Defending Champs Set to Open 2026 Season at Georgia College
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. - The 2026 season begins on the road for the No. 1 University of Tampa Spartans, who travel to Georgia College to open their national‑title defense. The two teams will square off in a Friday doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. at John Kurtz Field. It's a challenging opening test against a perennial Southeast Region contender and a fitting stage for Tampa to take its first steps as the reigning NCAA Division II champions.
The momentum from the 2025 national championship, Tampa's 10th in program history and most in NCAA Division II, will include a large number of newcomers for head coach Joe Urso's team. When the Spartans return home the following weekend, Tampa Baseball Field will host a championship‑level atmosphere: a three‑game Friday–Saturday–Sunday series against Montevallo, highlighted by a pregame ceremony honoring the 2025 national champions and the unveiling of the program's new video board. The board, funded through a generous gift from UT Hall of Famer and Class of 1970 alumnus Fred Pollock, marks a major enhancement to the ballpark and ushers in a new era for the fan experience.
On the field, Tampa brings back a formidable core from last year's 55‑10 powerhouse. Second baseman Brayden Woodburn returns as one of the most complete players in Division II after hitting .374 with 80 hits, 16 doubles, 8 home runs, 57 RBI, and a .494 OBP, all while playing steady defense at a .959 fielding percentage. His ability to spark the offense and control the middle infield makes him a foundational piece of Joe Urso's lineup.
Behind the plate, Jhoander Irigoyen provides veteran leadership and elite defensive presence. He hit .313 with 52 hits, 15 doubles, and 37 RBI, while posting a .991 fielding percentage and throwing out seven runners. His command of the pitching staff and consistency in high‑leverage moments make him one of the most valuable catchers in the region. In center field, Maddox King returns as the defensive heartbeat of the outfield. King recorded 120 putouts without an error, finishing with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage, and added 12 doubles and 29 RBI at the plate.
On the mound, left‑hander Robert Satin steps into a marquee role as Tampa's top returning pitcher. Satin logged 37.1 innings with 45 strikeouts, allowing just 17 earned runs while showing the swing‑and‑miss ability needed to anchor a retooled staff. With several key arms from the championship run having graduated, Satin's emergence will be central to Tampa's 2026 identity.
The schedule ahead remains a gauntlet, featuring the traditional Sunshine State Conference opponent, including rival Florida Southern, along with a slate of regional non‑conference opponents designed to sharpen Tampa for another postseason push.