Conway, Ark.- The Central Arkansas Bears enter the 2026 baseball season with renewed depth, experience, and competitive edge as head coach Nick Harlan begins his fifth season at the helm of the program. The Bears will start the season with a four-game series at ULM on Friday.
Central Arkansas returns 22 players from a young but battle-tested 2025 squad and welcomes 22 newcomers to the roster, including five freshmen and 17 transfers. The Bears continue to build with a strong local foundation, as 21 players on the roster hail from the state of Arkansas.
The Bears' culture remains rooted in the program's core values, R.I.G.H.T.; Respect, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility and Toughness. These principles continue to guide the team both on and off the field.
After gaining valuable experience a season ago, Central Arkansas is poised for improvement in several key areas. The Bears added significant pitching depth, highlighted by an influx of left-handed arms, while also increasing overall roster depth, team speed, and having more balance in the lineup from both sides of the plate. Combined with a more experienced roster, the program expects an elevated competitive spirit throughout the 2026 campaign.
The Bears were picked to finish fourth in the ASUN Gold Division in the Preseason Coaches' Poll and received one first-place vote, signaling growing respect within the league. Junior outfielder Zeb Allen earned Preseason All-ASUN recognition after a strong 2025 season. Allen, a Fort Smith, Arkansas native, is expected to be a key presence for the Bears on and off the field.
On the mound, Central Arkansas features a projected starting rotation of Denver Hamilton, JB Williams, Caide White, Caden Meeler and Patrick Ferandez, with Hunter Alexander slated to anchor the bullpen as the team's closer.
Several experienced position players return to provide stability and leadership, including Jagger Schattle at first base, Nate Negre at shortstop, Sam Reynolds in center field or at first base, Zeb Allen in left field, and Casey Shipley behind the plate.
The 2026 schedule presents another challenging slate, highlighted by Power Four match-ups against Oklahoma State, Vanderbilt and Arkansas. The Bears will also continue the I-40 Showdown with the Little Rock Trojans, featuring two games in Conway and one in Little Rock. The Bears will then play 10 three-game conference series against ASUN opponents.
With added experience, improved depth, and a competitive mindset, the Bears enter the 2026 season prepared to take the next step and contend in the ASUN.
