After a challenging 2025 campaign, Purdue Northwest baseball enters the 2026 season with a renewed edge, deeper roster balance, and the steady hand of head coach Dave Griffin, now in his 13th season leading the Pride. With a mix of proven GLIAC performers, experienced transfers, and one of the program’s strongest recruiting classes in recent years, Purdue Northwest is positioning itself for a bounce-back year in a competitive conference.
Veteran Leadership Sets the Tone
Coach Griffin’s teams have long been defined by toughness, development, and resilience, and that identity remains intact heading into 2026. Following last season’s ups and downs, the focus this fall has been on consistency, particularly on the mound, and situational execution at the plate.
Key Returnees Lead the Way
The Pride will be anchored by several proven contributors, including GLIAC Honorable Mention selections Mitchell Stanton and Brayden Barrett.
Brayden Barrett (So., MIF) returns after a strong all-around season, hitting .289 while also contributing on the mound. His versatility and baseball IQ make him a cornerstone of the middle infield.
Mitchell Stanton (So., RHP) logged significant innings a year ago and continues to develop into a reliable arm with conference experience.
Offensively, Purdue Northwest brings back impact bats in Joey Guiliano and Jax Kalemba. Guiliano posted a .242 average with extra-base pop and defensive flexibility across the infield and outfield.
Kalemba was one of the Pride’s most consistent hitters, batting .338 with a .963 OPS, providing power and on- base ability from behind the plate.
Senior third baseman Owen Winters also returns after hitting .308 in limited action last season, while graduate outfielder/pitcher Doug Loden adds veteran presence and leadership.
Pitching Depth a Major Focus
Pitching depth was a point of emphasis throughout the offseason, and the Pride return a large, experienced staff.
Owen Walkowiak headlines the returners, while junior arms such as Ethan Knopf and Jacob Chajet look to take steps forward with another year of development.
Graduate transfer Ben Cash and junior transfer Cody Hazzard add immediate experience to the rotation and bullpen, while a talented freshman class bolsters long-term depth.
Strong Recruiting and Transfer Classes
One of the biggest storylines heading into 2026 is the influx of new talent. The Pride welcome a deep freshman class featuring athletic position players and power arms.
The transfer class is equally impactful, highlighted by graduate catcher Hunter Nolan and junior catcher Ian O’Connor, giving Purdue Northwest rare depth at the position.
With a veteran coaching staff, proven GLIAC performers, and a roster loaded with new energy, Purdue Northwest enters 2026 with a clear goal: reestablish itself as a consistent conference contender. Improved
pitching efficiency, cleaner defense, and timely offense will be the keys as the Pride look to turn last year’s lessons into wins this spring.
If development meets expectation, don’t be surprised if the 2026 Pride are one of the most improved teams in the GLIAC.
