Talawanda baseball enters new era

This story was produced by Miami University journalism students Cole Likovetz and Colin McDonald in partnership with the Oxford Free Press.

Change is the name of the game for the 2026 Talawanda baseball team as the Brave will face new competition in a new league, with a roster that will rely on few returning starters.

After a long run in the smaller Southwest Ohio Conference (SWOC), Talawanda now joins the 13-team Southwestern Buckeye League (SWBL). 

Led by third-year head coach Matt Lykins, