The 2026 Utah Utes fared better in Big 12 play last season, compared to 2025. After an 8-22 campaign during conference play, Utah went 12-18 and finished with a record above .500. But yet again, no NCAA tournament, and the school was unable to move past the first round in the conference tourney. The good news is that several notable hitters are back for 2027.
The Returnees
Utah lost 2026 home run leader Jake Long to the pros, as he’s now with the Angels organization. However, the Utes retained several key hitters from this past season.
One is Cameron Gurney, who hit seven home runs and 19 extra-base hits, plus was tied with Jet Gilliam for the second-most total hits (68) on the Utes. Gurney is entering his senior season.
Cal Miller, meanwhile, was sensational as a freshman infielder for Utah. The Centerville native hit .345/.446/.536 with six home runs and 20 extra-base hits in his first season with the school.
Other notable returning hitters were Bradley Navarro, Jack Kleveno, and senior Luke Jacobs. Jacobs had nine home runs and finished fourth on the Utes in hits (63) for the year.
As for the pitching staff, Colten McAnelly went pro and is now with the Twins after a good junior season. That makes Payton Riske the returning pitcher who logged the most innings for Utah last year. Riske struck out 42, the second-most on the club, over 60 innings.
Demitri Diamant, David Galindo, and Dillon Fine are also back for 2027.
The Newcomers
Lots of new faces from the JC/CC ranks.
Catchers Hayden Smith (Glendale CC) and Anthony Mazza (Hutchinson CC), infielder Bobby Pierce Jr. (South Mountain CC), and outfielder Roman Trinidad (New Mexico JC) are new to the team. As is infielder Carson Page from Georgia Highlands College.
As for the pitching staff, newcomers include Boston Snyder (Yakima Valley College), Gavin McLendon (Folsom Lake CC), Rocco Loffredo (Johnson City CC), and Jackson Kirby (Glendale CC).
Maddox Riske started 43 times and played in 52 contests for USC last season. Riske hit just .207/.280/.255 with one home run and five extra-base hits.
Brandon Thomas was one of two freshmen at Fresno State to log significant innings last season. Thomas did well, as he struck out 37 over 39.1 IP and posted a 3.43 ERA.
Turner Spoljaric, from Stetson, is a sophomore who did not pitch last year.
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