PITMAN --- Kean has been predicted to finish atop the New Jersey Athletic Conference baseball standings once again, based on preseason polling of the league’s 10 head coaches. The Cougars garnered eight first-place votes and will look to build on their dominant 2025 campaign that saw them capture the NJAC regular season title with a 17-1 conference record and advance to the Division III World Series.
Rowan received a first-place vote and was picked second on the heels of also advancing to the D3 World Series, followed by Ramapo in third, Montclair State fourth, and defending NJAC tournament champion Rutgers-Camden in fifth. Stockton was tabbed as the dark horse and predicted sixth, with TCNJ, William Paterson, Rutgers-Newark, and NJCU rounding out the 10-team poll.
The 2026 NJAC Baseball Championship opens on Tuesday, April 28, with the quarterfinal round that has the #3 seed hosting #6 and the #4 seed hosting #5. The top seed will host the #4/#5 winner and the #2 seed will host the #3/#6 winner in the semifinal round on Thursday, April 30. The semifinal winners will then meet in a best-of-3 championship series with two games on Saturday, May 2 and the “if necessary” game on Sunday, May 3.
2026 NJAC BASEBALL PRESEASON POLL
(first place votes in parentheses)
- Kean (8)
- Rowan (1)
- Ramapo
- Montclair State
- Rutgers-Camden
- Stockton (dark horse)
- TCNJ
- William Paterson
- Rutgers-Newark
- NJCU (1)
KEAN
The Cougars are the overwhelming favorites to defend their NJAC title after a dominant 17-1 conference record and 41-11 overall mark in 2025 that propelled them to the NCAA Division III College World Series. Kean must replace 2025 NJAC Player of the Year Kyle Adorno and Division III Pitcher of the Year Jason Gilman, but returns an impressive core led by national Gold Glove winner and all-conference shortstop Dominic Masino (.340 BA, 40 hits, 102 total bases) and preseason All-American closer Jason Basilicata, the 2025 NJAC Fireman of the Year who posted a microscopic 0.73 ERA in NJAC play. First team all-conference outfielder Tyler Stone (.340 BA, 14 triples, 66 hits, 32 walks) returns as one of the conference's premier all-around players. The infield remains intact with all-conference honorees in third baseman Brett Hilsheimer, Masino at short, and second baseman Nick Sellari, along with Dan Reistle at first. All-NJAC catcher John Chiusano returns behind the plate, while Stone patrols left field and Justin Teixeira holds down right.
Sophomore Lucas White will anchor the rotation after a stellar freshman campaign that saw him win games in the NCAA regionals and super regionals before starting Game 1 of the College World Series. All-Conference selection Christian Pareja (2.99 ERA, 69.1 IP) provides veteran leadership alongside Basilicata, Cal Chase, and Noah Rivera.
Newcomers to Watch: Jude Clough (C; George Washington), Mike Simone (C/OF; Manhattan), Anthony Marano (RHP; William and Mary), Anthony Holtje (RHP; St. Thomas Aquinas), Santino Czarecki (INF; Seton Hall Prep)
Head Coach Neil Ioviero: "The team returns almost every position player and most of the pitchers from last year. With the additions of a really good freshman class and a good amount of transfers from the portal we have a good chance to be competitive this season."
MONTCLAIR STATE
The Red Hawks finished in a third-place tie in last year’s regular season standings and return a solid core led by Billy Tigar (.379 BA, 44 hits, 1.058 OPS), a versatile all-conference player who can contribute at multiple positions. All-NJAC player Chase Fischer (.346 BA, 33 hits) anchors first base, while all-conference catcher Zach Stearns provides stability behind the plate. Jared Levis returns in the outfield after an all-conference campaign last year.
The pitching staff is led by all-conference righty Pat Teehan, who recorded nine saves in 2025 as one of the conference's top relievers.
Newcomers to Watch: Danny O'Brien (Woodlands, Texas/Woodlands Christian Academy), Chris Matesic (Paramus, N.J./Paramus HS)
Head Coach Dave Lorber: "We look forward to competing at a consistent high level."
NJCU
The Gothic Knights return a trio of experienced pitchers in left-hander Phil Kramer (5.65 ERA, 3-3 record, 57.1 IP), who led the team in innings pitched, along with right-hander Andre Dean (45.1 IP) and right-hander Collin Elam (26.2 IP), who also contributes in the outfield (.231 BA). Offensively, the Gothic Knights bring back 2024 second team all-conference catcher Nick Vaughn, who missed the 2025 season but posted 24 hits, 10 RBI, and six stolen bases in 2024. First baseman Brandon Piacenza (.271 BA, 42 hits, 27 RBI) and all-conference utility player Jeremy Ricourt (.308 BA, 36 hits) also return to the diamond for the Gothic Knights.
