No. 3 Texas baseball puts its 12-0 record on the line against USC Upstate as Dylan Volantis, Ruger Riojas and a powerful lineup dominate early.
No. 3 Texas baseball has opened the 2026 season like a team with Omaha on its mind.
The Longhorns bring a spotless 12-0 record into this weekend’s three-game series against USC Upstate at UFCU Disch-Falk Field, marking the first meeting between the two programs. For Texas, the matchup represents another opportunity to continue one of the hottest starts in college baseball.
The numbers tell the story. Through a dozen games, Texas has outscored opponents 109-22 while building one of the most dominant pitching profiles in the country. The Longhorns currently boast a microscopic 1.71 team ERA and a 0.94 WHIP, both among the best marks in Division I baseball.
The pitching staff has been relentless. Sophomore left-hander Dylan Volantis continues to look every bit like the star many expected after his historic freshman campaign. The reigning Baseball America National Freshman of the Year has already thrown 18.2 innings this season while allowing just one earned run. In his last outing, Volantis carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before finishing another dominant start.
Right-hander Ruger Riojas will take the ball to open the series, entering with a perfect 3-0 record and a 1.12 ERA after striking out 11 batters in a standout performance earlier this season.
Offensively, Texas has been just as dangerous. Transfer outfielder Aiden Robbins has wasted no time making his presence felt in Austin. Robbins leads the team with 17 RBI and a .787 slugging percentage while posting a .404 batting average and four home runs through the first few weeks of the season.
Catcher Carson Tinney, one of the most feared power hitters in college baseball, has reached base in every game so far while also launching four home runs. Tinney arrived in Austin after a breakout career at Notre Dame, where he finished among the national leaders in offensive metrics.
Meanwhile, second baseman Ethan Mendoza continues to set the table at the top of the lineup. The junior is also batting .404 and has reached base in all 12 games.
Head coach Jim Schlossnagle has already reached a major milestone this season as well, recording his 1,000th career Division I victory earlier this year.
For Texas, the formula is simple ... dominant pitching, patient offense, and relentless pressure on opponents.
If the Longhorns keep playing like this, their perfect start might be just the beginning.