Key Takeaways
- Kyle Hayes, a fifth-year senior, was named to the 2026 CUSA Baseball Preseason All-Conference Team
- Hayes had a standout season in 2025, leading the league with a.398 batting average in conference play and earning All-CUSA Second-Team honors
- The WKU Hilltoppers were ranked fifth in the CUSA Baseball Preseason Poll and will enter the 2026 season with high expectations
- The team will open its 2026 slate hosting a four-game series against BYU from February 13-16
- The Hilltoppers are coming off a historic season in 2025, finishing with a 46-14 record and securing a CUSA Championship for the first time since joining the league in 2015
Introduction to Kyle Hayes’ Achievement
Kyle Hayes, a fifth-year senior on the WKU Baseball team, has been named to the 2026 CUSA Baseball Preseason All-Conference Team. This recognition is a testament to Hayes’ outstanding performance in the 2025 season, where he played a crucial role in the Hilltoppers’ success. Hayes, a native of West Chicago, appeared in 51 games with 47 starts at first base, showcasing his impressive skills with a.363 batting average, 10 home runs, and 56 RBI.
Hayes’ 2025 Season Highlights
Hayes’ 2025 season was marked by several notable achievements. He led the league with a.398 batting average in conference play, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. One of his most impressive stretches came in a series win against Middle Tennessee and a midweek win over Evansville, where he homered in four consecutive games. Additionally, Hayes charted a career-high six RBI in a 2-for-2 outing against Evansville, highlighting his capacity to make a significant impact on the game. His impressive performance earned him All-CUSA Second-Team honors, a well-deserved recognition of his hard work and dedication.
WKU Hilltoppers’ 2025 Season Recap
The WKU Hilltoppers had a historic season in 2025, finishing with a 46-14 record and securing a CUSA Championship for the first time since joining the league in 2015. This achievement marked a significant milestone for the team, and Hayes played a key role in their success. The Hilltoppers’ championship win earned them an automatic bid to the NCAA Regionals, their first appearance since 2009. The team’s impressive performance has set high expectations for the upcoming 2026 season, and fans will be eager to see how they build on their previous success.
2026 CUSA Baseball Preseason Poll
The WKU Hilltoppers have been ranked fifth in the CUSA Baseball Preseason Poll, a testament to their strength and depth as a team. The poll, which is determined by a vote of the league’s 12 head coaches, recognizes the top teams in the conference. DBU has been ranked first, with LA Tech, Kennesaw State, and Jax State rounding out the top four. The Hilltoppers will look to improve on their ranking as they enter the 2026 season, with their sights set on another successful year.
2026 Season Preview
The WKU Hilltoppers will open their 2026 season hosting a four-game series against BYU from February 13-16. This will be the team’s 107th season of competition, and they will be looking to build on their historic 2025 season. With Hayes leading the charge, the Hilltoppers are poised for another successful year. Fans can follow the team’s progress on social media, with updates available on X and Instagram. As the season gets underway, the Hilltoppers will be looking to make a strong statement and prove themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the CUSA conference.