Newcomers to Watch: Dan Kapsch (IF; South Plainfield, N.J./South Plainfield HS), Travis Evernham (SS; Flemington, N.J./Raritan HS), Dovid Solomon (LHP; Raritan Valley CC), Nicholas Chirelli (RHP; Staten Island, N.Y./Tottenville HS), Justin Foy (RHP; Perth Amboy, N.J./Perth Amboy HS)
Head Coach Jerry Smith: "We have a very focused, dedicated group. Since day one, they've been fully committed to the direction we want to go. It started with a really strong fall, continued with a team GPA approaching 3.4, and lately their preparation in practice and the weight room has shown just how determined they are."
RAMAPO
Ramapo put together a solid season in 2025 and look to build upon that success. The Roadrunners bring back utility player Jack Tallent, the 2024 NJAC Rookie of the Year and all-conference honoree, along with all-conference players in utility player Zach Novakowski (.328 BA, 16 doubles in 2025), and outfielder Julian Caruso (.337 BA as a freshman). However, the Roadrunners face the challenge of replacing key contributors including -conference pitcher James Pazdera (2.87 ERA, 22 strikeouts in 30 IP). With half the roster consisting of newcomers, Ramapo's success will depend on how quickly the new faces mesh with the returning core.
Head coach Ryan Rinsky adds several Division I transfers to shore up the roster, including left-hander John Hacker (Marist), catcher Dan Maglio (Monmouth), and infielder Dustin McGuinness (Wagner).
Newcomers to Watch: John Hacker (LHP; Marist University), James Kahn (RHP; St. Thomas Aquinas College), Dan Maglio (C; Monmouth University), Dustin McGuinness (IF; Wagner College), Julian Schultz (OF; Livingston, N.J./Livingston HS), Thomas Schlaline (RHP; Sayreville, N.J./Sayreville HS)
Head Coach Ryan Rinsky: "We have a lot of new faces as half of the roster are either freshmen or transfers. That being said, we are very excited about the combination of returners who have played in big games for us and the new talent that we brought in this year."
ROWAN
The Profs return to championship contention after finishing 14-4 in conference play and 38-12 overall while advancing to the NCAA Division III College World Series in 2025. Rowan must replace several key contributors including a trio of first team all-conference players; however Rowan brings back 2025 NJAC Rookie of the Year Damon Suriani (.394 BA, 37 hits, 23 RBI, .553 SLG%), who led the NJAC with a .521 conference-only batting average while posting a .625 on-base percentage and 1.313 OPS in NJAC play. Suriani, who can play both catcher and outfield, recorded at least one hit in all but one conference game. Honorable mention all-conference third baseman Brayden Davis (.308 BA, 57 hits, 43 RBI, 7 home runs) returns to anchor the hot corner, while second team all-conference first baseman Nick Struble (.405 BA, 45 hits, 29 RBI, .577 SLG%) provides power and consistency. Second baseman Joey Bogart (.328 BA, 43 hits, 26 RBI) and catcher Jason Schooley (.333 BA, 12 hits, 4 RBI) provide veteran experience in the lineup.
Second team all-conference junior Zach Coluccio (2.10 ERA, 9 wins) tied for first in the NJAC in victories and leads a pitching staff that includes Austin Kreyenhagen and reliever Jack Norton, all of whom were integral to last year's World Series run.
Newcomers to Watch: Evan McCoach (Rutgers), Ben Schild (UConn), Collin Denton (Monmouth Regional), Kyle Lamanteer (Rider), AJ Maddelina (Steinert), Ian Murphy (Barton)
Head Coach Mike Dickson: "We have a mix of new players from really good programs and returners from last year's World Series team."
RUTGERS-CAMDEN
The Scarlet Raptors got hot at the right time last season, running through the NJAC playoffs to win the conference title and automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, and ultimately finishing 30-17 overall in 2025. Rutgers-Camden enters 2026 looking to improve its regular season standing and faces the challenge of replacing significant production from last year's championship team, including first team all-conference second baseman Frankie Romond (.374 BA, 64 hits, 45 RBI). Head coach Ryan Kulik returns a core group that includes outfielder Jake Watson, all-conference utility player Jack Murphy (.367 BA, 58 hits), and all-conference outfielder Ryan Joseph, who can also play first base or DH. Shortstop Chris Smith, second baseman Austin Dubler, and two-way player Danny Torres also return to shore up the Raptor lineup.
Newcomers to Watch: Michael McGinley (1B/3B; Rider), Jake Slusarski (OF; Mount St. Mary's), Austin Wokock (RHP; Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland), Gabe McCracken (RHP; Audubon, N.J./Audubon HS), Anthony Alessandroni (RHP; Cinnaminson, N.J./Cinnaminson HS)
Head Coach Ryan Kulik: "Our expectations are very high even though we lost a lot of guys from last year's team. We have a good mix of young guys and returners that played a big role in our NJAC championship last year. I have a lot of confidence in this group and I am very excited to see what they can do this year."
