After winning the 2025 regular season OVC championship, the Panthers were selected to finish second in the OVC by D1 Baseball. The D1 Baseball website is dedicated to college baseball, providing the latest information, scores, statistics, and standings. The website has become a source for fans offering updates on Division I teams and conferences.  

In addition to their preseason poll, D1 Baseball gave a breakdown on their "Team to Keep an Eye On." 

"On paper, EIU's 2026 team has the highest floor of any team in the league and is talented enough to win a regular season and tournament title in the same season for the first time since 1999.It starts with a lineup that returns the player who started the most games at all eight defensive positions and DH, plus others who had prominent part-time roles for last season's team. Fully, 20 position players from last year's OVC title team are back. That's incredible year-to-year continuity in general, but especially in this college sports climate."  - D1Baseball.com 

2026 D1 Baseball OVC Preseason Poll 

1. Little Rock 

2. Eastern Illinois 

3. SIUE 

4. Tennessee Tech 

5. SEMO 

6. Lindenwood 

7. Southern Indiana 

8. UT Martin 

9. Western Illinois 

10. Morehead State 

For more information on the OVC Season Preview, Click Here. Paid subscription is required.