2023 Sun Belt Conference College Baseball Preview

Preseason Awards

Player of the Year: Carson Roccaforte, 1B, Louisiana: With a smooth lefthanded swing, Roccaforte has only gotten better offensively in his two years with the Rajun’ Cajuns. As a freshman, he slashed .274/.351/.419 in 49 games with four home runs and 14 stolen bases—a strong debut—but only improved on it as a sophomore. He added power without sacrificing any speed, slugging 16 home runs and swiping 25 bases with a .374/.435/.671 slash line in 40 more at-bats. It all sets up for a prolific junior campaign as he looks to help the Cajuns back to regionals.

Pitcher of the Year: Tanner Hall, RHP,  Southern Miss: If you want to talk about absurd control numbers, Hall, a junior righthander for the Golden Eagles, is your guy. After spending his freshman year in the bullpen, Hall transitioned to the rotation and dazzled, going 9-3, 2.81 across 109 innings with a gaudy 146:14 K/BB ratio. He collected Conference USA pitcher of the year honors as a result and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him claim the same honor in a new conference. Hall doesn’t have overpowering stuff, sitting in the low 90s, but boasts a strong changeup and slider combination that worked wonders last year.

Freshman of the Year: Ethan Harris, RHP, Georgia Southern: While four of the last five Sun Belt freshman of the year have been hitters, the previous three before that were pitchers—and that’s where the hard-throwing Harris fits in. Clocked up to 95 mph with a cutter and a slider during the school’s fall world series, Harris will have an opportunity to make an impact in an unsettled Eagles rotation. If the 6-foot-1 righthander can showcase that ability—and potentially break into the weekend rotation — he could be well on his way to a bright future on draft boards.

Predicted Order of Finish (2022 record)

1. Southern Miss (47-19, 23-7 C-USA)

The Golden Eagles have made six straight NCAA Tournament appearances and now arrive in a new conference as the favorites. Southern Miss piled up six straight seasons of 40-plus wins and figures to do so again in 2023 with a lineup chock full of returnees, a potential pitcher of the year and a deep pitching staff.

While the Golden Eagles will miss Gabriel Montenegro and Will McGillis, they have to feel good about where their lineup sits with seven returnees. First baseman Christopher Sargent (.269/.312/.545, 21 HRs) and right fielder Carson Paetow (.271/.383/.546, 16 HR) make up a formidable power duo, while DH Slade Wilks (.288/.394/.511, 10 HR) and left fielder Reece Ewing (.260/.430/.480, 10 HR) both hit double-digit homers as well. That’s not to mention two of the more consistent hitters in infielders Dustin Dickerson (.320/.397/.409), who racked up 24 doubles, and Danny Lynch (.286/.375/.408). Newcomers include second baseman Gabe Lacy (.329/.401/.540), who clubbed 12 home runs at Tennessee Tech, and Matt Etzel, a prolific junior college transfer from Panola (Texas).

That offense alone is enough to consider the Golden Eagles in the driver’s seat, but it helps when you can count on All-American Tanner Hall (9-3, 2.81) to lead your rotation. Hall is an experienced arm and will need to shoulder a heavy burden with Hunter Riggins, Hurston Waldrep (Florida), Ben Ethridge, Dalton Rogers and Landon Harper out the door. That’s quite a few talented pitchers to replace but Southern Miss and pitching coach Christian Ostrander have proven adept at unearthing top arms. Matt Adams (2-2, 6.56) and Niko Mazza (0-0, 5.06) expect to step into bigger roles in 2023, while Billy Oldham, a transfer from Division III Eastern Connecticut State, could factor in. Keep an eye on towering 6-foot-7 southpaw Justin Storm (3-0, 4.30) and the two-way Dickerson out of the bullpen.

2. Georgia Southern (38-17, 23-7)

After hosting its first regional in program history, Georgia Southern returns more than enough to enjoy another strong campaign. The Eagles have a core of five key hitters returning along with understudies poised to step into the lineup, while the pitching staff is chock full of interesting weapons that can be deployed in a variety of ways.

