BETHANY, Okla. - The Crimson Storm head into the 2026 season with high expectations under first-year head coach Chris Moddelmog. Southern Nazarene will feature a roster with 32 new players, complemented by key returners determined to change the trajectory of the program in Bethany.

"From day one, this group has taken care of business in the classroom, weight room, and on the field every day," said Moddelmog. "We are really focusing on the process of being excellent at all the little details, on and off the field."

SNU will bring an exciting brand of baseball to Feland Field this season, featuring an attacking offense that likes to run the bases and play aggressively at the plate.

"Our goal is to compete on the mound, pound the zone, and make the routine play on defense," Moddelmog said. "Timely hitting and a solid approach at the plate are what we will be focusing on this season."

Pitching Staff

The pitching staff will be led by seniors Christian Garcia and Christopher Gaudio, along with juniors Garrett Payne, Dylan Trammell, and Lane Benavides. Garcia returns as the ace of the staff, while Payne, Gaudio, and Trammell are early favorites to anchor the starting rotation. Benavides will be a valuable piece out of the bullpen and as a spot starter.

Senior Caleb Eakle, juniors Justin Trucks, Caleb Tucker, and Zach Guntle, along with freshman Clayton Ward, are expected to play key roles in the bullpen, with Tucker also capable of contributing to the rotation. Junior Connor Willis and freshmen Ryne Van Maanen, Layton Reither, and Matthew Arredondo will have early opportunities to make an impact out of the bullpen as well.

"It takes a lot of guys on the mound to be successful in this league, and we feel like we have a chance to have a really deep staff," said Moddelmog. "We have a lot of different looks and hope that becomes a strength for us this year."

Outfielders

Juniors Braden Pingel and Aiden McCullough will lead the way in the outfield this season. Pingel, a transfer from Rend Lake College, will anchor the defense in center field while setting the tone at the top of the lineup. McCullough brings speed and a veteran presence to the lineup.

Redshirt freshman Josh Bay adds power to the middle of the order and will see time in left field or at designated hitter. Freshmen Maikah Gonzalez and Ryder Scheibelhut provide depth in the outfield, while Trevyn Stewart brings a strong bat off the bench.

"Pingel and McCullough will be a big boost for us playing fast," said Moddelmog. "We expect the others to continue improving and contribute on both sides of the ball as the season goes on."

Infielders

The infield will be anchored by junior Blake Brinkmeyer at third base. He brings a veteran bat to the heart of the lineup and has made significant strides defensively this fall.

Cade Ross, Dominic Garcia, and Braydan Salinas will compete for playing time up the middle, with Garcia and Salinas also capable of playing the corner outfield positions if needed. Redshirt sophomore Kane Springer, junior James Bodine, and Bay will split time at first base and designated hitter throughout the season.

"This group has really improved defensively," said Moddelmog. "They all bring something different to the table offensively, and we expect them to add to our overall production this spring."

Catchers

Senior Jaxon Gless will lead the Crimson Storm behind the plate. Gless provides a steady veteran presence and will be a mainstay at catcher this season. Springer, senior Will Thetford, Bay, and Bodine will all compete for backup duties.

"Gless gives us a solid veteran behind the plate, and the others have really worked hard to earn opportunities as well," said Moddelmog.

The season opens with a four-game set at New Mexico Highlands on January 30–31. The home schedule begins the following weekend as SNU hosts Southwest Baptist for four games on February 6–7. Great American Conference play opens at home February 13–14 against Arkansas-Monticello.

The Crimson Storm will be hunting for their first trip to the GAC Tournament in May as they look to make strides in Moddelmog's inaugural season.