The UTRGV baseball team took the field in uniform for the first time as it prepares for the 2025–26 season, returning much of its roster from a year ago in an era when roster continuity is increasingly rare in college athletics.
The Vaqueros bring back nine of their top 12 hitters from last season, along with five of their top seven pitchers in strikeouts. The experience positions UTRGV to contend once again in the Southland Conference after winning the regular-season title last year.
While defending that crown remains a goal, the program’s focus is centered on postseason success. UTRGV fell just short of an NCAA Tournament berth last spring and is aiming to secure a conference tournament championship this season.
“You’ve got to get into conference tournaments, you’ve got to win conference tournaments and conference championships before you get into regionals,” Vaqueros head coach Derek Matlock said. “That’s what we’re after.”
Vaqueros first baseman Armani Raygoza said the team’s challenging non-conference schedule could play a key role in reaching that goal.
“I’ll never forget sitting there watching on ESPN and being the bubble team that didn’t get in,” Raygoza said. “This year’s schedule is definitely a lot harder. We have Big 12 and SEC teams the first two weeks, and we’re excited to play against the best. I feel like the strength of schedule will definitely help us this year.”
The Vaqueros open the 2026 season at home against Kansas on Friday, February 13, before hosting Texas Tech. UTRGV will then head on the road for a seven-game stretch.