Broncho Baseball Stepping up to the Plate for the 2026 Season

The University of Central Oklahoma men’s baseball team kicks off its new season on Tuesday with a non-conference home opener against Oklahoma Baptist.

UCO is coming off its Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) Championship last season, looking for the same success in the 2026 season. 

Robbie Rea was promoted to head coach in August and has been on staff for three seasons, racking up 105 wins in that time. 

Rea is ready to take over the reins and lead the Bronchos this season. Outside of winning another championship, he has set other goals for the team.

“We got a new coaching staff, and we have a lot of new players,” said Rea. “I think the biggest goal for us is just to compete and figure out who wants to be out there the most by upholding the standard of UCO baseball.”

“I think the guys are excited to play somebody else.”  Rea continued, “For us, we are just trying to find ways to win. Obviously, you want to have a good ERA (Earned Run Average) as a pitching staff, have a good batting average, and on-base percentage, but it just comes down to staying healthy during the long season and having a chance at the end of the season.”

UCO brings in 34 new players to the roster this season. 

Jett Farmer, a transfer from Seminole State, joins the Bronchos pitching staff this year for his sophomore campaign.

“Coming from Seminole State, I was looking for a four-year home, and I’ve found that at UCO.” Farmer continued, “One of our goals this season is to play as a unified team that can take us as far as we want to go.”

“Our main goal this season is to compete every day, hold each other accountable, and represent UCO the right way in everything we do,” said Farmer.

Farmer had four appearances last season, with one win and a 3.86 ERA.

Gage Norvell brings veteran experience to the Bronchos, entering his third season with Central. Norvell served as a pivotal piece coming out of the bullpen last year, having 10 appearances with a 2-0 record and a 1.86 ERA.

Norvell says he is excited to play his senior season with the Bronchos after winning the tournament last season. 

“I am really excited to see what this season has in store for us,” he said. “We have a bunch of new guys and a new coaching staff. I’m ready to go and get this thing started.”

After the season opener versus Oklahoma Baptist on Tuesday, Central will host the eighth annual Edmond First Pitch Classic. The four-day tournament is scheduled for Thursday through Sunday. Central begins play on Thursday against East Central. The Bronchos will then play Southeastern Oklahoma State on Friday, Missouri-St. Louis on Saturday, and will finish the weekend with East Central again on Sunday. 

Conference play kicks off February 27th on the road at Missouri Western.