KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Pittsburg State University baseball team was picked second in the 2026 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll released today (Jan. 23).

The Gorillas received 125 points in voting of the 13 MIAA member school head coaches. Central Missouri earned the unanimous No. 1 ranking, receiving 12 first place votes and 144 points. Central Oklahoma was picked third with 115 points and two first place votes, while Missouri Southern (97) garnered the remaining first place vote and landed at fourth. Washburn (93 points) rounded out the top five positions at No. 5.

The Gorillas posted a 42-12 overall record and a 27-9 mark in MIAA play in 2025. Pitt State advanced to NCAA Division II Super Regionals during a record-breaking campaign last year.
 
The Gorillas, under first year head coach Brock Buckingham, will open the 2026 campaign next Friday (Jan. 30) when they travel to Hot Springs, Ark., to compete in the Dugan Collegiate Invitational.

2026 MIAA Baseball Preseason Poll
1. Central Missouri [12] – 144 points
2. Pittsburg State – 125 points
3. Central Oklahoma – 115 points
4. Missouri Southern [1] – 97 points 
5. Washburn – 93 points
6. Fort Hays State – 92 points
7. Rogers State – 82 points
8. Emporia State – 72 points
9. Northwest Missouri – 67 points
10. Missouri Western – 50 points
11. Northeastern State – 32 points
12. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 25 points
13. Newman – 20 points 

[#] - First Place Votes