RICHARDSON, Texas (KFDA) – The Lone Star Conference announced Thursday their preseason baseball rankings with the West Texas A&M Buffs taking the fifth spot while Eastern New Mexico sits in eighth.
The Buffs are coming into this season from a solid 2025 campaign, finishing with an overall record of 31-25 and marking 29-19 in conference action. They made it to the opening round of the LSC tournament.
Two Buffs made the preseason players to watch list: sophomore outfielder and left-handed pitcher Tristan Thomas and junior right-handed pitcher Cade Griffin.
Eastern New Mexico enters this season after nearly ending last year with an even record, finishing 27-23 overall and 25-23 in league action.
Adrien Martin was named to the preseason player to watch list after starting 43 out of 45 games last season and ending with a .285 batting average and .477 slugging percentage. His teammate Nick Mooney earns a spot on the preseason pitcher to watch list.
Conference rankings
The defending South Central Regional champions UT Tyler takes the number one position with 20 out of a possible 42 first-place votes and collecting 603 overall points. Angelo State follows in second with 20 first-place votes and 599 points.
Lubbock Christian takes third with 510 points and Saint Edwards claims fourth place with 501 points. The Buffs round out the top five with 474 points.
The Greyhounds capture the eighth spot with 326 points, moving up two rankings from last year.
Both teams will open their 2026 seasons on January 30. The Buffs will start at home at Wilder Park against Saint Edwards, while Eastern New Mexico will play on their home soil at the Greyhounds Baseball Field against Texas A&M Kingsville.
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