The right side of the infield is stacked with first baseman Noah Ledford (.348/.444/.665, 17 HR) and second baseman Jesse Sherrill (.361/.480/.452), a potent combination of cleanup and leadoff hitter profiles. Other key returnees include third baseman Jarrett Brown (.305/.387/.433) and right fielder Sam Blancato (.305/.389/.562). The Eagles will miss the likes of Jason Swan, Austin Thompson and Christian Avant, but are hoping that players like JP Tighe, J.C. Peacher, and Corey Dowdell—who combined for 95 at-bats last year—can rise to the occasion.

Less is settled in the pitching staff, but at the least, you can expect a variety of high-end arms from Georgia Southern. Southpaws Ty Fisher (6-2, 2.58) and Jay Thompson (7-4, 3.91) were the team’s top two pitchers a season ago, with Fisher averaging six-plus innings a start while Thompson was a weapon out of the bullpen, totaling 76 innings in 37 appearances. Righthanders Ben Johnson (5-3, 4.15) and Jaylen Paden (6-2, 5.30) return, with the former earning Cape Cod League all-star honors this summer. Freshman Zachary Harris is an exciting addition for Rodney Hennon’s team and figures to be in the starting mix—he throws in the mid 90s with a cutter and changeup.

3. Louisiana (33-21, 19-11)

The Rajun’ Cajuns rebounded from a heartbreaking semifinal exit in the 2021 Sun Belt Tournament to go on an inspired run as the fourth seed in 2022, eventually knocking off Georgia Southern in the finals to punch their first NCAA Tournament ticket since 2016. Louisiana got its first NCAA win under third-year head coach Matt Deggs and enters 2023 with a strong offense and a chance to repeat the feat.

In the offseason, they lost talented third baseman Tyler Robertson and the entirety of their weekend rotation, but the Cajuns will look to an experienced core of arms and a strong lineup to pace them in 2023. It starts with heavy-hitting center fielder Carson Roccaforte (.374/.435/.671, 16 HR), one of six everyday contributors returning. Shortstop Kyle DeBarge (.293/.353/.397) was excellent as a freshman, while right fielder Heath Hood (.337/.396/.536) is another strong offensive option. Louisiana finished sixth nationally in stolen bases (137) a season ago and figures to wreak similar havoc with all three of the above players logging double-digits and Max Marusak (21 SB) back for another year. For the offense to truly hum, former bench bats—the likes of Conor Higgs, CJ Willis and Trey LaFleur—will need to elevate their play.

More questions linger on the mound, where Brandon Talley, Jacob Schultz and Jeff Wilson’s absences will be felt. Expect Tommy Ray (3-3, 5.11) and Jake Hammond (3-1, 3.48), a duo that was primarily in the bullpen last year, to step into bigger roles. Hammond fanned 36 in 31 innings and held opponents to a .183 average, while Ray was a swingman who posted a 46:14 K/BB ratio. Ole Miss transfer Blake McGehee redshirted a season ago but was a top recruit out of Louisiana, while Jackson Nezuh (Florida State) and Ben Tate (Tulane) are hoping a change of scenery can bring results. The back of the bullpen is a bit more solidified: Closer Dylan Theut (3 saves) and David Christie (1-0, 4.08) have innings under their belt and will aim to make the departure of Bo Bonds less significant.

4. Texas State (44-11, 26-4)

Three outs. That’s all that stood between Texas State and a first-ever appearance in super regionals as the Bobcats led host Stanford, 3-0, heading into the bottom of the ninth of the Stanford Regional final. Instead, the Cardinal scored four unanswered runs, handing Texas State a heartbreaking loss. Now, after dropping just four Sun Belt games a season ago, the Bobcats bring back a dynamic 1-2 punch atop the weekend rotation and hope that a Jose Gonzalez-led lineup can overcome the loss of five regulars.

