ROCKLIN, Calif. – Jessup Baseball is ready to defend the crown as the team takes the diamond for the first time in 2026 on January 30th against Chico State at McBean Park. 

Coming off a historic national championship victory to cap their inaugural NCAA Division II campaign, Trevor Paine, in his ninth year at the helm, returns after being named 2025 NCCAA Coach of the Year. 

Paine is eager for the challenges and opportunities ahead in 2026, "We're excited about the direction of our program and the work our players have put in this offseason. This group has been extremely committed, and you can see it in the way they prepare on a daily basis. We're looking forward to the opportunity to go out and compete through a difficult schedule." 

Jessup enters year two of the PacWest with a target on their back and a banner to defend. The conference has already taken notice of the program's rise, voting the Warriors fourth in the PacWest Preseason Coaches Poll.

The Warriors enter 2026 looking to replicate the magic of a historic 2025 campaign that saw the program capture its first NCCAA National Championship. Jessup finished the year with a 36-20 overall record, culminating in a dramatic postseason run in Kansas City. The season ended in a dogpile at the Urban Youth Academy as the Warriors defeated Mission University 11-5 in the title game, fueled by a clutch performance from the offense and a solidified bullpen. The championship run was a milestone year for Paine, who not only hoisted the banner but also secured his 200th career victory, cementing his legacy as the architect of Jessup's baseball success.

To aid in the title defense, Paine has reloaded the roster, blending a battle-tested returning core with a talented class of newcomers. The Warriors welcome a wave of incoming talent featuring a mix of NCAA Division I transfers and high-ceiling freshmen expected to make an immediate impact on the lineup and pitching staff. They join a clubhouse that retains key pieces of its championship DNA, including NCCAA All-Tournament selection Evan Williams and key offensive contributors like Cody Antone, ensuring the standard of excellence remains high at McBean Park.

The Warriors' 2026 campaign begins with a familiar regional foe. The season opens at McBean Park on January 30 with a single game against Chico State. The series immediately shifts north the following day for a doubleheader at Nettleton Stadium, giving the Warriors an early road test against the CCAA powerhouse.

PacWest conference play arrives quickly, kicking off a major 12-game homestand in Lincoln. The Warriors welcome Vanguard University for a four-game set beginning February 13 to open the conference slate. The homestand continues with four games against the University of Hawaii at Hilo (Feb. 18-19) and concludes with a visit from Concordia University Irvine (Feb. 23-24).

Following the lengthy stay at home, the Warriors will pack their bags for their longest road trip of the year with a business trip to the islands. Jessup heads to Hawaii for eight games, starting with a four-game series against Hawaii Pacific (Feb. 28 - Mar. 2) followed by four against Chaminade (Mar. 6-8).

Upon returning to the mainland, the Warriors will play a split series with Cal State East Bay before hosting Biola for four games starting March 19. The team then heads back to Southern California for a challenging four-game road series against Azusa Pacific to close out March.

April brings the sprint to the finish line. After a split series with Menlo College and a trip to Santa Barbara to face Westmont, the Warriors will play a home-and-away split series with Fresno Pacific mid-month.

The regular season concludes in front of the home crowd at McBean Park. Jessup will host Point Loma for a four-game series starting April 24. The regular season finale with a Senior Day celebration, is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, offering the Warrior faithful one last chance to cheer on the defending champs before postseason play.

Fans can view the full 2026 regular season schedule HERE.

Tickets for the 2026 season are on sale now HERE and games stream exclusively on the PacWest Network.