LIVINGSTON, Ala. – As anticipation builds for the 2026 campaign, the defending Gulf South Conference Champions from the University of West Alabama have been well represented in the league's preseason recognitions, landing multiple selections on the GSC Newcomers Watchlist and Top Returners List.
Despite returning a few of their championship-caliber core, the Tigers were tabbed sixth in the Gulf South Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, setting the stage for another competitive season in one of Division II baseball's toughest conferences.
GSC Newcomers Watchlist
West Alabama placed three players on the league's Newcomers Watchlist, highlighting the immediate impact expected from a talented incoming class and key transfers.
Freshman Blake Westry arrives in Livingston after a standout prep career at Fairhope High School. The right-handed pitcher posted a 3.11 ERA during his senior season, allowing just four runs while striking out 13 hitters. Westry also brings offensive versatility, hitting .383 with a .454 on-base percentage, scoring 12 runs, and blasting two home runs in his final high school campaign.
Senior transfer Rashad Robinson joins the Tigers from Jacksonville State, where he appeared in nine games and recorded a perfect fielding percentage. Prior to his time at JSU, Robinson spent two seasons at Bishop State Community College and was a dynamic all-around performer. In 86 career games, he totaled 85 hits, including 24 extra-base hits, drove in 50 runs, and swiped 59 bases. Robinson hit .388 as a freshman and added 10 doubles and 24 stolen bases during his sophomore season.
Junior shortstop Aaron Wallace transfers from Gadsden City Community College after one of the most impressive JUCO seasons in the nation. Wallace was named the Alabama Community College Conference Division I Player of the Year after hitting .429 with four home runs and 49 RBIs, solidifying himself as one of the premier infield newcomers in the GSC.
GSC Top Returners
West Alabama also saw three Tigers named to the league's Top Returners list, led by proven production on both sides of the ball.
Senior right-hander Baker Green enters his second season with the Tigers after making 16 appearances, including nine starts, in 2025. Green logged 52.1 innings of work, posted a 4.82 ERA, struck out 32 batters, and issued just 13 walks, providing valuable depth and experience to the pitching staff.
Senior infielder Nick Wilson returns after anchoring the Tigers' lineup as the everyday third baseman last season. Wilson started all 55 games, hit .298, and ranked third on the team with four home runs and 34 RBIs. He recorded a .413 on-base percentage, drew 32 walks, tallied 16 multi-hit games, and hit .333 during the GSC Championship, earning All-Tournament Team honors.
Redshirt junior Kyle Blevins Jr. returns after missing the 2025 season due to injury. Prior to arriving at West Alabama, Blevins starred at Coastal Alabama Community College, where he played in 94 games and hit .313 with 68 runs, four home runs, 43 RBIs, and 33 stolen bases while posting a .415 on-base percentage.
With a blend of proven returners and high-impact newcomers, West Alabama looks poised to exceed preseason expectations as the Tigers aim to defend their conference crown in 2026.
