CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Big South Conference announced on Wednesday afternoon the preseason poll, players of the year, and all-conference members for the upcoming 2026 season. Three Highlanders earned preseason honors including Hunter Keen, Breckin Nace, and Trey Ludy all on the Big South's All-Conference team.
The Radford Highlanders enter the 2026 campaign predicted to finish fourth in the Big South, a significant rise after being ranked eighth just a year ago. With momentum on their side, Radfird returns half of their roster from last season to provide a strong foundation of leadership and experience across the lineup. That veteran presence will be crucial as the Highlanders push through conference late in the season with sights on returning to the postseason.
After earning First-Team All-Conference honors in 2025, Keen is projected to be play a large role for the team once again. Keen led the Big South in assists (164), turned the second-most double plays (36), and recorded 85 putouts during the season. A consistent presence for the Highlanders, Keen looks to build on an impressive year and continue his role as a starter.
Nace looks to build on his 2025 Second-Team All-Conference performance with his selection to the 2026 preseason all-conference squad. A 2024 All-Freshman honoree as well, Nace continues to develop both offensively and defensively. After batting .359 and logging 45.0 innings on the mound in 2025, Nace is expected to remain a key weapon for the Highlanders.
Ludy's breakout performance during the 2025 season earned him a spot on the 2026 all-conference team. Posting a team-best 5–3 record along with a team-high four saves, Ludy has developed into a reliable option out of the bullpen for the Highlanders. His presence on the mound is expected to continue posing problems for opposing batters.
| Rk |
Team (first-place votes) |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
Points |
| 1. |
High Point (3) |
3 |
6 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
75 |
| 2. |
USC Upstate (4) |
4 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
71 |
| 3. |
Winthrop (1) |
1 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
60 |
| 4. |
Radford (1) |
1 |
- |
2 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
- |
- |
51 |
| 5. |
Charleston Southern |
- |
- |
3 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
- |
- |
- |
49 |
| 6. |
Presbyterian |
- |
- |
1 |
- |
1 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
- |
35 |
| 7. |
Longwood |
- |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
- |
28 |
| 8. |
Gardner-Webb |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
1 |
- |
1 |
5 |
1 |
25 |
| 9. |
UNC Asheville |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
- |
8 |
11 |
PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM
OF– Christian Smith, R-Sr., High Point
OF – Henry Zenor, R-Soph., USC Upstate
OF – Josh Skowronski, R-Soph., Winthrop
OF – Kain Collins, Sr., Charleston Southern
INF – Landen Johnson, R-Sr., High Point
INF – Breckin Nace, Jr., Radford
INF – Gabe Natividad, R-Jr., Winthrop
INF – Chandler Tuupo, Sr., Charleston Southern
INF – Hunter Keen, Gr., Radford
C – Preston Lucas, Sr., USC Upstate
DH – Johnny Sweeney, 5th Year, USC Upstate
UTL – Harrison Wilson, Sr., Winthrop
SP – Wade Walton, Soph., High Point
SP – Chris Torres, Jr., USC Upstate
SP – Tyrell Williams, R-Soph., Presbyterian
SP – Dylan Story, Jr., High Point
RP – Max Bianchini, R-Jr., USC Upstate
RP – Tyler Henshaw, Gr., Charleston Southern
RP – Trey Ludy, Jr., Radford
PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Landon Johnson, INF, R-Sr., High Point
PRESEASON PITCHER OF THE YEAR
Wade Walton, Soph., High Point
STAY SOCIAL WITH RADFORD BASEBALL
For all the latest on Radford Baseball, be sure to follow the team on X (@RadfordBaseball), Instagram (@radfordbaseball), and "like" the team's official Facebook Page (Radford Baseball).
#RiseAndDefend
