LEAD STORY: Schlossnagle's Calculated Approach to Hoover
No. 5 Texas opens SEC Tournament play Friday against Arkansas at 3:00 p.m. Central on SEC Network, and head coach Jim Schlossnagle is treating Hoover less like a trophy chase and more like a tune-up for the Austin Regional next week. Senior right-hander Ruger Riojas, who threw just five pitches Saturday against Missouri due to shoulder tendinitis, will be held out entirely, with Schlossnagle eyeing a five-inning return when the Longhorns host their regional. Sophomore left-hander Dylan Volantis is slated to pitch Friday against the Razorbacks, but potentially out of the bullpen as Texas re-acclimates its Friday starter to relief work he may need in the postseason.
The staff calculus runs deeper. Freshman right-hander Kaleb Rogers had his redshirt burned last week in anticipation of a potential five-for-five rule, and the San Antonio Reagan product has worked his way into the bullpen mix following senior Max Grubbs' season-ending arm surgery. Schlossnagle also wants looks at Cal Higgins, Kade Bing, Hudson Hamilton, and Jason Flores — a list extensive enough that beating Arkansas on Friday becomes essential to executing the plan.
The Longhorns face a wounded but dangerous Arkansas club ranked No. 12 in the latest D1 Baseball poll. Left-hander Hunter Dietz, the likely Friday starter, has finally translated his 2023 top-60 prospect pedigree into production, going 7-3 with a 3.32 ERA and 117 strikeouts in 78.2 innings to earn All-SEC honors. Texas may be without right fielder Aiden Robbins, who returned to baseball activities Wednesday after an illness, while second baseman Ethan Mendoza remains in the DH role behind Temo Becerra as his shoulder heals.
QUICK HITS
- Georgia's 'Sour Power' fuels title run: Per ESPN, Daniel Jackson and Brennan Hudson detailed the mantra behind a top-seeded Bulldogs lineup that captured the regular-season SEC baseball crown, with confidence running deep through the entire batting order.
- Ole Miss sends 35 to NCAA East Regional: The Rebels qualified 31 student-athletes across 35 entries for the May 27-30 meet at the University of Kentucky, continuing one of the program's deepest postseason pushes.
- Texas A&M's Zaza Nnamdi joins Bowerman Watch List: The USTFCCCA announced Thursday that the Aggie sprinter earned a spot on track and field's most prestigious individual watch list.
- Alabama's Lizzie Hall earns All-SEC rowing honors: The Crimson Tide senior was recognized by the conference Thursday afternoon for her postseason performance.
- Texas rowing sweeps SEC academic honors: Marg van der Wal was named SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year for the second time, leading five Longhorns to All-SEC recognition for the No. 3 program.
- Florida's Kelley Jones lands on Lott IMPACT Trophy Watchlist: The Gators defender earned a spot on college football's premier watch list combining on-field play and character.
PORTAL WATCH
No new SEC portal entries or commitments surfaced over the past 12 hours. The notable roster move on the day: Georgia gymnastics secured a major addition for 2027, signing transfer Joscelyn Roberson — a substantial pickup for the Bulldogs as they continue to build toward national contention. Expect portal activity to accelerate across baseball and softball rosters once super regional fields are finalized.
RECRUITING BUZZ
No fresh prep commitments came across the wire Thursday evening. With dead periods and end-of-school-year travel slowing the calendar, focus across SEC football and basketball staffs remains on June official visit waves. Check back Friday morning for updates.
GAMES TO WATCH
The Hoover spotlight belongs to the SEC baseball tournament Thursday night. Mississippi State faces top-seeded Georgia on SEC Network, with the Bulldogs riding their 'Sour Power' lineup and regular-season conference title into the matchup. Florida and Alabama follow on SEC Network in the nightcap, while Georgia and Tennessee close the slate in a heavyweight bracket clash. With Texas-Arkansas looming Friday at 3:00 p.m. Central, the tournament's pitching chess matches are only intensifying.
