SEARCY, Ark. – Following a dominant conference-opening sweep, the Harding baseball team continues its upward trajectory in the regional and national landscape.
The Bisons (6-1, 3-0 GAC) moved up one spot to No. 6 in the latest National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Central Region rankings released Monday. Additionally, Harding is now receiving votes in the D2 Baseball Top 25 national rankings.
Harding's rise follows a perfect 3-0 weekend at Jerry Moore Field, where they dispatched Northwestern Oklahoma State by scores of 2-1, 4-3, and 12-4. The Bisons are the highest-ranked Great American Conference team in the regional poll, leading a group of four GAC schools in the top 10.
Pittsburg State (10-0) took over the top spot in the Central Region with 109 points and nine first-place votes, followed by Central Missouri (8-2). Augustana (8-0), Emporia State (9-1), and Minnesota State (2-1) round out the top five.
In the D2 Baseball Top 25, Harding's 6-1 start has caught the attention of national voters. While not yet cracked into the top 25, the Bisons are among the top teams receiving votes. The MIAA is well-represented in the national poll, with Central Missouri (No. 2) and Pittsburg State (No. 10) both appearing in the top ten.
The Bisons return to action Tuesday, Feb. 17, for a non-conference mid-week matchup at Ouachita Baptist. The Tigers are currently ranked No. 9 in the Central Region. First pitch in Arkadelphia is scheduled for 1 p.m.
NCBWA Central Region Rankings (Feb. 16, 2026)
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Pittsburg State (10-0) – 109 pts
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Central Missouri (8-2) – 95 pts
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Augustana (8-0) – 89 pts
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Emporia State (9-1) – 69 pts
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Minnesota State (2-1) – 62 pts
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Harding (6-1) – 55 pts
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Central Oklahoma (7-2) – 38 pts
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Southwestern Oklahoma State (8-3) – 28 pts
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Ouachita Baptist (7-2) – 27 pts
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Northwest Missouri (7-4) – 10 pts
Receiving Votes: Rogers State (9), Wayne State (5), Oklahoma Baptist (4), Arkansas-Monticello (2), Missouri Southern (2), Henderson State (1).
