BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Baseball team was voted to finish 15^th by Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference head coaches in the 2026 NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll announced by the league Thursday morning. Juniors Matt Filippi (IF/RHP) and Jacob Smith (RHP) were selected as the Beavers' Preseason Player/Pitcher to Watch.
 
"We are excited this spring to build off of late last season's success," said head coach Matt Ellinghuysen. "Our everyday players for the most part are all juniors and seniors respectively which is the first time we've had that in over a decade. The culture on the team is ready and hungry to compete and finally understand what it takes to win in the NSIC. We look to make a huge leap in the conference this season and to prove all of the doubters wrong."
 
Defending NSIC Regular Season and Tournament champions Minnesota State University, Mankato were picked to repeat as champions by league coaches. Augustana University and St. Cloud State University were picked to finish third. University of Mary Isaac Pegors was voted the NSIC Preseason Player of the Year and Augustana's Ashton Michek was voted the NSIC Preseason Pitcher of the Year.
 
Junior Matt Filippi gets ready to begin his third season at Bemidji State after leading the team in batting average (.314), runs (27), hits (48), total bases (67) and stolen bases (14) during his sophomore season.
 
Junior Jacob Smith looks to improve on a sophomore season where he went 0-5 on the mound pitching in 22.1 innings off five starts and seven appearances. He totaled a 13.70 ERA while collecting 15 strikeouts compared to just six walks allowed.
 
The Beavers are set for first pitch of the 2026 season with a NSIC series against Augustana in Omaha, Neb., Feb. 13-15.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State Baseball program, follow the Beavers on X, like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram.
 
Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's and women's hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).

--bsu—