Arkansas Razorbacks Reveal Opening Weekend Pitching Rotation

Coach Dave Van Horn names starters for season-opening tournament in Arlington

Feb. 11, 2026 at 11:23am

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Arkansas baseball head coach Dave Van Horn has announced the starting pitchers for the Razorbacks' opening weekend games at the Shriners Children's College Showdown tournament in Arlington, Texas. Gabe Gaeckle will start the Friday opener against Oklahoma State, Hunter Dietz will take the mound on Saturday against TCU, and Colin Fisher will start the Sunday game against Texas Tech.

Why it matters

The Razorbacks are looking to build on a strong 2025 season and make a deep postseason run in 2026. The opening weekend rotation will be crucial in setting the tone for the year and giving the team's top arms a chance to showcase their talents against quality opponents.

The details

Gaeckle, a third-year Razorback, had a 4.42 ERA in 71.1 innings of work with 92 strikeouts last season, earning All-American honors as a reliever. Dietz and Fisher have both battled injuries since arriving at Arkansas, but are now healthy and ready to contribute as weekend starters.

  • The Razorbacks will open the Shriners Children's College Showdown on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • Arkansas will face Oklahoma State on Friday at 7 p.m. in the tournament opener.
  • Dietz will start on Saturday, February 15, against TCU.
  • Fisher will take the mound on Sunday, February 16, against Texas Tech.
  • The Razorbacks will also play Tarleton State on Monday, February 17, but Van Horn did not name a starting pitcher for that game.

The players

Dave Van Horn

The head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team.

Gabe Gaeckle

A third-year pitcher for the Razorbacks who had a 4.42 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 71.1 innings last season.

Hunter Dietz

An Arkansas pitcher who has been plagued by injuries since arriving on campus, but is now healthy and ready to contribute as a weekend starter.

Colin Fisher

An Arkansas pitcher who tore his UCL in May 2024 but is now ready to take the mound as a weekend starter for the Razorbacks.

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What they’re saying

“Gabe Gaeckle will get the ball in game one against Oklahoma State, Hunter Dietz will start on Saturday against TCU and Colin Fisher will start against Texas Tech on Sunday.”

— Dave Van Horn, Head Coach

What’s next

The Razorbacks will open the Shriners Children's College Showdown on Friday, February 14, 2026 against Oklahoma State. The team's performance in this opening weekend tournament will be closely watched as they look to build momentum for the rest of the season.

The takeaway

Arkansas is counting on its experienced pitching staff to lead the way in 2026, with Gaeckle, Dietz, and Fisher getting the nod as the opening weekend starters. If the Razorbacks can get strong outings from this trio, it could set the tone for a successful season and a potential deep postseason run.