SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – The Notre Dame Fighting Irish baseball team opens the 2026 season on Feb. 13 in Boca Raton, Florida, against Florida Atlantic University.
The Irish missed the NCAA tournament for the third straight year in 2024, despite finding momentum late in the season. A first-round loss to 14th-seeded Boston College in the ACC tournament ended their run.
Head coach Shawn Stiffler said he believes this season will be different with what he considers his most established team since arriving at Notre Dame.
“This is certainly on paper, looking at the most established team I think we have had since I’ve been here for sure,” Stiffler said. “For me, it’s the repeat of that freshman class last year and sophomores and guys like that and some of that junior class that have been through a full development cycle with us and to see those guys emerge and see those guys take a step forward is going to be really rewarding for me.”
Outfielder Jayce Lee, a South Bend Saint Joseph alum, is preparing for his second season with the Irish after delivering several key moments as a freshman.Former Saint Joe standout enters sophomore season
Sophomore outfielder Jayce Lee, a South Bend Saint Joseph alum, is preparing for his second season with the Fighting Irish after delivering several key moments as a freshman.
Lee started 30 games last season, highlighted by a two-run home run against Valparaiso in April and his first collegiate home run in a win over Florida State.
Lee said he focused on improving his plate discipline during the summer season.
“Going to the college level as a freshman, it’s tough to kind of just get acclimated to the things that’s going on,” Lee said. “So, for me going into my summer season, I just wanted to be kind of more selective with the things that I was swinging at and chasing fewer pitches. Being able to work myself into counts that I can do more damage in, and that’s something I’ve definitely seen a stride in my summer season, so I’m grateful for that developmental aspect to happen for me, and I’m ready to carry that off into my sophomore season.”
Lee credited veteran players for helping him adjust to college baseball during his freshman year.
“I think the experience for me was very good,” Lee said. “I had a good group of older guys that quite frankly poured everything they could into me my freshman year, being in and out of the lineup and getting a lot of playing time early. So, I’m very grateful for those guys to be able to be so welcoming to me and being able to give me all the seeds and knowledge that they could.”
For a full look at Notre Dame’s 2026 schedule, click here.
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