SEARCY, Ark. — Riding a hot start to the 2026 campaign, the Harding baseball team has earned national recognition, landing at No. 29 in the latest NCAA Division II Baseball Coaches Poll released Tuesday by Netting Professionals.

The Bisons (8-3) garnered 20 points in the national ballot, marking their first appearance in the Top 30 this season. The recognition comes on the heels of a successful weekend in Weatherford, Oklahoma, where Harding secured a conference series sweep over Southwestern Oklahoma State.

At the top of the national rankings, Tampa (11-0) remains the unanimous No. 1 with 300 points, followed by North Greenville and Catawba. Harding is one of three Great American Conference (GAC) schools currently mentioned in the national conversation, joined by Henderson State and Southern Arkansas in the "receiving votes" category.

In the NCBWA Central Region rankings released Monday, Harding maintained its firm grip on the No. 6 spot. The Bisons received 48 points in the regional poll, trailing only established powers such as top-ranked Pittsburg State (13-0), Central Missouri (11-2), and Augustana (8-0).

Harding sits just ahead of GAC rival Ouachita Baptist, which climbed to No. 7 in the region following a 9-2 start.

The Bisons' inclusion in the national rankings highlights a statistically dominant opening month. Harding currently leads the region in stolen bases (32) and is paced offensively by shortstop Cooper Newsom, who is slugging .700 with four home runs. On the mound, the staff has been anchored by Ryan Romolo (2.53 ERA) and a bullpen that has yet to see closer Josiah Binford surrender an earned run.

Harding looks to validate its new ranking today as they travel to Russellville for a non-conference midweek matchup against Arkansas Tech. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.