TCJ Eagles Baseball is coming off a 2025 season that was among the best in the program's history. Led by head coach Jon Copeland and associate head coach Jordan Broaden, The Eagles earned a fifth tournament championship, a fourth regional championship, and a runner-up finish at the NCCAA Division 2 Invitational College World Series. Additionally, the 2025 Eagles had eight players named NCCAA All-Region and one player earn NCCAA All-American honors.

Tough Competition

The 2026 schedule contains many of the same opponents from the NCCAA, NAIA and NCAA Division 2 the Eagles face most every year, beginning with D-2 Edward Waters University in the season-opening series. Familiar NAIA opponents include Thomas University, Abraham Baldwin, Florida Memorial, and Florida National.

The Eagles also have a tough South Region schedule. Trinity will battle Bob Jones University at home in early February and in Greenville in late February, newcomer Baptist University of Florida at home on Valentine's Day weekend and in Graceville in late March, rivaled Toccoa Falls College in North Georgia in mid-April, and Paine College at home to close out the regular season.

From February 19-21, the Eagles will play in the NCCAA Division 2 National Invitational World Series for the second straight year against teams from around the country. Over two March weekends, the annual Russ-Matt Invitational has the Eagles battling more tough NAIA competition from mainly Northern states.  

Key Returning Players

Pitchers Jacob Brigman (starter), Andrew Mohler (starter and reliever) and Drew Billings (closer) return to anchor a talented staff.

Position players Gavin Williams (OF), Larson Lott (C), Tyson LaChapelle (1B), Logan McGann (SS, 2B) return to lead a lineup that helped power the Eagles to a team record 27 wins last season.

New Players to Watch

Among others, new TCJ Eagles Brodie Nichols, Dawson Harrelson, Richaun Amaro, Morgan Muhlbauer and Drayton Black all figure to contribute mightily to the Eagles beginning in 2026. All five are pitchers who also play other positions.

Nichols gives TCJ another arm from the left side and even more outfield depth. Black (Walla Walla Community College) and Harrelson (Abraham Baldwin) already have college experience, and Harrelson can also play either middle infield position. Amaro and Mulbauer can also both pitch and play the infield. 

Toughest Part of Schedule

The six games in the Russ-Matt Invitational are typically competitive with new and different NAIA programs. The normal NAIA competition from Florida is also usually very competitive.

South Region Rivals

The South Region is the most competitive in the NCCAA. The region consists of Bob Jones, Paine, Toccoa Falls, Fort Lauderdale, Carolina, Columbia International, Southeastern Baptist, and newcomer Baptist University of Florida. Coach Copeland is particularly interested in playing Baptist Florida. "Having another Florida school in the schedule is always good," he said. 

Biggest Challenge Preparing for the Season

A new seaosn brings new challenges, and the biggest challenge this season is a welcome one. "We have a good group of pitchers," says Coach Copeland, "but it often takes a few weeks to figure out who fits where- what roles are going to help those players thrive."

Coach's Thoughts

In two sentences, Coach Copeland expresses his delight in leading the Eagles. "I am often amazed at how much God has blessed TCJ Baseball. All the glory and honor go to Him."

The action begins at home at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 30.