College of Charleston baseball will open its 2026 season with a four-game series against Rutgers starting Friday, February 13, at Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. This marks the first meeting between the two programs and is also the first time Charleston will play multiple Big Ten opponents in one season.
Head coach Chad Holbrook has named junior Hayden Thomas as the Opening Day starter. Thomas appeared in 18 games last season, including nine starts, recording a 2-1 record and a 4.34 ERA over 56 innings pitched.
Charleston enters the new season with an impressive Opening Day record of 19-1 since 2006 and remains undefeated on Opening Day under Holbrook’s leadership at 8-0.
Two Cougars relievers have received national attention ahead of the season. Redshirt senior Alex Lyon and graduate Davis Aiken were both named to the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Watch List on February 10. Last year, Lyon finished with a 10-1 record across 31 relief appearances while Aiken recorded 14 saves.
The team had seven players selected for Coastal Athletic Association preseason honors, leading all teams in the league. The Cougars are projected to finish second in the South Division this year.
This season introduces new features for fans attending games at Patriots Point. Exclusive College of Charleston baseball merchandise will be available above the first base dugout throughout home games. Additionally, “The Container,” located along the third base line, offers group outing options with an outdoor rooftop patio and a lounge area designed for comfort and viewing.
After their opening series, Charleston will travel to face College World Series runner-up Coastal Carolina on Tuesday, February 17, at Springs Brooks Stadium. That game is scheduled for a 4 p.m. start and will air live on ESPN+.
Single-game tickets can be purchased through cofcsports./tickets or by calling (843) 953-2632.
“First pitches from Patriots Point are scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday, 1 and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. Sunday,” according to information released by College of Charleston athletics staff.
For further updates on Charleston baseball, fans can follow @CofCBaseball on X or @CofC_Baseball on Instagram.
