Indiana Baseball Preps for 2026 Season with Talented Roster

Hoosiers look to reestablish themselves as a consistent postseason presence

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After a 32-24 finish in 2025 that ended shy of an NCAA Tournament berth, Indiana baseball enters the 2026 season carrying a renewed sense of cohesion. The Hoosiers have tasted postseason baseball in recent years, reaching the NCAA Tournament in both 2023 and 2024, and now look to reestablish themselves as a consistent postseason presence.

Why it matters

Indiana opens the year with a tough early-season schedule, including a three-game series against preseason top-10 North Carolina and a clash with LSU. The Hoosiers' ability to navigate this challenging start could set the tone for their 2026 campaign and their quest to return to the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Head coach Jeff Mercer has assembled a roster that blends proven production, impact transfers, and yet another talented freshman class. The Hoosiers will look to replace key contributors from 2025, but Mercer believes this could be one of the deepest pitching staffs of his tenure. The starting rotation features several experienced arms, while the bullpen boasts numerous options that could emerge as the season progresses.

  • Indiana opens the 2026 season with a three-game series against North Carolina on February 14-16.
  • The Hoosiers will then face LSU in Jacksonville on February 21.

The players

Jeff Mercer

Indiana's head coach, who believes this could be one of the deepest pitching staffs of his tenure.

Jake Hanley

The Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2025, Hanley is one of the best first basemen in the conference and is expected to anchor the middle of Indiana's lineup.

Tony Neubeck

A Missouri transfer left-hander who has separated himself as a likely weekend starter and potential Friday option for the Hoosiers.

Jackson Bergman

A Toledo transfer who has impressed tremendously since arriving in Bloomington and should also factor into the weekend rotation, potentially as the Saturday starter.

Gavin Seebold

The most experienced arm in Indiana's bullpen, Seebold is expected to be one of the Hoosiers' highest-leverage relievers and could also start in a pinch.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.