Levi Wells (8-3, 3.07) and Zeke Wood (7-1, 3.78) led the team in innings a season ago and that experience is hard to match up against in the conference. Wells impressed in the Cape Cod League with one of the league’s top fastballs and mixes in a slider and changeup that would likely make him the Sun Belt pitcher of the year favorite if not for Tanner Hall. Wood is a workhorse, while the duo is likely joined by Houston transfer Nathan Medrano (6-4, 5.18). Replacing All-American closer Tristan Stivors—a 16th-round pick—is no easy feat, but the Bobcats are hoping Triston Dixon (8-0, 2.93) can step into the closer role.

Gonzalez (.298/.413/.553) will anchor the lineup after clubbing 13 home runs and leading the team with 60 RBIs. Other key returnees include Ben McClain (.281/.418/.503), catcher Peyton Lewis (.291/.411/.439) and first baseman Daylan Pena (.270/.368/.409). The Bobcats will need their offense to overcome the losses of Dalton Shuffield, Justin Thompson and John Wuthrich. They’ll be hoping for big things out of junior college transfer Davis Powell, who enjoyed three strong years at Grayson (Texas) JC, and Baylor transfer Alex Gonzales (.181/.250/.234).

5. South Alabama (31-22, 17-13)

The Jaguars finished two games behind Louisiana in the conference standings and were blown out by the Cajuns in the first round of the Sun Belt Tournament, failing in their bid to earn the conference’s auto-bid for the second year in a row. Quite a bit has changed since that 9-1 loss as USA replaces the bulk of its lineup as well as its top four arms by innings pitched. That much turnover is difficult to contend with, but coach Mark Calvi has some key returnees, several intriguing underclassmen and a crop of transfers expected to have an impact. 

Outfielders Will Turner (.279/.391/.423) and Joe Sullivan (.227/.338/.427) are joined by first baseman Erick Orbeta (.340/.444/.395) as the top returnees. They’ll feature alongside some impact transfers in Austin Thrasher (.348/.498/.482 at North Alabama) and Robbie Petracci (.312/.375/.608 at Old Dominion) as well as Division II standout Micah Morgan (Spring Hill) and John Griffin Bell (junior college). On the mound, Jeremy Lee (1-0, 1.12) is finally healthy again and figures to lead the staff. Another key injury returnee is Sam Knowlton, who figures to pitch out of the bullpen with Grant Wood (15 IP). Walker Johnson (4-3, 4.26), Eric Lin (2-2, 5.24), and Jackson Boyd (3-1, 3.30) are all returning USA arms that will play key roles as well. If the staff can hold up, the Jaguars have some weapons and it could make for a strong season when paired with the lineup as assembled.

6. Coastal Carolina (34-17-1, 21-8-1)

After an NCAA Tournament appearance, a first-ever first-round draft pick (Eric Brown), and a plethora of departures—both to the draft or graduation—Coastal Carolina finds itself in a transitional year in 2023. There’s no denying that the Chanticleers have talent, but replacing the entire infield, several other key bats and the top four pitchers by innings a season ago is not a straightforward task.

Outfielders Nick Lucky (.297/.422/.455) and Graham Brown (.302/.394/.528) are two top hitters to build around—and it helps that catchers Kameron Guangorena (.282/.389/.408) and Tanner Garrison (.263/.385/.408) are back—but there’s a lot of questions after that. Freshman Dean Mihos, junior college transfer Payton Eeles and returnees Orlando Pena, Zack Beach and Billy Underwood will be needed to step into big roles. On the mound, replacing the likes of Reid VanScoter and Michael Knorr will be difficult and requires prior bullpen arms to step into bigger innings. Headliners in that group include Matthew Potok (4-0, 3.71), Riley Eikhoff (4-0, 7.12) and Teddy Sharkey (0-2, 6.19). Clemson transfer Alex Edmondson (2-0, 4.66) could have a big impact as well—he was a reliever with the Tigers but is a former top recruit in South Carolina.

7. Troy (31-23, 15-15)

In Skylar Meade’s first year as a head coach, the Trojans totaled 32 wins and grabbed an upset win in the Sun Belt Tournament first round. With five returnees to the lineup, the core of the pitching staff and several exciting newcomers, Troy has a chance to take another step forward under Meade in 2023.

