UNC Bears Baseball Kicks Off 2026 Season with Road Challenge

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) baseball team will launch its 2026 season in mid-February with a challenging month-long road trip. The season officially commences with a four-game, nonconference series against Wichita State from February 13 to 15. Following this series, the Bears will be on the road for a total of 17 games, concluding in mid-March.

After the extensive road schedule, the Bears will make their home debut at Jackson Field in Greeley, hosting Summit League opponent St. Thomas from March 13 to 15. This matchup marks the start of a critical period for UNC as they face off against a series of Summit League rivals. The team will also take part in a significant series during spring break, competing against the highly ranked University of Arkansas on March 17 and 18 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Key Matchups and Schedule Highlights

The bulk of the Bears’ remaining schedule will consist of Summit League games, beginning with a series against the University of Nebraska Omaha at home from March 20 to 22. This stretch will continue until mid-May and will include home-and-home nonconference games against the Air Force Academy. The Bears will travel to Colorado Springs on April 8 and then host the Falcons at home on April 28.

The postseason culminates with the four-team Summit League Tournament, set for May 20 to 23 in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Bears will be aiming to improve upon their 2025 record of 18 wins and 33 losses, including a Summit League mark of 9-21, which unfortunately did not secure them a spot in the league tournament.

Local Talent and Team Composition

This season’s 36-man roster includes nine players hailing from the Greeley area. Notable local talents include sophomore Lucas Stone, a left-handed pitcher from Eaton, and graduate transfer Logan Moser, who also attended Eaton High School and previously played at the University of Mary. Other local players include senior outfielder Jaden Stone, Lucas’s brother, and redshirt freshman Mitch Haythorn, who began his collegiate career at Oklahoma.

Additionally, redshirt sophomore Tate Smith, a right-handed pitcher with experience at Sam Houston State and Oklahoma State, will be a key player. Freshman infielder Ethan Fillinger from Greeley and junior right-handed pitcher Mason Bright from Severance also round out the roster. Freshman outfielder Mason Griffin from Windsor will also aim to contribute significantly this season. Many of these players were part of state championship teams at Eaton, showcasing a strong local connection.

Head coach Mike Anderson, who is also from Eaton and played at UNC from 1983 to 1986, will lead the Bears as they seek to enhance their performance and secure a successful season in the competitive landscape of collegiate baseball.