Two Oklahoma Sooners freshmen have earned a spot on the 2026 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Training Camp roster, a testament to their rapid rise on the mound.
Training Camp Details
Xander Mercurius arrives at the camp after a breakout season in which he recorded 27 strikeouts over 28.2 innings, posting a 13-walk count and appearing in 15 games. He has logged two or more innings in six of those outings, showcasing durability and poise.
Cord Rager, also a freshman, brings a 3‑3 record and 61 strikeouts to the mix, having walked only 18 batters. He has struck out six or more hitters in six of his 11 starts and has gone unbeaten in two appearances without issuing a walk.
The training camp itself will be held in North Carolina during late June, providing a concentrated environment for the nation’s top collegiate pitchers to fine‑tune their craft before competition.
Following the camp, the Collegiate National Team will travel to Taiwan to contest the World Collegiate Baseball Championship from July 11 through July 15, where they will face off against international rivals.
Back home, the Sooners are set to host Tennessee in Oklahoma City for the regular‑season series finale, a matchup that will give fans a final glimpse of the duo before they depart for the camp.
Looking Ahead
Both pitchers are expected to be evaluated closely during the camp, with their performances likely influencing future selections for international tournaments. For the University of Oklahoma, their emergence adds a promising layer to a pitching staff that has already shown depth this season.