2026 SEC Offseason Update: Draft Deadline, New NCAA Rules, More

On this episode of Highway to Hoover, Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge discuss some recent news items from the world of SEC baseball. They talk about the happenings at the draft signing deadline, banter about some of the recent coaching news in the SEC, take a closer look at the ramifications of the "5-for-5" eligibility rules and much more.00:00 Welcome and Sponsors01:23 Draft Deadline Recap02:10 Logan Schmidt Decision03:45 Who Returns to Campus04:47 SEC Draftees Coming Back09:40 5-for-5 Explained13:47 Roster Impact and Lawsuits18:21 Timing Chaos for Coaches23:35 Big SEC Coaching Moves27:46 Auburn Raises Expectations28:46 Gabe Gross Steps Back for Family29:36 ABS Coming in 202731:40 Fairness and Tech Gaps32:28 Why ABS Improves Games38:20 Strike Zone Measurements Debate40:09 New Experimental Rules 202741:07 Pickoff Limits and Pace44:30 Three-Batter Minimum Impact47:00 Four Fall Exhibitions Expand Events49:46 Creative Matchups and Venues51:36 Roster Snapshots and Wrap-upKerriston Coffee is proud to be the official coffee of D1Baseball. With over 30 years in the business, this family-owned roastery delivers fresh, small-batch coffee made for college baseball fans, coaches, and everyone in between. Kerriston Coffee ships nationwide, and as a listener to The D1Baseball Podcast, you can use code D1 at kerristoncoffee.com to receive 15% off your first order!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.