HIGH POINT, N.C. – The High Point University baseball team is set to open the 2026 season on Friday, February 13, hosting Saint Joseph's University for a three-game series at Williard Stadium.

Head coach Joey Hammond enters his fifth season at the helm following a historic 2025 campaign that featured one of the most prolific offenses in the nation. Despite a Big South Tournament exit, Hammond and his staff guided the Panthers to a record-setting year at the plate, leading the nation in runs (619), runs per game (10.7), slugging percentage (.607), on-base percentage (.449) and doubles (149). High Point finished the season 39-19 overall and 18-6 in conference play, surpassing its previous win total from 2024.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Panthers welcome a mix of freshmen and transfers that bolster an already deep roster, earning High Point the nod as the Big South's preseason favorite. Junior college transfer catcher Seojun Oh is expected to make an immediate impact behind the plate and in the left-handed batter's box. Lane Allen, Tyler Brachbill and Justin Silverstein are just a few names that add depth and versatility on both sides of the diamond, while graduate transfer Willie Ponce arrives from Eastern New Mexico to provide experience and stability at premium defensive shortstop position.

The Purple & White return two of the conference's top preseason honorees, including Big South Preseason Player of the Year Landen Johnson, who looks to build on his nation-leading RBI total from a season ago. Preseason Pitcher of the Year Wade Walton also returns for his sophomore campaign after a breakout freshman season. Veteran contributors Christian Smith, Justin Ruiz, Frank Kelly, and sophomore's Jace Kohler and Jack Clark add experience at key positions as the Panthers reload following the departure of several 2025 standouts.

High Point opens the season against Saint Joseph's on Friday, Feb. 13, with first pitch scheduled for 4:00 p.m. The series continues Saturday with a doubleheader for games two and three beginning at 12:00 p.m. Game three will begin approximately 40-45 minutes after the conclusion of the previous game.