After capturing the Summit League regular-season title last spring and earning the top spot in the 2026 preseason poll, Oral Roberts University will enter baseball season with high expectations.
Under head coach Ryan Folmar, the “winningest” coach in Summit League history and the conference’s 2025 Coach of the Year, experience could be one of ORU’s greatest strengths this year. Seven of the team’s eight returning starters will enter the season as seniors.
The veteran presence gives the Golden Eagles both continuity and leadership as they prepare to open the season at 3 p.m. Friday with a three-game home series against Southern Illinois at Chapman Park.
Continuity will help define their season, said infielder Cooper Kelly, a graduate student pursuing his master’s of business administration in leadership.
“We were able to bring back the main group of guys from last year, which helps a lot with chemistry,” he said. “We know each other very well.”
Leadership has also emerged as a defining trait of this year’s roster.
“We have a group of guys that aren’t afraid to call one another out,” Kelly said. “We’ve always had talent here, but leadership makes a huge difference, and that’s something special about this team.”
Several players expect to play a major role in ORU’s pursuit of another conference title.
Pitcher Easton Teel, No. 44, and infielder Will Edmunson, No. 8, were both named Summit League Players to Watch heading into the season.
Behind the plate, catcher Wailele Kane-Yates enters the year ranked No. 35 nationally at his position by D1Baseball.
For Kelly, the combination of experience, leadership and high-end talent points toward a promising season.
“People should come watch us because we’re going to win,” he said.
Admission is free with a valid ORU student ID.
