College baseball’s landscape keeps shifting, and it’s hitting mid-major programs like Jacksonville University (JU) and the University of North Florida (UNF) especially hard. The rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals has changed the game—literally.
Top players from both JU and UNF are getting snapped up by bigger schools with deeper pockets. To keep up, JU and UNF are piecing together new rosters, blending transfers with freshmen, and hoping they can spark some chemistry before the season really gets rolling.
Let’s take a closer look at how NIL is shaking things up for these programs—and what they’re doing to stay afloat.
The Impact of NIL on Mid-Major College Baseball
NIL deals have turned college baseball on its head. Programs like JU and UNF are feeling it most, losing some of their best talent to schools that can dangle more money and exposure.
This shift has forced both teams to rethink everything, from recruiting to team culture. It’s a scramble, honestly.
Roster Overhaul at Jacksonville University
Jacksonville University, with Chris Hayes at the helm, is facing a wild roster shake-up: 20 new players. That’s six true freshmen and 14 transfers, for those counting.
Hayes doesn’t sugarcoat it—this much turnover isn’t ideal, but it’s become necessary. Bigger programs with NIL cash have pulled away JU’s former standouts, sending them to places like Florida, Florida State, and Alabama. Now, it’s rebuild time.
University of North Florida’s Rebuilding Efforts
UNF, led by coach Joe Mercadante, is in a similar boat. Eighteen new faces are joining, split between seven freshmen and eleven transfers.
Key players have moved on, too. Alex Lodise, who smashed UNF’s freshman records in homers and RBIs last year, is now at Florida State. Pitchers Kaden Humphrey and Bryson Treichel took their arms to Alabama and Kentucky.
Strategies for Building Team Chemistry
With so many new guys, building chemistry is going to take a minute. Mercadante says patience is everything—the lineup in February might not look anything like the one in May.
He wants his players to struggle a bit, to face some adversity, and come out stronger as a unit. That’s how real teams are built, right?
Key Players to Watch at UNF
Even with the turnover, UNF has a few steady hands. Senior righty Clay Hendry should anchor the pitching staff, with Will Ross and Kai Etwaru offering solid support.
On offense, sophomore Seth Alford—last year’s home run leader—returns, along with speedy shortstop Mitchell Collins. Those guys could be difference-makers.
JU’s Potential Standouts
JU’s looking to junior second baseman Jonah Shields and sophomore shortstop Sammy Mummau to lead the way. Shields topped the team in both batting average and stolen bases last season, so expectations are high.
The pitching crew will lean on senior lefty Alex Walsh, plus transfers Brendon Holland and Dominic Pieto. It’s a bit of a patchwork, but sometimes that’s how you find hidden gems.
Upcoming Season Outlook
Both teams kick off their seasons at home. UNF hosts Sacred Heart, while JU welcomes Rhode Island.
These first few series will be telling. Early chemistry—or lack of it—could set the tone for the whole season.
Key Dates for UNF
- Feb. 13-15: Opening series vs. Sacred Heart
- Feb. 5: At Florida State
- March 6-8: At Alabama
- March 13-15: Opening ASUN series at Stetson
- March 27-29: At Jacksonville
- April 21: Vs. Florida State
- May 1-3: Vs. Jacksonville
- May 5: At Florida
Key Dates for JU
- Feb. 13-15: Opening series vs. Rhode Island
- Feb. 17: Vs. Florida State
- Feb. 24: At UCF
- March 3: At Florida State
- March 13-15: Opening ASUN series at West Georgia
- March 27-29: Vs. North Florida
- March 31: At Florida
- April 14: At UCF
- April 21: At Florida
- May 1-3: At North Florida
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
JU and UNF are in for a tough ride, no doubt. NIL has made things complicated, and finding ways to keep talent around won’t be easy.
Still, there’s something intriguing about the unknown. This season’s going to test how well these programs can adapt to the new college baseball reality.
Building a Competitive Identity
It’s all about identity now. Both teams need to find guys who buy into their systems and help create a culture that lasts through the ups and downs.
As coach Hayes puts it, We’ve just got to continue to find guys that fit who we are, fit what the Dolphins program has always stood for and the guys that want to be here.
Patience and Long-Term Vision
Coach Mercadante of UNF has a pretty clear message: patience matters, and so does seeing the bigger picture. “With a 50-50 makeup of returners and newcomers, I think you’ve got to let it play out a little bit,” he says.
That kind of approach might be the only way forward, honestly. Early in the season, both programs are just trying to figure out what works and how to get everyone on the same page.
As the season rolls on, who knows? Watching these mid-major teams deal with NIL challenges could actually be pretty compelling. If you’re curious about the details or want more updates, the full article’s over at the Jacksonville sports website.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
