Indianapolis, Ind. - The Youngstown State baseball team has been predicted to finish fourth in the Horizon League in 2026 after a vote of the league's head coaches, the league announced on Thursday.

Wright State, the defending Horizon League regular season and tournament champion, was picked to win the 2026 championship. The Raiders received 24 points and four of five first-place votes. Milwaukee was selected second with 18 points while Northern Kentucky earned 12 points to be placed third in the poll. Youngstown State was tabbed fourth with 11 points while Oakland was slotted fifth in the preseason rankings with 10 points and one first-place vote.

The 2026 Horizon League Baseball Championship is scheduled for May 20-23 at the home site of the highest seed.

Youngstown State opens the 2026 season on Friday when it begins a three-game series against Auburn at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Ala. First pitch for Friday's season and series opener is slated for 6:30 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast live on SEC Network+.

2026 Under Armour #HLBASE Preseason Poll

Pl.   Team - Points (First-Place Votes)

1.    Wright State – 24 (4)
2.    Milwaukee – 18
3.    Northern Kentucky – 12
4.    Youngstown State – 11
5.    Oakland – 10 (1)

For the latest news and updates throughout the 2026 season, follow @YSUBaseball on X and Instagram.