AMERICUS, Ga. — Georgia Southwestern State University baseball was picked fourth in the 2026 Peach Belt Conference Preseason Coaches Poll, released today, with relief pitcher
Cooper Sain earning preseason all-conference recognition as the Hurricanes continue to establish themselves as a consistent contender within one of Division II's premier baseball leagues.
Georgia Southwestern totaled 71 points in the poll, finishing behind Columbus State (89), North Georgia (86), and Lander (83). The Hurricanes were slotted ahead of Georgia College & State University and Flagler in the 11-team preseason ranking.
2026 Peach Belt Conference Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll
| Rank |
Team |
Points |
| 1. |
Columbus State (5) |
89 |
| 2. |
North Georgia (2) |
86 |
| 3. |
Lander (4) |
83 |
| 4. |
Georgia Southwestern |
71 |
| 5. |
GCSU |
62 |
| 6. |
Flagler |
58 |
| 7. |
USCA |
54 |
| 8. |
Augusta |
37 |
| 9. |
Middle Georgia |
32 |
| 10. |
USC Beaufort |
23 |
| 11. |
Claflin |
10 |
The Hurricanes enter the 2026 season coming off their second-consecutive 16-11 Peach Belt Conference record and fourth straight appearance in the PBC Tournament, further cementing Georgia Southwestern's place among the league's postseason regulars.
GSW also placed one player on the 2026 Peach Belt Conference Preseason All-Conference Team, with Sain earning recognition as one of the league's top returning arms.
Sain, a graduate student from Cherryville, N.C., made 19 appearances out of the bullpen during the 2025 season, compiling a 2-3 record with a 3.83 ERA and 37 strikeouts over 40 innings. The right-hander limited opposing hitters to a .215 batting average while facing 171 batters, providing consistent stability in high-leverage situations.
Sain's preseason honor comes as Georgia Southwestern prepares for a new-look roster this spring. The Hurricanes welcome 24 new faces, including 19 transfers, and will feature an entirely new batting lineup, as all projected starters offensively are newcomers. On the mound, Sain headlines the pitching staff with only one weekend starting pitcher returning from last season.
With a blend of proven bullpen leadership and an influx of new talent, Georgia Southwestern looks to continue its postseason streak and remain in the Peach Belt Conference title conversation in 2026.
GSW opens the regular season next Friday at home against Trevecca Nazarene University at 6 p.m.
