Columbus, GA — The Columbus State University Cougar baseball team returns to the diamond with a blend of seasoned leadership, exciting talent, and a storied tradition of success as the upcoming season gets underway.
Building upon a rich history of postseason appearances and championship pedigree, the Cougars are poised for another competitive year in the Peach Belt Conference and beyond.
TOP RETURNERS
Columbus State welcomes back several key contributors from 2025 who have been instrumental in the team's recent success. These returners bring experience in both leadership and performance, anchoring the lineup and pitching staff as the Cougars pursue postseason goals.
- Cole Eison | Jr. | OFÂ
- 2025 All-Peach Belt honoree and ABCA Southeast Region All-Defensive Team
- Hit .320 across 50 games with 66 hits, including 10 doubles, two triples, and 11 home runs with 47 RBI and 44 runs scored. Posted a team-high .549 slugging percentage and was perfect on defense, recording 130 putouts and three assists without an error.
- Cayden Evans | Sr. | INF/DH
- Started all 53 games in 2025 and led the team with a .354 batting average and .981 OPS. Collected 74 hits, including 15 doubles and seven home runs, to go along with 35 walks, 53 runs scored, and 48 RBI.
- Tucker Starling | Sr. | RHP
- Led all pitchers with 19 appearances a season ago, all in relief. Posted a 3-1 record on the mound with a 1.52 ERA in 29.2 innings, striking out 22 batters and holding opponents to a .210 batting average.
ALL EYES ON US
Columbus State was named as the favorite to take home the 2026 Peach Belt Baseball title, as voted by the league's coaches. The Cougars received five first-place votes, with Lander receiving four votes, and North Georgia receiving one. Â
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The Cougars closed out the 2025 regular season in fourth place, receiving the #4 seed in the PBC Tournament. Columbus State won its first two games of the tournament and advanced to the PBC Tournament Championship series. CSU ultimately fell to the eventual PBC Tournament Champions, Lander, closing their 2025 season at 30-23 overall.
In addition to the team recognition, three Cougars earned a spot on the PBC Preseason All-Conference Team. Eison and Evans were joined on the team by sophomore outfielder
Luke Miller. As a freshman a year ago, Miller turned in a .327 batting average with 47 hits, including 11 doubles, three triples, and six home runs to go along with 47 runs scored and 40 RBI. He also posted a .500 slugging percentage and .425 on-base percentage with 33 walks and six stolen bases, while collecting 88 putouts and a .978 fielding percentage.
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
Head Coach Greg Appleton enters the season on the brink of a remarkable milestone, sitting just three wins shy of 1,000 career victories at Columbus State University.
Now in his 29th season at the helm, Appleton is the winningest coach in program history and one of the most accomplished coaches in NCAA Division II baseball. His tenure includes Columbus State's 2002 National Championship, four College World Series appearances, numerous Peach Belt Conference titles, and decades of sustained excellence.
Reaching 1,000 wins at Columbus State would cement Coach Appleton's place among an elite group nationally and serve as a testament to his leadership, consistency, and lasting impact on the Cougar baseball program.
The Cougars open the 2026 campaign this weekend, hosting the University of West Alabama for a three-game series at Burger King Stadium at Ragsdale Field. First pitch for Friday's season opener is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