It starts on the mound with a pair of hard-throwing righthanders in Garrett Gainous (5-4, 3.14) and Brady Fuller (4-3, 5.71). The duo combined for 129 strikeouts across 126 innings a season ago and will be counted on to eat up innings as well—don’t be surprised if Gainous is in the pitcher of the year conversation. Relievers Grayson Stewart (6-4, 4.64) and Keaton Fuller (2-1, 3.02) are proven commodities, while Eastern Michigan transfer Zach Fruit (4-5, 7.71) will hope he can have an impact in the rotation after starting 14 games in 2022. Offensively, replacing Jesse Hall, Easton Kirk and Trey Leonard will be tough, but the Trojans have a core led by slugging first baseman William Sullivan (.273/.391/.440), second baseman Donovan Whibbs (.294/.368/.431) and outfielder Kyle Mock (.310/.405/.549). The catching tandem of Clay Stearns (.217/.329/.377) and Caleb Bartolero (.217/.329/.377) is a good one, while Hartford transfer Tremayne Cobb Jr. (.311/.382/.563) is a proven bat and junior college transfers Shane Lewis and Kole Myers are hoping to prove themselves. If it breaks right offensively and Meade’s prowess with the pitching staff shines, the Trojans could extend their seasons above .500 streak to nine with ease.

8. Georgia State (30-26, 15-15)

The second full season under coach Brad Stromdahl was a big step forward for the Panthers as they nearly doubled their win total before bowing out in the first round of the Sun Belt Tournament. It’s been 13 years since the program’s lone NCAA Tournament appearance—which came when it was in the CAA—but Stromdahl has already shown that he’s invested in program building in Atlanta. The 2023 iteration of Georgia State is an interesting one as Stromdahl brought in several transfers along with a strong crop of freshmen. 

Griffin Cheney, a ninth-round draft pick, is gone but the Panthers return the bulk of their lineup—which will need to take a step forward after finishing outside the top 150 in runs per game. On the mound, nobody on Georgia State qualified for the ERA title, so replacing the likes of Trey Horton and Brandon Kaminer might be easier than one might think. The name in the lineup to know is outfielder Max Ryerson (.335/.414/.705, 22 HR), a clear-cut candidate for player of the year, while Luke Boynton (.333/.408/.605) and Cameron Jones (.374/.429/.512) are key returning pieces as well. Ryan Watson (1-4, 4.38) is the top arm back—he closed out nine games last year—while Camren Landry (2-4, 4.06), Dylan Matela (1-1, 7.55) and Mason Patel (2-3, 3.54) all return as well. The Panthers added West Virginia transfer Zach Ottinger (2-2, 4.84), an interesting arm who piled up 21 strikeouts in 22 innings but struggled with command.

9. Old Dominion (41-17, 19-11 C-USA)

The Monarchs bashed 128 home runs in 2022, third in the country, but gave up 32 runs in five games at the C-USA Tournament and came up a run short in the final, falling to Louisiana Tech. A top-50 RPI ranking proved not enough as they found themselves on the outside of the NCAA Tournament looking in. Now, tasked with replacing 100 home runs of offense and joining a deeper conference, repeating a 41-win season will be an uphill battle. Still, Old Dominion has some intriguing offensive pieces and has the benefit of returning the bulk of its pitching staff.

How well this season goes depends—in no small part—on the arm of Blake Morgan (8-0, 1.69), who was astonishing as a true freshman. Morgan posted a 66:8 K/BB ratio in 69-plus innings, dominating as the top option in the Monarchs rotation. Sam Armstrong (3-2, 5.40) and Radford transfer John Holobetz (3-2, 5.90) will need to supplement the sophomore, while Jacob Gomez (5-1, 5.29) is likely tasked with the high-leverage innings after the loss of Jason Hartline and Noah Dean (13 combined saves). 

