UTSA baseball’s 2025 campaign brought national recognition to the athletics department. The Roadrunners built off an American Athletic Conference regular season championship by earning their first NCAA tournament win in program history over Kansas State University, before beating The University of Texas at Austin twice to secure the Austin Regional title. The regional title granted UTSA its first ever Super Regional appearance, and while they were eventually swept by the University of California, Los Angeles, the Roadrunners still secured the first ever top-10 finish by an UTSA Athletics program. For head coach Pat Hallmark, it was vindication to the highest degree.
“It was gratifying,” Hallmark said. “I always felt like that could be done here. I think a lot of people don’t think that’s possible at a mid-major. I’m grateful for the players and everyone that contributed to those wins. Here lately, it’s more about turning the page. It’s a new season now.”
Fans’ celebration of the 2025 season was short-lived. Hallmark’s contract expired due to a clerical error made in an amendment. For UTSA fans and players alike, the negotiation period was anxiety inducing. For Hallmark, it was an opportunity to ensure his program would receive adequate support to keep the Roadrunners in annual title contention. The figures Hallmark and the athletics department agreed upon were enough for him to ink a four-year deal to return to the Roadrunners, a move Hallmark later confirmed reflected increased support from the department.
“We’re in a better spot,” Hallmark explained. “We hope to keep growing in that regard with revenue sharing and scholarships, but we’re better off than we were a year ago. Winning tends to do that. So grateful for Dr. [Lisa] Campos adding a little bit to the revenue share pool.”
With the athletics department supporting him and his vision, Hallmark was able to retain a majority of his roster — outside of graduating seniors and MLB Draft selections — to chase an additional American Conference title.
UTSA returns sophomore standout infielders Jordan Ballin and Caden Miller, along with upperclassmen contributors such as outfielder Andrew Detlefsen and catcher Andrew Stucky. The Roadrunner rotation also retained star pitcher Robert Orloski and starter Conor Myles.
However, UTSA will likely be without sophomore infielder Nathan Hodge in 2026 after he suffered a “substantial” injury during the offseason, according to Hallmark.
Beyond its returning core, UTSA added several players from the transfer portal and high school ranks to flesh out its roster. While full time starters and positions will be determined by trial-and-error throughout the first month of the season, here are names fans can expect to see hit the diamond next weekend:
Aidan Eschelman, a freshman out of Episcopal High School in Houston, Texas, will see action at both third base and shortstop this season. While Hallmark expects Eschelman to endure typical true freshman growing pains, he notes, “the tools and mind are there for him to be a very good player.” Ballin and Miller will retain their starting positions, with Miller likely fixed at first base and Ballin to flex between second, shortstop and third depending on need.
Detlefsen will start in the outfield, likely alongside freshman Nathan Johnson, Wichita State University transfer Layne Haworth and/or University of Houston transfer Brandon Bishop. Hallmark described Bishop as a “true centerfielder,” while Navarro Junior College transfer Christian Hallmark could see time as well.
Orloski and Myles should start on the mound next weekend as the team determines its third option in the rotation. Freshman Jake Qualia, senior Mike DeBattista and junior Kendall Dove are in the mix for that role.
Hallmark knew he wanted to dedicate the early part of the season to determining his team’s identity. With that in mind, he scheduled the Roadrunners a tough first month of play, facing the likes of Dallas Baptist University, Coastal Carolina University and Ohio State University.
“We hope to win a bunch of those games, but there are some positives that can be had even if you don’t. You’ll know right where you need to work,” he explained. “If you want to do well, you’re going to have to earn it. It’s about finding out who you are as much as anything.”
Before the Roadrunners can begin preparation on the aforementioned teams, they first have to face South Dakota State University.
Game one is scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday at Roadrunner Field.
