississippi College) and Daniel Wissler (Missouri).

These athletes bring various accolades such as all-conference selections, state titles, JUCO World Series appearances, national championships at junior college level, high school All-America honors, as well as individual awards for both academic achievement and athletic performance.

Missouri State’s recruitment strategy focused on building depth particularly among pitchers, catchers, and middle infielders—areas impacted by graduation or professional drafts last season. The new arrivals are expected to contribute immediately alongside returning players as preparations begin for fall training.