Preseason practice just started in Gainesville, and honestly, the vibe at Condron Family Ballpark feels a bit like a reset button was hit. If you’ve been following Florida Gators baseball news over the last few months, you know it hasn’t been the quietest offseason. Between coaching leaves and roster overhauls, the lead-up to the February 13 opener against UAB has been a rollercoaster.
But here we are. It is January 2026. The gates are open. The smell of fresh-cut grass is back.
The big story isn't just that the team is ranked No. 12 or 13 depending on which poll you trust. It's that Kevin O’Sullivan is back in the dugout after his leave of absence. That’s massive. Still, he’s got that three-game suspension to serve right at the start because of the 2025 NCAA Regional drama. Basically, the Gators will have to navigate opening weekend without their leader on the top step.
The Pitching Staff is Flat-Out Scary
You want the real reason people are hyped? It’s the arms. Liam Peterson is the guy. He’s being projected as the potential No. 2 overall college prospect for the 2026 MLB Draft. That’s not just "good for college" talent; that’s "changing the franchise" talent.
Peterson is paired with Aidan King, a 2025 Freshman All-American. Having a one-two punch like that on Friday and Saturday nights is a luxury most SEC programs would kill for.
Sully has always been a pitching-first coach, but this year the depth feels deeper. You’ve got Luke McNeillie and Caden McDonald in the mix. Plus, they snagged Ernesto Lugo-Canchola, the D2 Pitcher of the Year. It’s a mix of home-grown development and transfer portal hunting that seems, on paper, to cover every hole they had last year.
Can the New Bats Keep Up?
Losing guys like Colby Shelton and Bobby Boser hurts. There’s no way around it. When you lose that much power, you have to find it somewhere else, or you have to change how you play the game.
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Enter the transfers.
- Karson Bowen: Coming in from TCU. He’s a Second Team All-Big 12 catcher who knows how to handle a high-level staff.
- Sam Miller: The Ivy League Player of the Year from Columbia. People sleep on Ivy transfers, but this kid can play.
- Jaden Bastian: A burner from Jacksonville who swiped 36 bags last year.
The lineup is going to look different. It might be less about the three-run homer and more about constant pressure. Cade Kurland is still the heart of that infield, and his veteran presence is going to be vital for the younger guys like Nic Partridge and Jackson Hoyt.
Florida Gators Baseball News: The Recruiting Flex
Even while things were uncertain in the fall, the recruiting didn't stop. The 2026 class is sitting at No. 5 in the nation according to Baseball America.
Brady Harris is the headliner there. He’s a Trinity Christian product and a Top-10 recruit nationally. When you can keep that kind of talent in the Sunshine State, you're doing something right. Kevin Roberts Jr. is another name you'll be hearing for the next three years.
It’s easy to look at the portal and think that’s all that matters now, but O'Sullivan is still building the foundation through high school kids. Seven of their top commits are from Florida. That local pipeline is still the lifeblood of the program.
What to Watch for in February
Opening night is February 13. Mark it. UAB isn't going to just lay down, and without Sully in the dugout for those first three games, the team's discipline will be tested early.
The schedule isn't kind. After UAB, they’ve got a home-and-home with Stetson and then a trip down to Coral Gables to face Miami at the end of the month. That Miami series usually tells us everything we need to know about the team's identity before SEC play starts in March against South Carolina.
Practical Steps for Gator Fans:
- Check the Practice Times: If you're in Gainesville, preseason practices are open to the public at Condron Family Ballpark. They usually start around 2:30 PM on weekdays, but check @GatorsBB on social media because they shift based on weather.
- Secure Your SEC Packs: The "SEC Saturday Pack" is the best way to ensure you have a seat for the big conference matchups without buying a full season ticket.
- Watch the Portal: Keep an eye on the bullpen. While the starters are set, the mid-week roles are still up for grabs during these January scrimmages.