The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) is undergoing significant changes, particularly in the realm of baseball. As the 2026 season approaches, the conference will see a shift in its membership, with two schools departing and two new teams joining. Despite these changes, the SCAC will maintain its structure as a single division, continuing to crown a regular-season champion and host an expanded tournament.

Changes in Membership

The departure of Trinity University and Southwestern University marks a notable shift in the conference’s landscape. Trinity, a dominant force in the SCAC, had won 14 overall baseball championships from 1990 to 2025 and was the 2016 NCAA Division III national champion. Their exit leaves a void in the conference, but it also opens up opportunities for other teams to rise.

Southwestern University has also left the SCAC, moving to the Southern Athletic Association. Both schools have found their way into the SAA, with Trinity having been an affiliate member for nearly a decade and Southwestern following suit in 2023 for football and 2025 for lacrosse.

New Additions to the SCAC

LeTourneau University and Hendrix College are the new additions to the SCAC, bringing fresh energy and competition to the conference. These two institutions are set to join the existing members, which 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, and others.

The 2026 SCAC Baseball Season

The 2026 SCAC Baseball Tournament will be held from April 30 through May 3 and feature an expanded six-team format. This is a significant change from the previous four-team double-elimination bracket. The tournament will provide more opportunities for teams to showcase their talent and compete for the championship.

Key Players and Awards

The 2025 season saw several standout performances, with Michael Smosna of McMurry winning the SCAC Player of the Year award, Otto Franz of Concordia earning the Pitcher of the Year title, and Collin Bruning of McMurry taking home the Freshman of the Year honor. Tim Scannell of Trinity was named Coach of the Year, highlighting the team’s success during the season.

Conference Standings

The 2025 standings reflect the competitive nature of the SCAC, with Trinity leading the pack with a 27-3 conference record and a 41-10 overall record. Concordia and McMurry followed closely behind, while other teams like St. Thomas, Texas Lutheran, and Centenary rounded out the standings.

Team Profiles

Each team in the SCAC has its own unique story and challenges. For instance, Austin College is making strides under new coaching staff and has secured a multi-year deal with FloSports. Centenary, led by Mike Diaz, has a rich history of success, including multiple SCAC titles and NCAA appearances. Concordia, coming off a strong 2025 season, is poised for even greater achievements in 2026.

University of Dallas, despite struggling in recent years, has players like Liam Mosely who are expected to make an impact in the upcoming season. Hendrix College, returning to the SCAC after a 12-year absence, brings a wealth of experience and a strong roster. LeTourneau University, entering the SCAC for the first time, is eager to make its mark with a 40-game schedule.

McMurray, now ranked No. 22 in the 2026 D3baseball.com/NCBWA Preseason Top 25, is looking to capitalize on the absence of Trinity and challenge for the top spots. Ozarks, after a challenging first season in the SCAC, is optimistic about building on its progress. Schreiner, preparing for its final season in the SCAC before moving to the American Southwest Conference, is determined to make a lasting impression.

St. Thomas, known for its consistent performance, is hopeful that the departure of Trinity will provide an opportunity to climb the rankings. Texas Lutheran, a perennial contender, aims to continue its tradition of excellence in the SCAC.

Streaming and Viewing Options

All SCAC baseball games will be streamed live on sportify and the FloSports app, offering fans access to live coverage, game replays, highlights, and breaking news. The 2026 college baseball season is set to begin on February 13, with the NCAA Division III Baseball Championship slated to start on May 14.

Preseason Rankings

The 2026 D3baseball.com/National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Preseason Top 25 includes powerhouse teams like UW–Whitewater, Endicott, and Denison, with notable mentions of teams like Trinity and McMurry.

MLB Draft and Other Highlights

The 2026 MLB Draft will take place during the All-Star Week in Philadelphia, with Xavier Escobar’s HR in the SCAC Championship serving as a memorable highlight from the 2025 season. Fans can stay engaged with the latest college baseball updates on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

As the SCAC prepares for the 2026 season, the conference is poised for exciting developments and new opportunities for its teams and fans.