The Georgia State Panthers closed the book on another productive fall season — one marked by competitive growth, standout player development, and a renewed identity heading into the 2026 campaign.
Head Coach Brad Stromdahl and his staff entered the fall with a clear mission: sharpen fundamentals, elevate internal competition, and build depth across every position group. Over six weeks of scrimmages, practices, and intra-squad match ups, the Panthers delivered exactly that.
 
Pitching Staff Shows Promising Depth
Perhaps the most encouraging storyline this fall was the maturation of the pitching staff. Returners Tysen Benford, Jake Hembree and Brian Crooms demonstrated significant jumps in command and velocity, while standout newcomers Will Bartkoski, Josh Evans and Jackson Duncan blended seamlessly into the mix. Several young arms impressed with poise beyond their years, working efficiently in the zone and showing improved secondary pitches.
Pitching Coaches Christian Castorri and Michael Leeder emphasized attacking hitters early, and the staff responded — limiting free passes and showing a noticeable uptick in swing-and-miss ability throughout the Panther World Series.
 
Veteran Leadership Emerges on Offense
On the offensive side, the Panthers combined experience with youthful energy. Veteran hitters Wills Maginnis and Carter Bailey set the tone early, consistently producing quality at-bats and showcasing leadership during high-pressure scrimmage moments.
The lineup flashed power to all fields, with standout transfer Hunter Carlson leading the pack with 8 home runs this fall. But the biggest strides came in situational hitting — advancing runners, two-strike approaches, and plate discipline. Several players made notable mechanical adjustments that translated into improved consistency throughout the fall.
 
Newcomers Make Immediate Impact
The 2025 recruiting class wasted no time making noise early on this fall. The athleticism and versatility from the added depth across the board gives the coaching staff numerous lineup options come spring. Head Coach Brad Stromdahl on the incoming players this fall: "Our newcomers came in ready to work from day one. They've raised the level of competition in every practice, and their impact was felt immediately on both sides of the ball. This group is going to help us win a lot of games. Their energy, toughness, and willingness to learn have already strengthened the culture we're building here. They fit the Panther standard."
 
Defensive Improvements Stand Out
Defensively, the Panthers looked sharper and more cohesive than in past fall campaigns. Infield communication improved, outfield play tightened, and players across the diamond committed to reducing errors and improving first-step quickness.
The coaching staff placed heavy emphasis on defensive execution in September and October, and the commitment showed — especially in the final weeks of intra-squad play.
 
Panther World Series Caps Competitive Fall
The annual Panther World Series brought out the best in the roster, delivering close games, late-inning drama, and standout performances on both sides of the ball. Coaches highlighted the team's energy, preparation, and internal competition as indicators of a group that's maturing at the right time. "You learn a lot about a team when the lights come on, even in the fall. Our players showed maturity, resilience, and a real desire to win during the series. We took a huge step forward this week and throughout the entire fall," said Coach Stromdahl about the Panthers Fall World Series.
 
Looking Ahead to Spring 2026
With the fall now in the books, the Panthers turn their focus to offseason training and strength development. The coaching staff is optimistic: the blend of returning leadership, impactful newcomers, and emerging depth has laid a strong foundation for the spring slate.