D1Baseball.com released their 2026 OVC Season Preview on Monday morning, with Lindenwood's Josh Newell and Will Geary both garnering preseason recognitions. Newell was predicted to win the conference's Pitcher of the Year award for the second consecutive season while Geary was tabbed as the projected Freshman of the Year.

Right-handed pitcher Josh Newell was named 2025 OVC Pitcher of the Year last season after posting a 10-2 record through 15 starts, tying the Lindenwood single season record for wins. He led the team with 97 innings pitched, compiling a 3.15 ERA and 58 strikeouts while surrendering just 19 walks.

Infielder Will Geary enters his first season as a Lion following a successful prep career at Valley Park in St. Louis, where he earned ABCA/Rawlings All-Region honors as a senior. Last summer as a member of the Prospect League's O'Fallon Hoots, Geary hit .390 with 29 RBIs, 11 doubles, two triples, and a homer. He also stole 22 bases and scored 56 runs.

Lindenwood was picked to finish sixth in the site's predicted order of finish. Read the full report at D1Baseball.com.

The Lions get the 2026 season underway on Friday, February 13th at Arkansas Pine Bluff. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.