West Virginia Names Chansen Cole Opening Day Starter

Sophomore transfer from Newbury College to take the mound for Mountaineers

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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West Virginia University baseball head coach Steve Sabins announced that sophomore Chansen Cole will be the opening day starter for the Mountaineers when they take on Georgia Southern on Friday. Cole, a right-handed transfer from Division II Newbury College, impressed the coaching staff with his maturity and conviction during the recruiting process.

Why it matters

Cole's selection as the opening day starter is a testament to his rapid development and the coaching staff's confidence in his abilities. As a true freshman at Newbury, Cole showed promise by limiting opponents to a .220 batting average and posting a 7-5 record with a 3.39 ERA and 97 strikeouts. His performance will be crucial in setting the tone for the Mountaineers' season.

The details

Sabins noted that Cole, who stands at 6'4", has come in with "such conviction and clarity" that he is capable of handling the opening day assignment. The coach also revealed that the Mountaineers were actively recruiting Cole during their run to the NCAA Super Regionals last season, with Cole even attending a game against Clemson to watch the team play.

  • The Mountaineers' season opener against Georgia Southern is set for 6:30 p.m. EST on Friday.
  • Cole threw over 100 pitches in five games last season at Newbury College.

The players

Chansen Cole

A 6'4" right-handed sophomore transfer from Newbury College, where he limited opponents to a .220 batting average and posted a 7-5 record with a 3.39 ERA and 97 strikeouts as a true freshman.

Steve Sabins

The head coach of the West Virginia University baseball team, who has expressed confidence in Cole's maturity and abilities as the opening day starter.

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What they’re saying

“He's about as mature and confident as sophomore player that I've ever had. Sometimes when a player is coming from a lower level, I feel like they kind of put their toe in the water and figure out like, 'Hey, am I meant to be here? Can I do this?' He's just come in with such conviction and clarity that he's capable. He's really been a pleasant surprise.”

— Steve Sabins, West Virginia Head Coach (si.com)

“Before we flew out on the jet after winning the regional, I had breakfast with him and his family. At a breakfast restaurant got to meet his folks – awesome family, awesome kid.”

— Steve Sabins, West Virginia Head Coach (si.com)

What’s next

The first pitch for the Mountaineers' season opener against the Eagles is set for 6:30 p.m. EST and the action will stream on ESPN+.

The takeaway

Cole's selection as the opening day starter showcases the coaching staff's faith in his abilities and the potential for him to make a significant impact on the Mountaineers' season. His performance will be closely watched as he looks to build on his impressive freshman campaign at the Division II level and help lead West Virginia to success in the Big 12 conference.