Offensively, the heavy hitters—Matt Coutney, Andy Garriola, and more—are out the door. Still, Old Dominion will likely feel good about its outfield duo of Thomas Wheeler (.290/.419/.520) and Josh Trujillo (.299/.447/.483), the latter of which is aiming for a healthy season. Third baseman Kenny Levari (.266/.335/.402) and second baseman Chris Dengler (.295/.351/.486) are veteran pieces. The Monarchs will need immediate contributions from a mix of freshman and junior college transfers like Caden Grimes, Alex Bouche, Robbie O’Neal and Jake Ticer if they’re to avoid a big step back this season.

10. James Madison (27-26, 12-11 CAA)

The college baseball world—and the Dukes especially—were robbed when Chase DeLauter, the program’s eventual highest drafted player, went down with a broken foot after just 24 games in which he was hitting .437. James Madison still finished a game above .500, but had no chance of making postseason play thanks to the CAA, which ruled the Dukes ineligible due to their impending departure and kept them out of the conference tournament. Now, in 2023, with DeLauter (16th overall pick) and the likes of Nick Zona, Travis Reifsnider, Trevon Dabney, Liam McDonnell and Justin Showalter gone, James Madison enters the Sun Belt with a roster light on star power but with several interesting players.

Two key returnees are left fielder Fenwick Trimble (.276/.382/.442) and DH Ryan Dooley (.305/.419/.526), a pair of all-CAA freshman team honorees a season ago. Catcher Jason Schiavone (.184/.349/.322) and first baseman Kyle Novak (.292/.370/.434) both enjoyed strong summers, while right fielder Carson Bell (.238/.358/.413) is back as well. The Dukes finished outside the top 130 in scoring a season ago despite the likes of DeLauter and Reifsnider, so they’ll need to have players take steps forward offensively. On the mound, Showalter and McDonnell are tough to replace, but the Dukes do return Ryan Murphy (4-2, 3.86), a reliable righthander who totaled 11 starts a season ago, and Sean Culkin (2-2, 4.96) is an intriguing option after showcasing some talent in a stint on the Cape this summer.

11. Louisiana-Monroe (19-34-1, 9-20-1)

ULM last posted a winning season in 2013 and that was two coaches ago. Mike Federico took the job after a seven-year stint as the Southern Miss pitching coach and the Warhawks built to a .500 season in 2021, but regressed in 2022 as they managed just nine conference wins. Federico will hope that was a blip in his rebuild as ULM enters the new year with a pretty overhauled roster.

Twenty-four newcomers — including five Division I transfers, 10 junior college transfers and nine freshman — outnumber 17 returnees. With offensive leaders Mason Holt, Ryan Cupit and Colby Deaville to replace, Federico was busy in the portal and has built an intriguing group. Returnee Michell Artzberger (.265/.349/.418) is a solid piece to build around, while Chenar Brown (.273/.368/.424 at Jackson State), Jarrett McDonald (.176/.300/.294 at Dallas Baptist), and Davis Meche (.214/.353/.429 at Mississippi State) all join the mix. One interesting pickup is Seaver Sheets, the son of former All-Star Ben Sheets. On the mound, the Warhawks welcome back the duo of Cam Barlow (2-7, 5.14) and Cole Cressend (3-6, 7.08), as well as closer Carson Orton (2-1, 3.86). Chipper Menard (5-1, 4.44) is an interesting pickup from Louisiana, too, but ULM will need to find consistency on the mound — they ranked outside the top 150 in WHIP (1.62), BB/9 (4.7), and K/9 (7.4).

12. Arkansas State (11-38, 5-24)

The Red Wolves managed a single win in their last 11 games to close out the 2022 campaign, limping to a fifth straight losing season. It hasn’t been smooth sailing for head coach Tommy Raffo, who enters his 15th year at the helm, but Arkansas State is hoping a crop of 22 newcomers can help turn things around. At the very least, the Red Wolves have more depth and talent than a season ago.

