Coastal Carolina Opens 2026 Against Fairfield

The number sixth ranked Coastal Carolina Chanticleers kick off their 2026 campaign on Friday, Feb. 11, at 4 p.m. against Fairfield at Springs Brooks Stadium. Will this end with another return to Omaha?

Junior Cameron Flukey will take the mound in Game 1 and looks to set the tone for the Chanticleers’ season. Flukey was recently included on USA Baseball‘s Golden Spikes Award Watch List and is recognized as one of college baseball’s best pitchers following a dominant 2025 season, in which he posted an 8-2 record with an ERA of 3.19. Flukey made a strong presence in the postseason, throwing 22.0 innings with 25 strikeouts during the NCAA tournament. One of his most notable outings came in the College World Series championship against LSU, where he logged six innings pitched, allowing just four hits and one earned run while striking out nine batters.

Happy Flukey Day to all who celebrate

🎟️: https://t.co/UMyllqF9Wg
🤩: https://t.co/4tdTVsFeoD
💻: https://t.co/HN46gBeVze
📻: https://t.co/pp1lEUjm8R
📊: https://t.co/nuNUGZXd46 pic.twitter.com/41RmX4D0vw

— Coastal Carolina Baseball (@CoastalBaseball) February 13, 2026

Despite the preseason acknowledgements, Flukey stated, “It’s not about what we did last year, it’s what we are gonna do this year.” The junior right-hander emphasized the team’s focus on staying present and building momentum one series at a time.

The Chanticleers will be returning with veteran leadership in Blake Barthol, Dean Mihos, Walker Mitchell and Flukey, bringing a winning mentality and experience, laying the foundation from the first pitch. Head coach Kevin Schnall stressed what it takes to compete at Coastal, emphasizing that what sets the team apart is their “Attention to detail and daily grind.” He added that without the mentality to show up every day, players won’t get far as a Chanticleer.

The reigning Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Champions, Fairfield, were recognized as the preseason favorites after posting a 39–19 overall record last season. The Stags are led by seniors Matthew Bucciero and Luke Nomura, along with junior Ben Alekson, all of whom earned preseason All-MAAC honors.

Starting the Preseason #⃣1⃣ 🤘 pic.twitter.com/On7M1qBs0o

— Fairfield Baseball (@Stags_Base) February 5, 2026

Alekson, a former Vermont Baseball Gatorade Player of the Year, will take the mound for Fairfield. The right-handed junior led the MAAC in WHIP (1.12) and finished second in ERA (3.34) and strikeouts (84), posting a 9-2 record.

Fans will get a taste of déjà vu as Coastal Carolina and Fairfield face off again, replaying their NCAA Regional showdown on May 30, 2025, when both Flukey and Alekson were on the mound. Coastal won 10-2, with Flukey earning the win after tossing seven innings, allowing three hits and two earned runs while striking out nine batters.

As the 2026 season gets underway, both teams will be looking to start strong and establish their rhythm for months ahead, with Coastal Carolina aiming to maintain its status as a national contender and Fairfield seeking to make an early statement in non-conference play.

Fans can purchase tickets at goccusports.com

First Pitch: Friday, Feb. 13, at 4 p.m.

TV: ESPN+