Iowa Baseball Kicks Off Season at MLB Desert Invitational

Hawkeyes face tough opening weekend tests against Kansas State, Air Force, and Northeastern

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Iowa Hawkeyes baseball team is set to open their 2026 season this weekend at the MLB Desert Invitational in Phoenix, Arizona. They will face off against Kansas State, Air Force, and Northeastern over the three-day tournament, playing at MLB spring training facilities Goodyear Ballpark and Salt River Fields.

Why it matters

This opening weekend will provide an early test for the Hawkeyes as they look to build on their 2025 campaign and make a push for the NCAA Tournament. Facing off against quality opponents like Kansas State, Air Force, and Northeastern will give Iowa a good sense of where they stand heading into the rest of the season.

The details

The Hawkeyes will send sophomore right-hander Tyler Guerin to the mound for the opening game against Kansas State on Friday. Guerin had a strong summer in the Northwoods League and will look to carry that momentum into the season opener. On Saturday, Florida International transfer Logan Runde will get the start against Air Force, while the Sunday starter against Northeastern is still to be determined. Iowa will need to get solid pitching performances and timely hitting to come away with wins against their tough opening weekend opponents.

  • The Hawkeyes open the season on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • They will face Kansas State on opening day, followed by matchups against Air Force on Saturday and Northeastern on Sunday.

The players

Tyler Guerin

Sophomore right-handed pitcher who will get the opening day start for Iowa.

James Guyette

Junior right-handed pitcher who will start the opener for Kansas State.

Logan Runde

Florida International transfer who will start against Air Force on Saturday for Iowa.

Josh Holst

True freshman left-handed pitcher who will make his collegiate debut against Iowa on Saturday for Air Force.

Andrew Rogovic

True freshman right-handed pitcher who will start Sunday's game against Northeastern.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This opening weekend at the MLB Desert Invitational will provide an early litmus test for the Iowa Hawkeyes as they look to build on their 2025 campaign and make a push for the NCAA Tournament. Facing off against quality opponents like Kansas State, Air Force, and Northeastern will give the Hawkeyes a good sense of where they stand heading into the rest of the season.