Arkansas State does have some work to do on both sides of the ball. The pitching staff—which loses top pitcher Justin Medlin—finished 229th nationally in ERA (6.61), while the offense—which was paced by since-departed third baseman Ben Klutts—was 278th in scoring (4.7 runs per game). There’s hope that another year of development for a core group of hitters, highlighted by first baseman Jared Toler (.294/.378/.517) and catcher Brandon Hager (.309/.418/.610), could be supplemented by junior college transfers like Blake Burris, Brayden Caskey and Dylan DeButy as well as Texas-San Antonio transfer Kody Darcy. On the mound, Tyler Jeans (3-5, 4.60), Max Charlton (0-1, 5.67) and Kevin Wiseman (0-2, 7.11) are the key returnees that will need to take a step forward, while southpaws Hunter Draper and James McCormick as well as righty Aaron Evers are a trio of interesting junior college additions.

13. Appalachian State (19-32, 10-20)

The Mountaineers have taken their knocks in recent years and last finished above .500 in a full season in 2013—the first year after Chris Pollard was hired away by Duke. App State struggled on both sides of the ball in 2022, struggling offensively while posting a 5.96 team ERA, but hope that a sizeable group of returnees can further develop under coach Kermit Smith and a large group of transfers can bolster the pitching staff.

Last year’s Sun Belt freshman of the year, Austin St. Laurent, will pace the lineup from first base after slashing .305/.380/.462 with 25 RBIs. Catcher Hayden Cross (.305/.399/.429) impressed as well, but the Mountaineers managed just five runs per game last season—268th nationally—and will need to improve. Dylan Rogers (.274/.360/.381), Alex Aguila (.281/.347/.327) and Andrew Terrell (.222/.354/.314) are other returnees while Tennessee Tech transfer Golston Gillespie (.219/.321/.455) arrives after totaling 24 homers in his collegiate career thus far. On the mound, Caleb Cross (3-1, 4.22) and Trey Tujetsch (4-5, 4.98) were the Mountaineers most reliable arms, but will need to find better control—a theme throughout App State’s staff. Bradley Wilson and Skylar Brooks arrive from East Carolina after minimal innings, but could find bigger roles, while Zach Lewis—who redshirted at Wake Forest—is an intriguing arm.

14. Marshall (20-34-1, 9-21 C-USA)

Marshall made an unusually timed decision to fire coach Jeff Waggoner in October and then, just after the turn of the new year, hired Greg Beals as his replacement. Beals is a coaching veteran, having won 588 games at Ohio State and Ball State over the last 20 seasons. His move to Marshall was also unusual, as he had just taken over the program at Akron in July and left without coaching a game for the Zips. Now, Beals inherits a program that finished 18 games under .500 in 2022 and hasn’t made the NCAA Tournament since 1978. The move coincides with the announcement of a $13.8 million grant for a new stadium as Marshall seeks to elevate its program after a move to the Sun Belt.

The Thundering Herd won 20 games a season ago but ended the year on a nine-game skid. With the 2023 season right around the corner, Beals inherits a roster that includes talented outfielders Luke Edwards (.364/.405/.593) and Kyle Schaefer (.246/.370/.477) as well as two-thirds of the weekend rotation in Patrick Copen (3-3, 5.83) and Zac Addkison (1-3, 5.97). It’ll be an uphill battle in the Sun Belt, but Beals has a track record of winning games.

TOP 10 2023 Draft Prospects

1. Tanner Hall, RHP, Southern Miss
2. Levi Wells, RHP, Texas State
3. Matthew Etzel, OF, Southern Miss
4. Jaylen Paden, RHP/SS, Georgia Southern
5. Ben Johnson, RHP, Georgia Southern
6. Carson Roccaforte, 1B, Louisiana 
7. Zeek Wood, RHP, Texas State
8. Garrett Gainous, RHP, Troy
9. Slade Wilks, OF, Southern Miss
10. Jeremy Lee, RHP, South Alabama

TOP 5 NEWCOMERS FOR 2023

1. Matthew Etzel, OF,  Southern Miss
2. Ethan Harris, RHP, Georgia Southern
3. Gabe Lacy, 2B, Southern Miss
4. Micah Morgan, 1B, South Alabama
5. Tremayne Cobb Jr., SS, Troy