MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Gulf South Conference has released its 2026 baseball preseason watchlists, as determined by the league's head coaches, with Auburn University at Montgomery receiving recognition for both its Newcomers to Watch and Top Returners for the upcoming season.
The Warhawks, tabbed ninth in the preseason poll, are under the direction of third year head coach Franklin Buch. Coach Buch returns 19 letterwinners from the 2025 squad while introducing 21 new faces to the roster this year.
Newcomers to Watch
Kurk Kizer
Kizer joins the program as a junior infielder after a strong 2024–25 season at Snead State Community College. He appeared in 47 games, posting a .313 batting average with 50 hits and 27 RBIs. Kizer showed extra-base ability with nine doubles and a triple, while also drawing 16 walks to finish with a .400 on-base percentage. Defensively, he handled a heavy workload in the infield, recording 175 total chances with 107 assists and 20 double plays turned, providing experience and versatility on both sides of the ball.
McCormick comes to the program as a sophomore pitcher after spending the 2024 season at Jacksonville State. He appeared in eight games on the mound, totaling 13.1 innings of work against Division I competition. McCormick recorded seven strikeouts and limited opponents to scoreless outings in multiple appearances, including a two-inning performance against Georgia State where he did not allow a hit.
Dom Regira
Regira joins the program as a junior outfielder after a productive 2025 season at Jones College. He appeared in 44 games, starting 43, and finished the year with a .264 batting average while totaling 32 hits, including 10 doubles, two triples, and two home runs. Regira drove in 22 runs and scored 29 more, adding five stolen bases on the year. He posted a strong .436 on-base percentage and a .430 slugging percentage, showcasing a balanced offensive approach. Defensively, Regira was steady in the outfield, recording a .980 fielding percentage with 48 putouts.
Top Returners
Bagwell appeared in 16 games during the 2025 season for Auburn University at Montgomery, logging 31.1 innings on the mound. He posted a 2–1 record with 28 strikeouts and finished the year with a 4.75 ERA. Bagwell delivered several strong outings throughout the season, including a six-strikeout performance against Valdosta State and multiple scoreless appearances. Bagwell recorded nine putouts, six assists, and maintained a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.
Hipp appeared in 44 games for Auburn University at Montgomery last season, starting 43 of them. He posted a .261 batting average with 43 hits, including six doubles, one triple, and eight home runs, while driving in 35 RBIs. Hipp turned in several standout performances, highlighted by a five-RBI game against Shorter and a three-hit, two-double outing at Union University. Defensively, he proved reliable in the infield, finishing the season with a .977 fielding percentage.
Reed appeared in 13 games for Auburn University at Montgomery during the 2025 season, making one start and logging 29.1 innings on the mound. He finished the year with a 3–2 record and 33 strikeouts, holding opponents to a .236 batting average. Reed delivered multiple strong outings throughout the season, including a six-strikeout performance at Southern Wesleyan. He also recorded several efficient relief appearances.
2026 GSC Baseball Preseason Poll
1. West Florida (8) - 117 pts
2. Delta State (2) - 102 pts
3. Mississippi College (1) - 100 pts
4. Valdosta State (1) - 87 pts
5. Lee - 79 pts
6. West Alabama - 77 pts
7. Montevallo - 73 pts
8. Trevecca Nazarene - 49 pts
9. AUM - 34 pts
10. UAH - 32 pts
11. Union - 30 pts
12. Christian Brothers - 12 pts
First-place votes in parentheses
Up Next
The Warhawks open their 2026 season with a three-game series against Young Harris in Young Harris, Ga., Jan. 30 – Feb. 1.
