DIVISION II TEAM PREVIEWS | DAY 5 OF 8

⚾️ NEW PENN REGION

Home to the 2023 World Series Champions, Ohio State, the New Penn consistently brings great competition to the region and to the World Series. After a fantastic run by the now DI club, West Virginia, the New Penn looks for a new champion. Previously won in ’24 and ’23 by Ohio State and ’22 by Cal (PA), both clubs have expectations for this year.

In the Central, the welcome two new clubs, Penn State (3-0) and Slippery Rock (3-5). Moving from the New England region, Penn State looks to continue their top seed run in a new conference, but standing in their way is Penn-West (5-1). They’re ready to take the Central and sit atop of the New Penn. Their series in late March will be highly anticipated and have a lot of postseason implications.

After making the championship game last year in the New Penn regional, Salisbury (2-1) is looking to head back to win the New Penn and head to the World Series for the first time since 2017. Tied in first with them currently is Longwood (2-1) and with only a game out sits Christopher Newport (1-2) and James Madison (1-2). This conference could be anyone’s come April.

The West features three clubs that had a very strong fall season: Ohio State (5-1), Indiana (7-2), Ball State (4-2). Ohio State is looking to continue their New Penn-West dynasty run while Indiana is ready for revenge and is ready to dethrone the champs. Their series in early March will be one to watch for. But a dark horse in Ball State feel like they have the talent to make a run and head to the New Penn regionals for the first time.

Who do you think wins it all in the New Penn?

Be sure to check all the New Penn Team Previews to see how everyone’s looking heading into the Spring 2026 season!

We’ll be releasing 1 region a day through next Wednesday, as the 2026 Rawlings Division II Preseason Rankings drop Thursday the 29th!!!