ABILENE, TX – Fresh off the most successful season in program history, McMurry University baseball heads into the 2026 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) preseason coaches' poll as the pick to finish second.

Coming off a 2025 campaign that saw the War Hawks capture their first-ever NCAA Regional title and advance to the Super Regionals, the league's coaches have signaled that the road to the SCAC title runs through Abilene and Austin. McMurry earned 111 total points and claimed three first-place votes, trailing only Concordia University, which received 116 points and eight first-place nods.

The five-point gap at the top sets up a high-stakes rivalry between the War Hawks and the Tornados. Concordia enters as the poll favorite. McMurry rides the momentum from a historic postseason run that captured the conference and national attention.

The University of St. Thomas rounds out the top three with 94 points, followed by Texas Lutheran in fourth (83 points) and conference newcomer Hendrix in fifth (74 points).

The War Hawks prepare to showcase the grit and talent that defined their breakout in 2025. With a target now firmly on their backs, McMurry aims to jumpstart their quest for a conference crown and return to the national stage.

The 2026 season officially kicks off on February 6th at California Lutheran. The first SCAC series is scheduled for Friday, February 13, at Texas Lutheran. Fans should mark their calendars for the War Hawks' first home game on February 17th against Hardin-Simmons at Walt Driggers Field.

The SCAC Baseball Tournament is slated to play April 30-May 3 at The Depot at Cleburne Station in Cleburne, Texas, home of the American Association's Cleburne Railroaders.