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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 College baseball returns to John Sessions Stadium this weekend as Jacksonville opens the 2026 season with a four-game series against Rhode Island University.<\/p>\n
Opening night is set for Friday at 6:00 PM, followed by a Saturday doubleheader beginning at 1:00 PM. The series concludes Sunday with a 1:00 PM first pitch and marks the 12th time in a row the Dolphins will host on opening day.<\/p>\n
The matchup marks the first meeting between the programs since 2018, when Jacksonville swept Rhode Island in a three-game series. The Dolphins hold a 4-0 advantage in the all-time series, dating back to the first meeting in 1993.<\/p>\n
Now entering his ninth season at the helm, head coach Chris Hayes<\/a> brings veteran leadership and stability as the Dolphins look to build on last year’s success and compete near the top of the ASUN standings again in 2026.<\/p>\n Preseason Recognition 2026 ASUN Preseason Graphite Division Coaches Poll Two Dolphins earned preseason honors from ASUN coaches:<\/p>\n Jonah Shields<\/a> (OF) Conner Spelman<\/a> (DH) Opponent Snapshot New Faces Freshmen: Transfers:
\nJacksonville was selected to finish third in the ASUN’s Graphite Division in the 2026 Preseason Coaches Poll, trailing only Stetson and FGCU.<\/p>\n
\n1. Stetson (4) \u2013 34
\n2. FGCU (2) \u2013 30
\n3. Jacksonville \u2013 21
\n4. North Florida \u2013 19
\n5. West Georgia \u2013 12
\n6. Queens \u2013 10<\/p>\n
\nAfter transitioning from second base to the outfield, Shields returns as one of the league’s most dynamic hitters. In 2025, he ranked sixth in the ASUN with a .359 batting average and 75 hits across 54 games. He added 36 RBIs, 24 stolen bases, and posted a .442 on-base percentage. Shields recorded 22 multi-hit performances, eight three-RBI games, and compiled a team-best 16-game hitting streak.<\/p>\n
\nSpelman started 20 games last season and finished with a .302 batting average and an .860 OPS, the fourth-best mark on the team. His .400 on-base percentage also ranked fourth among Dolphins hitters.<\/p>\n
\nRhode Island enters the weekend representing the Atlantic 10 Conference and opens the 2026 season in Jacksonville as the reigning Atlantic 10 champion. The Rams have faced Atlantic Sun opponents sparingly in program history, posting a 6-12 record against current ASUN schools.<\/p>\n
\nJacksonville welcomes 18 newcomers to the 2026 roster, including six freshmen and 12 transfers.<\/p>\n
\nLogan Baratta<\/a> (INF)
\nDrew Cobb<\/a> (OF)
\nJJ Gardner<\/a> (RHP\/INF)
\nGriffin Pomper<\/a> (C)
\nKyle Hopper<\/a> (RHP)
\nAyden Phillips<\/a> (INF\/RHP)<\/p>\n
\nRoger Vergara<\/a> (INF\/OF) \u2013 East Carolina
\nGavin Dicks<\/a> (LHP) \u2013 Polk State
\nSam Grunberg<\/a> (INF) \u2013 Lindenwood
\nBen Baker-Livingston<\/a> (RHP) \u2013 New Mexico
\nAustin Williamson<\/a> (RHP) \u2013 Jax State
\nArcher Ogbourne<\/a> (OF) \u2013 Des Moines Area CC
\nBrendan Holland<\/a> (LHP) \u2013 UMass Lowell
\nDerek Bermudez<\/a> (INF\/OF) \u2013 FIU
\nBrodie Scott<\/a> (RHP) \u2013 Northeastern State
\nPayton Waters<\/a> (RHP) \u2013 UCF
\nManuel Souffrain<\/a> (INF) \u2013 Bethune-Cookman
\nDominic Pieto<\/a> (RHP) \u2013 Tulane<\/p>\n