University of Northern Colorado Athletics
PREVIEW: UNC Baseball Opens 2026 Season at Wichita State
2/11/2026 10:57:00 AM | Baseball
2026 SUMMIT LEAGUE PLAYERS TO WATCH
Northern Colorado placed two key contributors on the 2026 Summit League Players to Watch list after standout performances during the 2025 season.
JAKE BULLARD | NORTHERN COLORADO | GR. | IF
Graduate infielder Jake Bullard made an immediate impact in his first season in Greeley in 2025. He hit .289 with three home runs and 23 RBI, delivering steady production in the middle of the lineup. Bullard tallied 10 multi-hit games, including five three-hit performances, showcasing his ability to spark the offense and produce in clutch situations. Prior to arriving at Northern Colorado, Bullard competed at Stetson, where he earned Atlantic Sun All-Freshman Team honors in 2022. His veteran presence and consistency will once again be a key factor for the Bears in 2026.
JAKE STOREY | NORTHERN COLORADO | SR. | RHP
Senior right-hander Jake Storey has been a reliable arm for the Bears throughout his career. With 27 career starts and six wins, Storey has established himself as a cornerstone of Northern Colorado's pitching staff. He has recorded 117 career strikeouts, including a career-high 45 during the 2025 season. Storey also earned postseason recognition in 2024 with a selection to the Summit League All-Tournament Team. Entering his senior campaign, he is expected to anchor the rotation and provide leadership on and off the field.
The Bears concluded the 2025 season with an 18-33 overall record and a 9-21 mark in Summit League play. With experienced returners and proven leaders highlighted on the Players to Watch list, Northern Colorado enters 2026 focused and determined.
The Bears are ready to make their mark during their challenging nonconference portion of the schedule and build momentum heading into Summit League play.
Fans can catch all the live action on ESPN+ and stay up to date with coverage through the official UNC Baseball social media channels.
SCOUTING THE SHOCKERS
In the 2025 season, The Shockers finished with a 20–36 overall record and an 11–16 mark in conference play, relying on a lineup that featured several experienced everyday starters and a moderate amount of power throughout the order. Offensively, the Shockers finished the 25 season hitting .261 as a team with 487 total hits, 103 doubles and 36 home runs, while producing 285 RBI and a .390 slugging percentage.
Camden Johnson (.325), Jaden Gustafson (.303) and Josh Livingston (.283) anchored the top half of the lineup, with Livingston providing the primary power threat after driving in 48 runs and collecting 15 home runs. Jordan Rogers (8 HR, 39 RBI) and Kam Durnin (27 RBI, 17 doubles) added depth and extra-base ability in the middle of the order. Wichita State shows a balanced approach at the plate, drawing 231 walks, but has also struck out 424 times and left 468 runners on base, which has limited run production in key situations.
On the mound, the Shockers pitching staff carried a 6.60 team ERA and allowed 402 runs and 68 home runs over 481.2 innings. Brady Hamilton and Grant Adler served as the primary starters, combining for more than 158 innings and 137 strikeouts while issuing 287 walks.
The bullpen saw heavy usage and mixed results, with ERAs above seven.
Defensively, Wichita State has been solid overall, finishing the 2025 season with .970 fielding percentage and turning 33 double plays.
DIAMOND CLUB
The Diamond Club plays a vital role in supporting the UNC Baseball program. By giving to the Diamond Club, you help provide access to facility enhancements—such as the Jackson Field Turf Project—along with advanced technology and elevated daily operations, giving our student-athletes the resources to compete and excel at the highest level.
Give to the Diamond Club today!
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the baseball team on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsBSB) and Instagram (@UNC_BearsBaseball).
