By: Clint Neumann
BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The University of Sioux Falls baseball team was selected fifth in the 2026 NSIC Preseason Baseball Coaches' Poll, released by the league office on Thursday. The Cougars earned 144 points after finishing third in the conference standings a season ago and putting together one of the strongest campaigns in program history.
Minnesota State University, Mankato, the defending NSIC Regular Season and Tournament Champions, was picked to repeat after collecting eight first-place votes and 190 points. Augustana University finished second with 189 points and seven first-place votes, followed by St. Cloud State University, Wayne State College, and Sioux Falls rounding out the top five.
The NSIC preseason poll is based on each coach ranking the conference teams, with the top-ranked team receiving 14 points, second receiving 13, and so on.
The non-conference portion of the season begins in February, with NSIC play opening later in the month at neutral sites. The top eight teams in the final conference standings will qualify for the 2026 NSIC Baseball Tournament, a double-elimination event scheduled for May 6–9 at Ronken Field and The Birdcage in Sioux Falls. The tournament will be co-hosted by Sioux Falls and Augustana and streamed on the NSIC Network.
Cougars Building on Historic 2025 Season
Entering his 10th season at the helm, Head Coach Grant Hieb leads a Cougar squad coming off a 32–28 overall record and a 25–15 NSIC mark, finishing third in the conference and advancing further in the NSIC Tournament than any team in program history.
"Expectations are higher than they've been in the past coming off a strong 2025 season," said Hieb. "Our pitching staff should be our strong suit. We return our whole starting rotation and our offense, despite graduating some key seniors, I think has a chance to surprise people. The key will be our defense. If we can do that at a high level, we should have a chance to win some ballgames."
With a veteran rotation, experienced lineup pieces, and postseason momentum, the Cougars enter 2026 positioned to challenge for another top-tier finish in the NSIC.
Pitcher to Watch: Jake Ammann, Senior – RHP
Senior right-hander Jake Ammann returns as USF's Pitcher to Watch after emerging as the Cougars' ace down the stretch last spring. Ammann posted a 6–4 record with 74 strikeouts in 66.0 innings, anchoring a pitching staff that showed significant growth throughout the season.
"It was great to see things start to come together for Jake on the mound last spring," said Hieb. "He is an extremely hard worker, and he sets the tone for our pitching staff. He was our ace down the stretch and has carried that into this fall. He strives to get better every day and we expect him to have a big senior year for us."
With the entire rotation returning, Ammann's leadership and experience will be central to USF's success in 2026.
Player to Watch: Mitch Iliff, Junior – 1B/OF
Junior Mitch Iliff headlines the Cougar offense after a breakout 2025 campaign in which he emerged as one of the most productive hitters in the conference. Iliff posted a .378 batting average, .461 on-base percentage, and .627 slugging percentage, while driving in 50 runs and launching 11 home runs.
"Mitch has proven in his first two years at the Coo that he is highly motivated both in the classroom and on the field," said Hieb. "He had a breakout year at the plate for us last spring and will be a staple in the middle of the lineup again this spring. He's also a very good defensive first baseman. I expect him to have a big impact on our success this upcoming season."
As USF looks to replace key graduating seniors, Iliff's production and leadership will be critical to maintaining offensive consistency.
Season Opener
USF opens the 2026 season on February 13, heading to Topeka, Kansas, for a four-game weekend at Falley Field. The Cougars will face Washburn, Emporia State, and MSU Denver from February 13–15 to begin the spring slate.
Stay Connected
For all things USF Baseball, be sure to download the USF Cougars app as well as follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Be the first to know what's going on inside USF Athletics by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter!
