University of Connecticut Athletics
BSB Selected Preseason Favorite, Three All-BIG EAST
12/19/2025 8:18:00 AM | Baseball
STORRS, Conn. - The UConn baseball team has been selected as the favorite in the BIG EAST Preseason Coaches' Poll as announced by the league on Thursday.
The Huskies have won five-straight BIG EAST regular season championships including a co-championship last season after both UConn and Creighton went 17-4 in league play (tying a BIG EAST record).
Three Huskies were named to the Preseason All-BIG EAST team with right-handed pitcher Sean Finn, outfielder Tyler Minick and shortstop Rob Rispoli being voted by the BIG EAST coaches.
UConn opens the 2026 season in Scottsdale, Ariz. in the MLB Desert Invitational on February 13.
2026 Preseason Baseball All-BIG EAST Team and Awards
Preseason Player of the Year
Connor Misch, 1B, Sr., Xavier
Preseason Pitcher of the Year
Steven Svenson, RHP, So., Seton Hall
Preseason All-BIG EAST Team *
Sean Finn, RP, Jr., UConn
Tyler Minick, OF, Jr., UConn
Rob Rispoli, SS, R-So., UConn
Connor Capece, C, Jr., Creighton ^
Wilson Magers, SP, So., Creighton ^
JT Raab, SP, Gr., Georgetown ^
Jon LeGrande, OF, Jr., St. John's ^
Shaun McMillan, 2B/DH, So., St. John's ^
Jayder Raifstanger, 3B, Jr., St. John's
John Downing, RP, Sr., Seton Hall
Steven Svenson, SP, So., Seton Hall
Clay Burdette, OF, Jr., Xavier
Connor Misch, 1B, Sr., Xavier ^
Ryan Piech, SP, Jr., Xavier
^ - Unanimous Selection
* - due to a tie in voting, there are extra members on the preseason all-conference team.
BIG EAST Baseball Preseason Poll
First place votes in ( )
1. UConn (5) - 46
2. Creighton (3) - 43
3. Xavier - 37
4. St. John's - 32
5. Seton Hall - 26
6. Villanova - 19
7. Georgetown - 13
8. Butler - 8
