- LSC Release

CANYON, Texas – West Texas A&M Baseball has been selected fifth in the 2026 Lone Star Conference Baseball Preseason Coaches' Poll announced on Thursday afternoon.
 
The Buffs finished the 2025 campaign with an overall record of 31-21 including a 29-19 mark in league action, advancing to the opening round of the Lone Star Conference Championships.
 
Defending South Central Regional Champion UT Tyler picked up 20 of the possible 42 first place votes to sit atop of the poll with 603 points followed by Angelo State (20 first place, 599), Lubbock Christian (510), St. Edward's (501), West Texas A&M (474), St. Mary's (404), Texas A&M-Kingsville (1 first place, 389), Eastern New Mexico (326), UT Permian Basin (249), Texas A&M International (1 first place, 246), UT Dallas (243), Oklahoma Christian (181), Cameron (164) and Sul Ross State (67).
 
UT Tyler senior shortstop Drew Schmidt was named the league's Preseason Pitcher of the Year while Caden Copeland of UTT was tabbed the LSC Preseason Pitcher of the Year.
 
Tristin Thomas and Cade Griffin of West Texas A&M were selected to the Preseason Players to Watch List. he preseason poll and preseason players of the year are voted on by LSC head coaches, sports information directors and media members.