WASHINGTON, D.C. – The University of Dayton baseball team was picked to finish fifth in the Atlantic 10 for the 2026 season in the Preseason Poll, the conference office announced Friday. The poll is voted on by the league's head coaches.

The FlyBoys earned 83 points along with one first-place vote. Richmond tied UD in the fifth spot. Last year's regular season and tournament champion, Rhode Island, claimed the top spot with 136 points and five first-place votes. George Mason took second with 122 points and four first-place votes. Saint Joseph's and Saint Louis tied for third at 98 points, with Saint Joseph's getting a first-place vote.

Dayton features a mostly new roster, returning just two position players and one weekend starting pitcher. Jayson King has also returned as head coach after a year at Vanderbilt.

The 2026 season begins for the Flyers with a road series at Lipscomb on Feb. 13-15.

2026 Preseason Poll
1. Rhode Island – 136 (5)
2. George Mason – 122 (4)
3. Saint Joseph's – 98 (1)
     Saint Louis – 98
5. Dayton – 83 (1)
     Richmond – 83
7. Davidson – 77
8. VCU – 71 (1)
9. George Washington – 68
10. Fordham – 56
11. St. Bonaventure – 24
12. La Salle – 20

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