The Aggies eye an NCAA Tournament return with a potent offense and ace potential, but pitching depth and health remain critical questions for a pivotal season.
Opening night in College Station brings more than just the start of a new season. It brings urgency.
When Texas A&M takes the field Friday against Tennessee Tech, second-year head coach Michael Earley begins what feels like a pivotal campaign.
After missing the NCAA Tournament in his debut season, Earley now turns to a roster that looks talented enough to contend in the SEC - if it can stay healthy and stabilize on the mound.
The ball for Opening Day will go to junior right-hander Shane Sdao, a pitcher whose last start came nearly two years ago.
That fact alone tells you how thin the Aggies’ pitching depth has been. Still, Sdao has the arm talent to anchor a weekend rotation. Weston Moss is slated for Saturday, while Aiden Sims will handle Sunday duties.
Sims, in particular, becomes critical after the offseason loss of left-hander Caden McCoy. The Aggies cannot afford another wave of injuries if they hope to survive conference play.
While questions linger about pitching experience, the lineup offers legitimate firepower.
Caden Sorrell returns as one of the emotional leaders of the offense, and Gavin Grahovac is healthy after battling injuries a year ago.
Grahovac’s defensive shift from third base to first base should help solidify the infield, though he’ll still see time at the hot corner depending on matchups. His versatility only boosts his profile as a potential Day 1 pick in the 2026 MLB Draft.
Grahovac’s bat remains the centerpiece because when healthy, he has shown the ability to change games with one swing, and his improved comfort defensively could allow him to focus more consistently at the plate.
Pair that with Sorrell’s production and leadership, and Texas A&M has the foundation of an offense capable of carrying the club through stretches when pitching wavers.
The Aggies also added impact talent through the transfer portal, including former Maryland standout Chris Hacopian. His arrival provides additional depth and run-production potential - something A&M lacked at key moments last season.
The path back to the NCAA Tournament won’t be easy in the SEC, but the pieces are in place.
If the weekend rotation holds together and the lineup performs to expectations, Texas A&M baseball has every opportunity to reassert itself as a postseason contender in 2026.