Maryland baseball is set to kick off its 2026 season on the road against UNC Wilmington.
The Terps are coming off of a 27-29 (12-18 Big Ten) 2025 campaign, and are looking to take the next steps in building a competitive program. For a second straight year, they will begin their schedule in North Carolina, this time at Brooks Field in Wilmington.
This is the first time the two programs have played since 2017. Nine years ago, Maryland won 10-6, but the all-time record is 10-5 in favor of the Seahawks.
Game one is set for 4 p.m. on Friday. Then, game two will be Saturday at 4 p.m., and the series finale is Sunday at 1 p.m. The games will stream on FloSports, and can be listened to on Maryland Baseball Network.
UNC Wilmington Seahawks (0-0, 0-0 Coastal Athletic Association)
2025 season: (34-24, 19-8 CAA)
Last season, UNC Wilmington finished second in the CAA behind then-No. 19 Northeastern. The Seahawks lost 9-6 in the conference title game to the Huskies. Despite the loss, 2025 marked another successful season for a program with a tradition of winning in the CAA.
Head coach Randy Hood enters his seventh season leading the Seahawks. He sits 182-119 overall, and he’s led the program to the conference title game in four out of the last five years. Last spring, they beat nationally ranked Georgia, NC State and Southern Miss.
However, while success is tradition at UNCW, the team did experience roster turnover. Pitchers Trace Baker, Aubrey Smith, Zane Taylor, catcher Bryan Arendt and first baseman Tanner Thach were all selected in the 2025 MLB Draft.
Right-handed pitchers Cam Bagwell and Khris Morris transferred to Wake Forest and Richmond, respectively. One of the team’s biggest losses was outfielder Brock Wills, who hit .300 avg., 12 home runs and 87 RBIs in three seasons. He transferred for his senior season to No. 21 West Virginia.
Hitters to watch
Cole Nelson, junior designated hitter, No. 28 — Nelson was second in home runs for the Seahawks in 2025 and had 31 RBIs.
Kevin Jones, graduate infielder, No. 10 — Jones hit .294 and appeared in all 58 games last season.
Trevor Lucas, junior infielder, No. 15 — Lucas led the team with 42 walks last season. He hit .265 with nine home runs and 49 RBIs.
Pitchers to watch
Connor Marshburn, junior right-hander, No. 25 — Marshburn joined the team’s rotation in 2025 and quickly became a centerpiece. He tied for the most starts on the team at 15 and struck out 68 batters as a sophomore.
Cooper Allen, junior right-hander, No. 18 — Allen tossed 43 strikeouts in 35 ⅔ innings pitched. Opponents only hit .233 against him in relief appearances.
Strength
Strong veterans. Balance across UNCW’s roster is a characteristic Hood mentioned when previewing his squad. Specifically, four players made the All-CAA Preseason list.
The right-handed starter Marshburn and designated hitter Cole Nelson earned spots on the list. Jones and Lucas made the list as honorable mentions. Marshburn, in his debut as a starter last year, threw six scoreless innings against ranked Georgia in 2025. Nelson will anchor a big bat role in his third season after launching 11 home runs last spring.
Weakness
Roster turnover. While Hood said his roster balance is a key feature to his program in 2026, the loss of Wills and many other names to the draft could be felt early on.
Three out of the team’s top four pitchers in wins, strikeouts and opponent batting average are gone. This weekend will be instrumental in finding out how good their reinforcements could be.
Three things to watch
1. Transfer impact. In Maryland’s probable lineup, David Mendez, Ryan Costello, Rylen Stockton, Antonio Morales and Jackson Sirois are all expected to play. Right-hander Lance Williams is expected to start on Friday. It will be interesting to see if these newcomers can make an immediate impact this weekend.
2. Preseason Freshman of the Year. Infielder Ty Kaunas was named Big Ten Preseason Freshman of the Year. Kaunas is listed as a probable starter and is the only true freshman on the lineup card. It will be worth noting if the young prospect can get comfortable in a new environment with early expectations.
3. Strong start. In 2025, the Terps lost their season opening series to Western Carolina, 2-1. Can Maryland begin the year coming out of North Carolina on the right foot?
