Baseball | 2/5/2026 1:25:00 PM

By Paul Suellentrop
 
All coaches are learning and experimenting with building a roster as they continue to navigate the transfer-dominated world of college athletics.
 
Wichita State baseball coach Brian Green can sum up his 2026 approach with vibes and numbers.
 
"Our team feels old, and I'm really excited about that," he said. "We all want experience and we'll take it any way we can get it."
 
The Shockers went 20-36 last season and, no matter how that roster was constructed, Green said he believes the coaching staff built a better one for 2026. Coaches put more of an emphasis on college experience, landed five junior college All-Americans, several athletes with NCAA Division I starting experience and a few more with NCAA Division II honors.
 

"We go into the year with 'Something to prove,' as our mantra," Green said. "We truly do. I truly do. Everybody's got something to prove within our program."
 
Shortstop Alex Ulloa started 115 games in two seasons at Florida International. Catcher Max Kaufer played 84 games with 54 starts at Texas A&M and South Carolina. Utility player Drew Bugner earned All-MIAA honors at Pittsburg State. Third baseman Jayson Jones started 49 games last season at Oklahoma State.
 
"If you look at our 16 guys coming out of the portal, they all had major experience with their teams," Green said. "At least 15 appearances on the mound. At least 75 at-bats. We can have conversations with guys who have multiple seasons under their belts, hitters who have 150 or 200 at-bats."
 
Many of the newcomers are looking for a fresh start and some of their stats do not impress. That's the nature of building a roster with the transfer portal – athletes in need of a different approach and redemption may work. 
 
"Max Kaufer, coming out of South Carolina, Texas A&M, is very skilled defensively," Green said. "If we put his bat together, then he's going to play pro ball."
 
Along with bringing in experience, Green is confident in the team's attitude. That is perhaps the biggest difference from 2025.
"I don't like the way last season (went), the taste it left in our mouth," outfielder Jaden Gustafson said. "I was ready to come back and end it on a better note."
 
The Shockers open the season on Feb. 13 vs. Northern Colorado at Eck Stadium. Junior Brady Hamilton will start on the mound. He returns to WSU with 24 starts over the past two seasons and an excellent summer in the Cape Cod League. A likely draft pick this summer, Hamilton also wants to go out on a good note.
 
Gustafson and Hamilton expect a team that reacts better when adversity hits.
 

"It is a complete turnaround, at least, in the vibe of the locker room," Hamilton said. "The good news is the (new guys) are all old, they're experienced, they're really competitive"
 
Hamilton, Gustafson and returners such as infielder Zeb Henry, outfielder Kaleb Duncan and reliever Karsen Richard are charged with guiding the newcomers through the inevitable ups and downs. Green, in recruiting additions to the roster, said he communicated much more intentionally with athletes and parents to define what he wants in the locker room and on the field.
 
"The players we've returned . . . they've been at the center of making it feel right," Green said. "Everybody's got nice facilities and everybody's got resources. The alignment piece is where the culture piece is going to improve our program. I felt like I failed at that last year. I feel like we've got really positive alignment with the culture of our group this year."
 
Paul Suellentrop writes about Wichita State athletics for university Strategic Communications. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.
 
Season tickets are on sale now, and season ticket renewals are available as well. To purchase, visit GoShockers.com/Tickets, dial 316-978-FANS (3267) or stop by the Shocker Ticket Office, located inside Charles Koch Arena, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.