The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) is undergoing a transformation in its baseball landscape for the 2026 season. While the conference will still field 11 teams, two institutions are departing, and two new members are joining the fold. This change comes as the SCAC continues to adapt to the evolving collegiate sports environment, with a history of restructuring that includes shifting from a two-division setup to a single division in 2013.

For the upcoming season, the SCAC will maintain its single-division format, which allows for the determination of a regular-season champion before the SCAC Tournament takes place. The tournament structure has also evolved, expanding to a six-team format and featuring an extended timeframe from April 30 through May 3.

One of the most notable departures from the SCAC is Trinity University, a program that consistently ranked among the top teams in the conference. Over the years, Trinity claimed 14 overall baseball championships between 1990 and 2025. The Tigers were the 2016 NCAA Division III national champions and made a significant impact on the 2025 NCAA Division III Baseball Championship by being one of three SCAC teams to qualify via at-large selection. However, their postseason journey ended when they faced off against McMurry in the San Antonio Super Regional, where they were swept in a best-of-three series.

Another institution leaving the SCAC is Southwestern University, which has moved to the Southern Athletic Association (SAA). Both Trinity and Southwestern have established connections within the SAA, with Trinity’s football program having been an affiliate member for nearly a decade, while Southwestern joined the SAA for football in 2023 and lacrosse in 2025.

The remaining teams in the SCAC include Concordia University, McMurray University, University of St. Thomas (Texas), Texas Lutheran, Centenary (Louisiana) College, Austin College, University of Ozarks (Arkansas), Schreiner University, University of Dallas, LeTourneau University, and Hendrix College. Two of these teams, LeTourneau and Hendrix, are new additions to the conference, while Colorado University is a member but does not participate in baseball.

The SCAC has a rich history dating back to its founding as the College Athletic Conference in 1962. It was rebranded as the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference in 1992. Millsaps College won the first SCAC baseball title in 1992, marking the start of a five-peat from 1990 to 1994.

In the 2025 SCAC Baseball Tournament, Trinity emerged as the champion after defeating Concordia 2-1. The major awards for the 2025 season included:

• 2025 SCAC Player of the Year: Michael Smosna, McMurry
• 2025 SCAC Pitcher of the Year: Otto Franz, Concordia
• 2025 SCAC Freshman of the Year: Collin Bruning, McMurry
• 2025 SCAC Coach of the Year: Tim Scannell, Trinity

The 2025 standings reflected a competitive balance, with Trinity leading the conference with a 27-3 record and a 41-10 overall mark. Other teams like Concordia, McMurry, and St. Thomas followed closely behind.

As the 2026 season approaches, each team brings its own story and aspirations. For example, Austin College is preparing for a new season with a fresh coaching staff and a multi-year streaming deal with FloSports. Meanwhile, Centenary is looking to build on its recent success under head coach Mike Diaz, who has led the team to multiple SCAC titles and NCAA appearances.

Concordia is poised for a strong season, with the potential to break into the top 25 of the 2026 D3baseball.com/NCBWA rankings. The University of Dallas, despite struggling in recent seasons, has seen some individual achievements, with players earning All-SCAC honors.

Hendrix College returns to the SCAC after a 12-year absence, bringing with it a legacy of success, including a SCAC Baseball Tournament title in 2009. LeTourneau University is making its debut in the SCAC, entering the conference with a 40-game schedule and high expectations.

McMurry aims to capitalize on the departure of Trinity and compete for the top spots in the conference. The War Hawks finished third in the 2025 standings and are ranked No. 22 in the 2026 preseason Top 25.

Ozarks, though struggling in its first season in the SCAC, shows promise for future growth. Schreiner, on the other hand, is set to move to the American Southwest Conference after this season, ending its tenure in the SCAC.

St. Thomas is looking to climb the ranks in the conference, while Texas Lutheran continues to be a consistent threat. The Bulldogs have a history of competing for both regular-season and tournament titles.

The 2026 college baseball season is set to begin in early February, with the NCAA Division III Baseball Championship starting in May. Fans can watch all SCAC games live on FloCollege and the FloSports app, with replays, highlights, and breaking news available on the same platforms.

The 2026 D3baseball.com/NCBWA Preseason Top 25 features several familiar names, including Wisconsin-Whitewater, Endicott, and Denison, with Trinity University making a strong showing.

The MLB Draft for 2026 is scheduled to begin during the All-Star Week in Philadelphia, offering another opportunity for college baseball stars to transition to professional play.

With the SCAC continuing to evolve, the 2026 season promises to be an exciting chapter in the conference’s history. As teams prepare for the new season, fans can look forward to more action, highlights, and stories from the world of collegiate baseball.