RUTGERS-NEWARK
The 2026 Scarlet Raiders look to make a move up the NJAC standings behind one of the most overhauled rosters in the conference. Rutgers–Newark brings in 28 newcomers—freshmen and transfers poised to make an immediate impact—while returning a proven core to provide stability and leadership.
The lineup is anchored by shortstop Michael Weinbel, who led the team with a .365 batting average, 46 hits, 30 RBI, and a .563 slugging percentage. Joseph Bernardo adds versatility after hitting .306 with 34 hits and 16 RBI, while the outfield returns experienced contributors Daniel Fedorco (.257, 18 hits), Gilroy Prial (.280, 23 hits, 15 RBI), and Matthew Toretto (.267, 27 hits, 17 RBI). On the mound, right-handers Joe Santi and Michael Romano bring valuable experience to the pitching staff.
Newcomers to Watch: RJ Kernan (Brookdale), Malik Little (Brookdale), Richard Bardon (Brookdale), Josh Warming (Nichols), Liam Riley (Jersey City, N.J./DePaul Catholic)
Head Coach Conor Kortmann: "Rutgers-Newark baseball is looking forward to another year of competitive baseball in the NJAC. With 28 new players on the roster (freshman and/or transfer) this year, we had a tremendously competitive fall baseball season, and it will be exciting to see how that translates into this spring season."
STOCKTON
Stockton finished at an even 19-19 overall in 2025, and the Ospreys will look to climb the standings in 2026 as they were voted as the conference’s dark horse this season. Stockton returns veteran leadership in pitcher Stephen DeMilio (2.77 ERA, .223 OBA in 2025), all-conference infielder Joe Gmitter (.405 BA, 60 hits), all-conference utility player Nick Avagnano (.373 BA, 53 hits, 85 RBI), and outfielder Michael Antonucci. The Ospreys will rely heavily on these five seniors to guide a young roster after graduating 16 players. DeMilio will lead a young pitching staff, while Antonucci, Avagnano, Gmitter and Kaplan should provide a steady foundation for the offense.
Newcomers to Watch: Liam Schwinn (IF; Henderson, N.J./Henderson HS), Richie Bayachek (P; Warrington, Pa./Archbishop Wood HS)
Head Coach Rich Gawlak: "There will be plenty of youth in the line-up and on the mound, after graduating 16 seniors. We will rely on the experience of our five seniors to set the pace for a young and talented roster. DeMilio will be the leader of a young pitching staff, and Antonucci, Avagnano, Gmitter and Kaplan should provide a steady foundation for a talented offense."
TCNJ
TCNJ enters 2026 under new leadership with head coach Chris Collazo taking over a program facing a significant rebuild. The Lions finished 10-7-1 in conference play and 28-19-1 overall in 2025, placing in a third place tie in the regular season standings. However, they graduated several key contributors, including first team all-conference pitcher Jackson Malouf (1.52 ERA, 8-2 record, 88.2 IP), who led the conference in ERA and tied for first in wins, along with first team all-conference third baseman Andrew Fernandez (.336 BA, 12 doubles, 42 RBI), first team all-conference designated hitter Ryan Goodall (.299 BA, 7 home runs, 39 walks), and second team all-conference second baseman Mike LaGravenis (.359 BA, 69 hits, 22 RBI).
The Lions return a limited but promising core. Outfielder Tyler Provost (.262 BA, 38 hits, 29 runs, 6 home runs) provides offensive experience, while fellow outfielder Jack O'Donnell (.277 BA, 53 hits, 37 RBI) adds another proven bat. On the mound, left-hander John DiCostanzo (4.94 ERA, 27.1 IP) returns with starting experience.
TCNJ added impact transfer Mike Contiliano from Seton Hall to provide immediate contributions to a group looking to gel quickly as Collazo looks to build a new foundation.
Newcomers to Watch: Mike Contiliano (Transfer from Seton Hall)
Head Coach Chris Collazo: "We have a talented group of players, but do not have much experience. I am excited to see how they develop and progress early in the year to hopefully make a good run late."
WILLIAM PATERSON
William Paterson enters the 2026 season looking to build on a campaign that saw the Pioneers finish just shy of 20 wins overall. With a strong returning core, William Paterson aims to move up the NJAC standings.
The Pioneers are led by All-Conference shortstop Dylan Santos, who hit .357 with 50 hits, 38 RBI, and a .529 slugging percentage. All-Conference player Ty Kobylakiewicz returns at first base after batting .316 with 43 hits and 33 RBI, while second baseman Devin Daproza anchors the infield following a .376 season with 41 hits, 21 RBI, and a .459 slugging percentage. On the mound, right-hander Rob Nathan and reliever Nick Durso provide experience and reliability.
Newcomers to Watch: JT DeRiso (LHP; Hillsdale, N.J./Pascack Valley HS), Avery Whitney (OF; County College of Morris), Alex Gomez (C; Old Dominion)
Head Coach Mike Lauterhahn: "We are excited to have our returners coming back with some valuable experience as well as a strong group of newcomers to compete for a playoff spot in a very competitive NJAC."