K-State Wildcats Dominate in 4-0 Start to 2026 Season

The Wildcats swept the MLB Desert Invitational, outscoring opponents 57-22 over four games.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 2:23pm

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The Kansas State Wildcats got off to a blazing 4-0 start to the 2026 season, sweeping the MLB Desert Invitational tournament in Arizona. Led by standout shortstop Dee Kennedy, the Wildcats outscored their opponents 57-22 over the four-game stretch, showcasing a balanced and powerful lineup that overwhelmed opposing pitchers.

Why it matters

Kansas State's hot start has put the rest of college baseball on notice, as the Wildcats look primed to make a deep postseason run this year. The team's dominant offensive performance and improved pitching have raised expectations for the program, which is looking to build on its recent success and compete for a conference title and potential national championship.

The details

The Wildcats won their four games by scores of 15-6, 7-3, 24-5 and 11-8 against Iowa, UConn, Penn State and Air Force, respectively. Shortstop Dee Kennedy led the charge, driving in 15 runs on the weekend while hitting .500 with a 1.857 OPS. Four other Wildcats starters also posted OPS over 1.000, showcasing the team's depth and balance at the plate. On the mound, redshirt senior Carson Liggett provided a key relief outing, tossing five scoreless innings to secure a 7-3 win over UConn after the Wildcats had fallen behind early.

  • The Wildcats played in the MLB Desert Invitational from Feb. 13-16.
  • Kansas State will next face No. 9 Auburn, Nebraska and Michigan in Arlington, TX on Feb. 20.

The players

Dee Kennedy

A junior shortstop for Kansas State, Kennedy had a dominant weekend at the plate, driving in 15 runs and hitting .500 with a 1.857 OPS. He was named the Golden Spikes Award x D1 Baseball Player of the Week as well as the Big 12 Conference Player of the Week.

Carson Liggett

A redshirt senior pitcher for Kansas State, Liggett came in to pitch in relief and tossed five scoreless innings to secure a 7-3 win over UConn after the Wildcats had fallen behind early. Liggett utilized a strong breaking ball and powerful high fastball to generate multiple swings and misses.

Pete Hughes

The head coach of the Kansas State Wildcats baseball team.

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What they’re saying

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

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Wildcats take on No. 9 Auburn in Arlington, TX on Friday, Feb. 20.

The takeaway

Kansas State's dominant start to the 2026 season has put the rest of college baseball on notice, as the Wildcats' balanced and powerful lineup, along with improved pitching, have them poised to make a deep postseason run this year.