Things weren\u2019t easy for the Kentucky Wildcats in 2025. One year after a 46-16 record and a berth in the College World Series, Kentucky went 31-26, yet snuck in thanks to a highly competitive slate during SEC play. Still, the Wildcats nearly emerged out of the Clemson Regional, showing just how good SEC schools are. And heading into 2026, the Wildcats were able to retain their staff ace from last season and arguably their best hitter.<\/p>\n
The Returnees<\/p>\n
The Wildcats struck gold during the summer of 2024 when Tyler Bell<\/a> opted not to sign with the Rays. Bell was a second-round pick by Tampa out of high school in Illinois. Normally, players drafted that high don\u2019t go to college barring unforeseen circumstances. But in Kentucky\u2019s case, it was a boon.<\/p>\n Bell hit .296 with 10 home runs and 29 extra-base hits as a freshman, showcasing pop and a steady presence for a lineup that lost significant talent to the pros back in 2025. The 20-year-old made the USA collegiate national team this past summer.<\/p>\n Kentucky will need Bell, one of the few returnees from their 2025 regular lineup, for 2026. It\u2019ll likely be Bell\u2019s last in Lexington, as he can re-enter the draft next July.<\/p>\n As for who else is back, Carson Hansen<\/a> finished third on the team in home runs (7) last season. He\u2019s back for his senior season.<\/p>\n Senior Luke Lawrence<\/a> hit .306 with 93 total bases last year, third-most for Kentucky behind Bell and Cole Hage<\/a>. Hage, along with 2025 regulars Patrick Herrera<\/a> and Kyuss Gargett<\/a>, aren\u2019t on the team in 2026.<\/p>\n As for the pitching staff, the Wildcats get back staff ace Ben Cleaver<\/a> for his junior season. The 20-year-old lefty was a steady hand for Kentucky last season, as he struck out a team-high 92 over 83 frames, along with a 5.9 H\/9 and just five home runs allowed. The perks of playing in a ballpark friendly to pitchers.<\/p>\n Sophomore Nate Harris<\/a>, who started 13 games for Kentucky last year, also returned for 2026.<\/p>\n Oliver Boone<\/a>, a right-hander from California-Berkeley, struck out 34 over 30 frames for the Golden Bears back in 2024. He didn\u2019t pitch in 2025 but is back for 2026.<\/p>\n The Newcomers<\/p>\n It was a pretty hefty summer for the Wildcats in terms of bringing in freshmen and transfers.<\/p>\n Starting with the transfers, the Wildcats brought in ex-South Carolina reliever Jackson Soucie<\/a>, former New Orleans reliever Ira Austin<\/a>, as well as Chase Alderman and Burkley Bounds<\/a> from Eastern Kentucky.<\/p>\n Tyler Cerny<\/a>, who hit 30 home runs across three seasons with Indiana, headed down south for his senior season. Cerny hit very well for West Virginia in the MLB Draft League, as he hit .341 with 11 extra-base hits across 24 games.<\/p>\n Tagger Tyson<\/a> hit .296 (.851 OPS) with Louisville in 2025 across 33 games.<\/p>\n Ten freshmen joined the Kentucky roster this fall, including local products Jack Sams and Owen Jenkins.<\/p>\n Summary<\/p>\n Kentucky has done incredible work over the past few seasons, staying competitive in the SEC conference. The Wildcats may not have the same prestige as the traditional conference powerhouses but have made the most of finding talent to work well in Lexington.<\/p>\n The Wildcats enter the year with a potential 2026 Day 1 pick in Bell, plus a strong arm in Cleaver, and newcomers with proven college track records.<\/p>\n Check out more of our college baseball<\/a> coverage, including looks at SEC rivals for Kentucky, LSU<\/a>, and Florida<\/a>.<\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading\u2026<\/p>\n