When Auburn baseball opens its 2026 season this Friday at 5:30 p.m. against Youngstown State, it’ll be a new face on the mound leading the charge: Virginia Tech transfer Jake Marciano. The left-hander didn’t just transfer in to fill a spot - he earned the Opening Day nod. Head coach Butch Thompson made it clear that Marciano’s performance since arriving on campus left no doubt in the minds of the coaching staff.
“All his benchmarks have been healthy,” Thompson said. “We’ve stayed committed to letting guys earn it, and Jake’s done that - strike percentage, command, the ability to work both sides of the plate. It was a unanimous decision.”
Marciano brings a polished mix to the mound: a fastball he can locate to both sides, a changeup that keeps hitters honest, and the kind of poise you want from your Friday night starter. For a program looking to set the tone early, he’s the guy they trust to do it.
Backing him up this weekend are two homegrown arms who’ve steadily climbed the ladder: sophomore lefty Jackson Sanders and redshirt sophomore right-hander Alex Petrovic. Sanders, one of the most talented freshmen on the roster last year, made 15 relief appearances in 2025 and now steps into a starting role. He’s earned the opportunity, Thompson said, by rising through a crowded field of contenders.
“Jackson’s probably come the furthest,” Thompson noted. “He’s earned that two-spot.”
Petrovic, meanwhile, brings experience and leadership. Dubbed the team’s “pitching captain,” he’s shown flashes of high-level stuff when healthy. That’s been the challenge - keeping him on the field - but when he’s right, he’s a difference-maker.
And while those three get the ball to start the weekend, Auburn’s rotation picture is far from set in stone. This is still very much an open competition, especially early in the season when pitch counts are managed and depth is tested.
One arm that would’ve been in the mix this weekend is junior left-hander Griffin Graves, who’s sidelined with a lat strain. It’s a precautionary move more than anything, but it delays his season debut.
“He was probably the guy closest to pushing Jake for that Friday spot,” Thompson said. “Thankfully it’s just a lat pull - this time of year, you worry about elbows and shoulders. He’s still throwing, but we’ll give it another week.”
That opens the door for others to step in, and Thompson made it clear there’s a group of arms ready to contribute. Names like Christian Chatterton, Dre Alvarez, and Drew Whelan are all expected to factor in, especially as Auburn manages workloads early in the year.
“You really need two guys built up for each game,” Thompson explained. “So don’t be surprised to see those guys passing the baton after the starters.”
Then there’s the back end of the bullpen - a key piece to any successful weekend. Auburn returns closer Ryan Hetzler, who notched eight saves last season and posted a 3.86 ERA. He’s not just a returning arm - he’s been the team’s most consistent strike-thrower, operating at a 78% strike rate through fall and preseason.
“The players believe in him,” Thompson said. “And we do too.”
Joining him in late-game situations is Michigan State transfer Garrett Brewer, a left-hander who’s impressed since arriving in the fall. He’s expected to be a key weapon in the bullpen, especially as a lefty complement to Hetzler. Another name to watch is Jett Johnston, who’s put together four straight consistent outings this preseason - the best stretch of his time at Auburn, according to Thompson.
Add in true freshman Ethin Bingaman, who could see time both on the mound and at first base, and Auburn has options - a good problem to have.
Opening weekend is set with game times at 5:30 p.m. Friday, 6 p.m.
Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday.
It’s the start of a long season, but for now, the Tigers are focused on one thing: getting off the mound efficiently and letting their arms do the talking.