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As Grand Canyon University’s (GCU) baseball program enters the 2026 season under head coach Gregg Wallis, expectations are on the rise. Competing in their inaugural Mountain West Conference baseball season, the Lopes are mixing a challenging non-conference slate with a rigorous league schedule that will test their depth and mettle from start to finish.
What Is GCU Capable Of?
The 2026 schedule features marquee non-conference opponents and a full Mountain West slate. GCU opens with the MLB Desert Invitational, hosting Northeastern and Penn State and finishing with Nebraska — a tough start that’ll give the Lopes an early gauge of where they stand nationally.
Key stretch points include:
- A home series with Oklahoma State
- Mid-week tests at UC Irvine
- Mountain West battles with San Diego State, Fresno State, and New Mexico
- Road trips at Washington State, San José State, Nevada, and Oregon
All told, it’s one of the most competitive slates in program history — a setup capable of tuning the team up for postseason contention if they stay healthy and consistent.
Hot Names to Watch for GCU
1. Mito Perez (Catcher)
Graduate transfer Perez brings a blend of leadership, defensive acumen, and offensive upside after hitting .306 last season with a high walk rate and low strikeout totals. He projects as one of the Lopes’ top hitters and a key run producer.
2. Trevor Schmidt (1B/OF)
The junior slugger offers power and versatility, capable of anchoring the middle of the lineup and impacting games in multiple ways on offense.
3. Carson Ohland (OF)
A reliable presence in the outfield with senior experience, Ohland provides batting stability near the top of the order and solid defense in the field.
4. Young Arms & Fresh Faces (Lyon, Gregory, Johns)
Freshman pitcher Andrew Lyon and sophomore right-hander Billy Gregory are intriguing arms as the Lopes look to replace production lost to graduation. Freshman first baseman Tanner Johns is also being spotlighted in Mountain West preseason award projections, suggesting he could make an immediate offensive impact.
Take a look at the full roster here! Tons of new names to learn, full of hope and potential!
If This Group Stays Hot…
Consistency from that core — especially Perez’s bat and reliable innings from the pitching staff — could propel GCU into 25-plus wins during the regular season. With a balanced schedule of tough non-conference tests and winnable conference series, a firm foothold in the top half of the Mountain West is well within reach.
A mid-to-upper conference finish would put the Lopes in strong position for Mountain West Championship qualification and a chance at NCAA regional consideration, particularly if their RPI strengthens through quality wins early in the year.
Tournament Aspirations?
The Lopes are shaping into a dark-horse contender in the Mountain West. Preseason projections place them as a mid-tier pick within the conference — not favorites, but dangerous if they outperform expectations.
Their postseason outlook hinges on:
- Maintaining offensive consistency from Perez, Schmidt, and Ohland
- Pitching depth that can give the team quality starts and bullpen stability
- Navigating the challenging early-season slate without significant injury setbacks
If the Lopes can get those pieces firing and steal a few key series in conference play, a berth in the Mountain West Championship and a push for an NCAA Regional spot isn’t far-fetched.
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