SARASOTA, Fla. – New College of Florida baseball announced its 2026 schedule on Tuesday as the Mighty Banyans prepare for their third season in program history.
NCF will play most of its home games at IMG Academy while its new on-campus stadium is under construction.
The Mighty Banyans will open the 2026 season on Friday, Jan. 30, hosting Saint Xavier at IMG Academy for a 7 p.m. first pitch in the program's season and home opener.
New College will face a challenging Sun Conference schedule that includes series against preseason No. 3 Southeastern and No. 8 Webber International, both of which reached the NAIA World Series last season. Southeastern advanced to the National Championship, finishing as the runner-up to undefeated LSU Shreveport (La.).
The Banyans will also square off with St. Thomas, which enters the season receiving preseason top 25 votes.
Sun Conference play begins on the road as NCF opens league action at Ave Maria on March 13. The Mighty Banyans will welcome Keiser to IMG Academy for their first home Sun Conference series beginning March 27.
The 2026 season marks the Mighty Banyans' first season under head coach Eric Skoglund, who was named the program's new leader in July 2025. Skoglund, who served as the program's pitching coach and recruiting coordinator the last two seasons, is a Sarasota native and former Major League Baseball pitcher with the Kansas City Royals.
"Eric's experience at the Major League level sticks out on a resume, but more importantly, he cares deeply for our scholar-athletes," NCF VP of Athletics, Athletic Director and former head baseball coach Mariano Jimenez Jr. said in July. "He wants to make New College the top NAIA destination in the country by building outstanding men from the inside out."
"I'm honored to join New College of Florida as the head baseball coach. Coach Jimenez laid a strong foundation, and I'm excited to build on that momentum," Skoglund added. "Our focus will be on developing student-athletes who compete with intensity, integrity, and passion.
"This is a special opportunity, and I'm ready to get to work."
For the complete 2026 New College of Florida Baseball schedule and season updates, visit GoMightyBanyans.com and follow @NCFBanyans on Instagram and 'X' formally known as Twitter, as well as @NCFBaseball on Instagram and @NCFBanyansBB on 'X'.
