Sun Belt Championship Preview
The 2026 Sun Belt Conference Baseball Championship will feature a much‑anticipated showdown between Coastal Carolina and Louisiana on May 20, 2025, at the historic venue in Montgomery, Alabama. The game marks the ninth appearance of the Chanticleers in the tournament and their pursuit of a second consecutive championship.
Seeded second, Coastal Carolina enters the final with a 1‑2 all‑time record against the Ragin' Cajuns in the championship series, while Louisiana, the seventh seed, hopes to reverse past defeats and claim its first title in the series.
Both programs have enjoyed standout seasons, with the Chanticleers posting a program‑record 112,526 fans throughout the regular season and averaging 3,880 spectators per home game, the first time the school has broken the 3,000‑fan barrier. The atmosphere in Montgomery is expected to be electric as the fan bases travel to support their teams.
Key Players and Performance
The Chanticleers' success is anchored by a blend of veteran arms and emerging talent. Pitcher Darin Horn earned First Team All‑Sun Belt honors, while Rex Watson was selected to the second team. Freshmen Case Bosch, Kellen Karr, Daniel Parker, Colby Richardson and Jackson Smallets combined for 145 innings, showcasing depth in the rotation.
Additional contributors include Walker Mitchell and Blagen Pado, each hit by 19 pitches this season, and sophomore trio Jaxon Appelman, Scott Doran and Luke Jones, who together logged 137 innings. The team’s offensive firepower is reflected in its league‑leading 130 hit‑by‑pitches, with Walker Mitchell and Blagen Pado each struck 19 times.
Off the mound, the Chanticleers boast a strong defensive record, ranking third nationally in hit‑by‑pitches and maintaining a solid RPI of No. 24. Their non‑conference schedule ranked among the toughest five, preparing them for the high‑stakes matchup.
Broadcast and Coverage
All tournament games will be streamed on ESPN+ and can be followed live through the Chanticleer Sports Network and the Chanticleer Mobile App. The broadcast partnership ensures that fans across the country can experience the championship action in real time.
Historically, the Chanticleers have captured the Sun Belt postseason championship in 2018, 2019 and 2025, while Louisiana seeks to add its first title since previous losses. The upcoming game represents a pivotal moment for both programs as they look to cement their legacies.