LIVINGSTON, Ala. – Fresh off one of the most memorable seasons in program history, the University of West Alabama baseball team enters the 2026 campaign with momentum, depth, and championship expectations. After capturing the 2025 Gulf South Conference Championship, the Tigers return a strong core of veteran contributors while welcoming an impactful group of newcomers as they set their sights on another run atop the Gulf South Conference.
Under the direction of head coach Eric Dubose, UWA looks to blend experience with athleticism across the roster while continuing to build on the identity that powered last season's title run.
Top Returning Tigers
The foundation of the 2026 Tigers begins on the mound, where several proven arms return after logging meaningful innings a season ago.
Baker Green headlines the pitching staff as one of the league's top returners. The senior made 16 appearances in 2025, including nine starts, and posted a 4.82 ERA across 52.1 innings. Green struck out 32 batters while issuing just 13 walks and picked up two wins, earning a spot on the GSC Top Returners List.
Ryan Ladner returns as a key late-inning option after establishing himself as UWA's primary setup man. Ladner made 22 bullpen appearances, recorded a 2.57 ERA over 28.0 innings, and logged 15 shutout outings while limiting opponents with his command and poise.
Beau Bryant provides additional depth after making six appearances and four starts last season. Bryant earned his first collegiate win against Miles and delivered a critical postseason outing, tossing 2.2 innings against Mississippi College during the GSC Tournament to help secure the Tigers' first conference title since 2015.
A healthy Nolan Phillips is another name to watch. The former true freshman appeared in 10 games before an injury cut his season short, but still held opponents to a .154 batting average while striking out 21 hitters. Phillips earned two GSC Freshman of the Week honors and figures to play a larger role this spring.
Positionally, the Tigers bring back a veteran lineup with proven postseason success.
Nick Wilson anchors the infield after starting all 55 games at third base in 2025. The senior hit .298 with four home runs and 34 RBIs, posted a .413 on-base percentage, and drew 32 walks. Wilson shined on the championship stage, batting .333 during the GSC Tournament en route to All-Tournament Team honors.
Kyle Blevins Jr. returns after missing last season due to injury. The redshirt junior brings speed and offensive versatility after a standout JUCO career at Coastal Alabama, where he hit .313 with 68 runs, 43 RBIs, and 33 stolen bases across 94 games.
In the outfield, Wayne Wilkerson looks to build on his sophomore campaign after appearing in 23 games and recording 11 hits and five RBIs. Wilkerson also delivered the first walk-off hit of his UWA career against Lee on April 18.
Behind the plate, Tanner Jones returns as the Tigers starting catcher after playing in 42 games and starting 39. Jones recorded six multi-hit games, including a three-hit performance against Montevallo, and provides leadership to a pitching staff that logged heavy innings last year.
Will Wood rounds out the returning core after playing 44 games and making 23 starts. Wood hit .280 with a .427 on-base percentage, stole nine bases, and batted .333 during postseason play as UWA captured the GSC Championship.
Newcomers to Watch
The Tigers' incoming class features a mix of high-upside freshmen and battle-tested transfers expected to contribute immediately.
Freshman Blake Westry arrives after a strong prep career at Fairhope High School. The right-hander posted a 3.11 ERA during his senior season while also hitting .383 with a .454 on-base percentage. Westry was named to the GSC Newcomers Watchlist and brings two-way potential to the roster.
Senior transfer Rashad Robinson joins UWA after stops at Jacksonville State and Bishop State CC. Robinson brings speed and defensive reliability after totaling 59 stolen bases and 85 hits during his JUCO career, while also recording a perfect fielding percentage at JSU.
Aaron Wallace, a junior transfer from Gadsden City CC, was one of the top JUCO players in the country last season. The shortstop hit .429 with four home runs and 49 RBIs and was named the Alabama Community College Conference Division I Player of the Year.
Several additional transfers add depth and versatility, including Layth Holiday, Jack Hobson, Takorre Clowers, Hudson Walburn, Camden Lyke, Hayes Alford, AJ Hansen, and Matthew Sheffield, each bringing collegiate experience from strong programs and the ability to compete for immediate roles.
Coaching & Season Outlook
UWA's championship standard continues under Dubose, alongside pitching coach Brock Ward, who was recently named Assistant Coach of the Year in the Alabama Community College Conference Division I after his pitching staff posted a 3.89 ERA and produced multiple all-region and all-conference selections.
New to the staff is hitting coach Collin Scott, who joins the Tigers after guiding Ashland's offense to a .298 team batting average, 37 wins, and back-to-back NCAA Regional appearances. Under Scott's leadership, Ashland produced a conference Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year, setting the tone for an aggressive, disciplined offensive approach in Livingston.
Dates to Circle
The Tigers open the 2026 season on the road from January 30 to February 1 with a three-game series at Columbus State. The home opener follows on February 3 against Miles College, before UWA hosts the UWA Invitational from February 6–8 against Albany State and Augusta.
Conference play begins at home on February 13–14 with a GSC series against Mississippi College, followed by the first road GSC test at Auburn-Montgomery on February 20–21. A highly anticipated championship rematch with Montevallo highlights the home slate on March 13–14, while the regular season concludes at home against UAH on April 24–25.
With championship experience, proven leadership, and one of the deepest rosters in recent memory, West Alabama enters 2026 poised to defend its GSC title and make another postseason push as the Tigers aim to turn last year's breakthrough into sustained success.
