Rutgers Baseball Opens 2026 Season with Four-Game Series at College of Charleston

New year, new roster, new energy as Rutgers baseball kicks off 2026 campaign in South Carolina

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Rutgers baseball is heading south to kick off the 2026 season with a four-game series at the College of Charleston. The Scarlet Knights' 2026 roster features 15 returners and 24 newcomers, including 11 true freshmen and 13 transfers. Rutgers secured the top transfer portal class in the Big Ten and welcomes the top-ranked recruiting class in program history. The coaching staff also saw a boost with the additions of associate head coach Ryan Fecteau and director of player personnel Frank Schwindel.

Why it matters

Rutgers is looking to build on its recent success, having produced a top-three-round MLB Draft pick in each of the last three seasons. The Scarlet Knights are one of only six programs nationally to post a .976 fielding percentage or better in each of the last four seasons, and they return a strong core of experienced players up the middle.

The details

Rutgers will roll out a diverse rotation to begin the season, anchored by left-hander Joe Mazza, right-hander Zack Konstantinovsky, and right-hander Dallin Harrison. The lineup features a wealth of veteran experience, with players like catcher Matt Chatelle, infielder Charlie Meglio, and outfielder Chase Krewson bringing a combined 288 games of collegiate experience.

  • Rutgers baseball opens the 2026 season with a four-game series at the College of Charleston starting on February 14, 2026.

The players

Peyton Bonds

Nephew of legendary baseball player Barry Bonds, Peyton Bonds is poised for a big season this year with Rutgers. He was named a Big Ten Player to Watch after hitting .300 with five home runs, 40 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases in 2025.

Charlie Meglio

An incoming transfer, Meglio was named a Big Ten Player to Watch. He blasted 21 home runs, 21 doubles, drove in 69 runs, and scored 78 runs in two seasons at Campbell.

Chase Krewson

Another incoming transfer, Krewson owns a career .304 batting average and .804 OPS across stops at UCF and Duke, providing veteran presence in the outfield.

Matt Chatelle

Chatelle brings serious experience behind the plate, having appeared in 129 collegiate games and providing leadership and stability for the pitching staff.

Ryan Fecteau

Fecteau joins the Rutgers coaching staff as the new associate head coach and pitching specialist, bringing experience from an eight-year stint at Virginia Tech baseball.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Rutgers will open the 2026 season with a four-game series at the College of Charleston starting on February 14, 2026.

The takeaway

Rutgers baseball is poised for a strong 2026 season, with a roster filled with experienced players, high-level transfers, and a top-ranked recruiting class. The Scarlet Knights' continuity up the middle and recent success in the MLB Draft suggest they could be a team to watch in the Big Ten and nationally this year.