East Peoria, Ill. - The 2026 season is shaping up to be a promising one for Illinois Central College baseball, as the Cougars enter the spring determined to blend a talented group of newcomers with veterans. With experience, depth, and momentum from a strong fall season, ICC believes it has all the pieces in place to make noise in the Mid-West Athletic Conference and beyond.

Leading the charge once again is head coach Brett Kelley, who enters his 25th season at the helm of the Cougars. One of the most respected and consistent leaders in Region 24, Kelley has stocked this year's roster with local talent eager to shine. The group responded well during fall workouts---showing growth, chemistry, and competitiveness that has the coaching staff optimistic heading into February.

ICC will open the season on the road by traveling south to Fulton, Mississippi this Thursday, February 12 for a three-game series with Itawamba Community College. The Cougars will go back to Mississippi the following weekend to face Northwest Mississippi in Senatobia, MS and use the early road tests to sharpen their game before settling into the heart of the schedule.

Mid-West Athletic Conference play begins March 7 when ICC hosts Spoon River, kicking off a league slate that sets up favorably for the Cougars. The early portion of the conference schedule provides opportunities for ICC to find its rhythm and build confidence before closing the season against ranked foes Parkland and Heartland in late April.

As always under Kelley's guidance, the Cougars are built with the postseason in mind. With a balanced roster and strong leadership, ICC baseball is poised for an exciting spring in 2026.

A full game schedule can be found at https://illinoiscentralcougars.com/sports/baseball/schedule.