The fifth-seeded Cowboys ride into Surprise fueled by Kollin Ritchie’s power and a resilient roster, eyeing a high-stakes clash with UCF to ignite a deep championship run
SURPRISE, Ariz. - As the 2026 Big 12 Baseball Tournament kicks off at Surprise Stadium, the Oklahoma State Cowboys enter as the No. 5 seed with momentum and a roster built for a deep postseason push.
Under head coach Josh Holliday, OSU finished the regular season at 36-19 overall and 18-12 in conference play, securing their spot with a strong finish that included a key series win.
This marks another competitive showing for a program with a rich history of success in the Big 12.
Holliday’s squads are known for resilience, and this year’s team blends experienced veterans, impactful transfers, and emerging talent.
While preseason expectations were measured after a 30-25 campaign in 2025, the Cowboys exceeded many projections to claim the fifth seed in a loaded 12-team single-elimination field.
Path to the Championship
The tournament uses a single-elimination format, with the top four seeds receiving byes into the second round (or quarterfinals depending on exact bracketing).
Kansas claimed the No. 1 seed with a dominant 22-8 conference record, followed by West Virginia (21-9), Arizona State (19-11), and UCF (19-11). Oklahoma State, sitting at 18-12, draws UCF in a high-stakes Thursday, May 21 matchup at 11 a.m. CT on ESPNU.
A victory over the Knights would propel OSU deeper into the bracket, potentially facing top seeds or winners from earlier games.
Surprise Stadium, the spring training home of the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals, provides a neutral, MLB-caliber environment that levels the playing field and tests teams’ adaptability.
For the Cowboys, reaching the championship game on Saturday would not only clinch the automatic NCAA Tournament bid but also validate their growth in a conference featuring several projected regional contenders.
Offensive Firepower Leads the Charge
Oklahoma State’s lineup features several standout bats capable of powering the team through the bracket.
Kollin Ritchie has been a force in the outfield, posting a .337-.347 batting average with significant power (approaching 30 home runs in some stat lines) and 70+ RBIs.
His on-base ability and slugging make him a constant threat in the middle of the order.
Alex Conover has emerged as one of the conference’s top hitters, flirting with a .390-.395 average, strong on-base percentage around .500, and double-digit home runs.
Aidan Meola provides veteran stability at third base with a .309-.317 clip and extra-base pop, while Brock Thompson contributes speed and contact from the infield. Campbell Smithwick behind the plate adds consistency and leadership.
The Cowboys’ offense ranks among the Big 12’s better units in several categories, capable of putting up crooked numbers against quality pitching.
Their ability to manufacture runs through timely hitting and capitalize on free passes will be critical against tournament arms.
Pitching Depth and Key Arms
Success in a compressed single-elimination tournament often hinges on starting pitching and bullpen management. OSU has leaned on a mix of experienced starters and high-upside arms.
Transfer Hudson Barrett, a former Freshman All-American, brings elite stuff when healthy and could serve as a game-changer in relief or as a starter. Gabe Davis has shown flashes of dominance with velocity touching the upper 90s.
The staff as a whole has improved throughout the season, particularly in limiting big innings. Holliday and pitching coach Blake Hawksworth have emphasized command and sequencing, which should pay dividends in high-pressure scenarios.
Bullpen reliability will determine whether OSU can survive a potential multi-game stretch in Arizona’s desert heat.
Coaching and Intangibles
Josh Holliday enters his later years at the helm with a proven track record of developing talent and competing at a high level.
Despite occasional postseason frustrations in recent regionals, his teams consistently compete in the rugged Big 12. This squad benefits from senior leadership and a chip on its shoulder after being picked outside the top tier in some preseason polls.
Team chemistry appears strong, bolstered by transfers who have integrated well.
The move to a neutral-site tournament removes some home-field variables but rewards execution, focus, and adaptability, qualities the Cowboys have shown in conference wins.
Outlook and Bigger Picture
For Oklahoma State fans, this tournament represents more than just a conference title shot.
A strong performance could secure a favorable NCAA Regional seeding and build confidence heading into the national stage. The Cowboys have the talent to make noise: an offense that can explode and arms capable of dominating key innings.
Challenges await in the form of UCF’s balanced attack and the depth of higher seeds like Kansas and Arizona State.
Yet, baseball in May is unpredictable, and one hot streak is all it takes. The Pokes have the pieces, Ritchie’s bat, Conover’s consistency, Barrett’s arm, and Holliday’s guidance, to deliver an exciting run.
As the Cowboys take the field in Surprise, expect intensity, Cowboy spirit, and a team hungry to prove it belongs among the Big 12’s elite.
Whether it ends in a championship celebration or a hard-fought exit, this group has positioned itself for a memorable tournament.