Gardner-Webb Baseball Unveils Challenging 2026 Schedule

Runnin’ Bulldogs Set for 56 games, Including Big South Battles and Trips to Oklahoma State and Washington State

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Head Coach Jim Chester and the Gardner-Webb University baseball team have announced the 2026 schedule. This year’s slate has 56 games, including 24 games within the Big South Conference.

“The 2026 schedule is as challenging as any in my tenure at Gardner-Webb,” said Chester. “Traditional non-conference opponents like Western Carolina, App State, Wofford, and UNC Charlotte are back this year. The Big South slate will be competitive from top to bottom. Our alumni and fans will be excited about trips to Oklahoma State and Washington State this spring. Opening Day can’t get here soon enough! Sko Dawgs!”

The Runnin’ Bulldogs open the 2026 season playing 11 of its first 12 games within the friendly confines of Bill Masters Field. Valparaiso visits Boiling Springs for a four-game set beginning Feb. 13-15 before a quick trip on Feb. 18 to face South Carolina of the Southeastern Conference.

Gardner-Webb returns home to host Fairleigh Dickinson University for a pair of games on Feb. 20-21 followed by two games against Dartmouth (Feb. 21-22) and a three-game series with Appalachian State (Feb. 27-March 1). Next, the Dawgs head north to Durham, N.C., to take on Duke for a single game on March 3 before making a trip out west to play three games against Oklahoma State (March 6-8). They return to North Carolina to play a single game at Davidson on March 10.

GWU opens league play with three games versus Longwood at home on March 13-15. The remainder of the season follows.

• March 17 – 5 p.m. Western Carolina, Cullowhee, N.C.
• March 20-22 – Charleston-Southern, Charleston, S.C.
• March 24 – 6 p.m., vs. North Carolina A&T, Moss Stadium.
• March 27-29 – vs. High Point, Moss Stadium. 
• March 31 – North Carolina A&T, Greensboro, N.C.
• April 2-4 – UNC-Asheville.
• April 7 – 6 p.m., vs. Elon, Moss Stadium.
• April 9-11 – Washington State, Pullman, Wash.
• April 14 – 6 p.m., vs. Queens University, Moss Stadium.
• April 17-19 – Radford, Va.
• April 21 – 1 p.m., vs. Western Carolina, Moss Stadium.
• April 24-26 – vs. Winthrop, Moss Stadium.
• May 1-3 – USC Upstate, Spartanburg, S.C.
• May 6 – 6 p.m., vs. Wofford, Moss Stadium.
• May 8 – 5 p.m., vs. Bradley, Moss Stadium.
• May 9 – 11 a.m., vs. Campbell, Moss Stadium.
• May 9, 7 p.m., vs. Bradley, Moss Stadium
• May 12, 6 p.m., UNC Charlotte.
• May 14-16 – vs. Presbyterian, Moss Stadium.

For updates, game times, and more news on the Runnin’ Bulldogs, visit gwusports.com, or follow @gwusports on Instagram, X and Facebook.

Sixth Annual First Pitch

Fans are invited to celebrate the 2026 season at the Sixth Annual First Pitch celebration on Jan. 24. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner and a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind items that support your Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs. Then at 7 p.m., meet the 2026 roster, coaching staff, and support team as the team kicks off another exciting season of Bulldog baseball! This year’s special guest is Major League All-Star, San Diego Padre, and proud Gardner-Webb alumnus Mason Miller—and in a historic moment, the baseball program will be retiring his jersey, #17, forever etching his legacy in Bulldog history. Get event and game tickets at gwusports.com.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Learn more at gardner-webb.edu.