The University of Missouri’s baseball program is setting its sights on a return to the NCAA postseason in 2027, a goal that has eluded the Tigers since they joined the SEC and remains the longest drought in the conference.
Head coach Kerrick Jackson, now in his fourth season, says the team is determined to be within five games of Omaha, the site of the College World Series, after posting the most successful campaign under his guidance in 2026.
To close the gap, Missouri has turned to the transfer portal, targeting upgrades to both the pitching rotation and the lineup, seeking arms and bats that can compete at the highest level of collegiate baseball.
Adding to the offensive arsenal, former Houston Astros staffer Brandon Van Horn has been hired as the new hitting coach, bringing professional hitting expertise to the SEC stage.
A professional touch in Columbia
Van Horn’s arrival is expected to sharpen the Tigers’ approach at the plate, complementing Jackson’s broader strategy of strengthening the staff and offense as the program pushes for its first regional appearance in years.