Clemson Baseball Coach Calls for NCAA Schedule Change

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Clemson baseball head coach Erik Bakich is pushing for the NCAA to change the college baseball schedule, arguing that the current start in mid-February leads to lower attendance, higher travel costs for northern schools, and more missed class time for student-athletes. Bakich has presented data showing that over 90% of warm weather schools have better attendance in April and May compared to February and March, and that northern schools face an average $143,000 higher travel cost to start the season. He is proposing moving the start of the season to early March to address these issues.

Why it matters

Bakich's proposal to shift the college baseball schedule could have significant impacts, improving attendance, reducing costs for northern programs, and providing student-athletes with more time to focus on academics at the start of the season. As college sports continue to evolve, Bakich's advocacy for schedule reform could influence broader changes across NCAA athletics.

The details

In a video and 20-slide social media post, Bakich outlined his case for moving the college baseball season start from mid-February to early March. He cited data showing that over 50% of the 40 teams that have hosted NCAA Regionals or Super Regionals in the last 5 years played the majority of their home games in February and March, when attendance is significantly lower. Bakich also noted the higher travel costs for northern schools, estimating a $143,000 difference compared to southern programs that don't have to travel as far to start the season. From an academic standpoint, Bakich argued the later start would save several in-class days for northern schools and provide more time for players to prepare without compromising sleep and academics.

• Bakich posted his video and social media comments on Saturday, February 1, 2026, as snow fell in Clemson.
• Clemson's first series of the 2026 season is scheduled for February 13-15 at home against Army.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Bakich hopes his advocacy will inspire other college baseball coaches to join his push for the NCAA to shift the start of the season to early March, which he believes would improve attendance, reduce costs for northern programs, and provide student-athletes with more time to focus on academics at the start of the year.