CLEVELAND STATE BASEBALL CLOSES HISTORIC 2026 SEASON
CLEVELAND, Tenn. – The 2026 Cleveland State Community College baseball team etched its name into the record books, delivering one of the most explosive and accomplished seasons in program history.
Under the leadership of head coach Aaron Bryant, the Cougars finished the year 33-23 overall and 21-9 in TCCAA play, continuing to elevate the program within one of the nation's premier junior college conferences.
This year's club was defined by its offensive firepower and consistency from top to bottom. Cleveland State scored 477 runs and launched 103 home runs while hitting .318 as a team.
The Cougars' production wasn't just among the best in the conference—it was historic. The 2026 team set the all-time program record in doubles and home runs, while finishing second all-time in both runs scored and stolen bases at Cleveland State.
Cleveland State's success was reflected across the league honors, with multiple Cougars earning All-TCCAA recognition.
First Team All-TCCAA honorees included Nolan Sergeant at second base, Evan Leonard as the designated hitter, and Braden Suggs as a starting pitcher. Second Team All-TCCAA selections included Nelson McKnight at first base and Max Owens as a starting pitcher.
Suggs headlined the individual awards, being named TCCAA Pitcher of the Year after going 8-1 with 109 strikeouts in 81.1 innings.
At the plate, Cleveland State featured one of the most dangerous lineups in program history. Nolan Sergeant led the offense with a .439 batting average, 21 doubles, 21 home runs, 84 RBIs, and 73 runs scored, while adding 14 stolen bases.
Evan Leonard delivered major run production in the middle of the lineup, hitting .331 with 18 home runs and 58 RBIs.
Nelson McKnight added a strong presence with a .333 average, 18 doubles, 14 home runs, and 50 RBIs.
Jon Jon Read provided consistency at the top of the lineup, hitting .407 with 72 hits, including 20 doubles, and scoring 68 runs.
Kwade Carver added power and production in the middle of the order, contributing 13 home runs while driving in key runs throughout the season.
Nate Severance impacted the game both offensively and on the bases, scoring 49 runs and adding speed to the Cougars' lineup.
On the mound, Parker Coe was a key contributor, posting a 5-1 record over 13 starts and logging 59.0 innings, while helping stabilize the weekend rotation.
Torrey Robinson was a reliable arm out of the bullpen, appearing in 22 games and recording 35 strikeouts across 22.0 innings while contributing in key late-game situations.
"This team set a standard for what Cleveland State baseball can be," said head coach Aaron Bryant. "Their toughness, consistency, and ability to produce offensively made them one of the most complete teams we've had. I'm proud of the way they competed every single day and the way they represented our program."
Beyond the numbers, the 2026 Cougars established a new identity built on offensive pressure, depth, and competitiveness at a championship level.
The 2026 season will be remembered as a breakthrough year for Cleveland State baseball, as the Cougars not only contended in the TCCAA, but set a new benchmark for excellence at Cougar Field.
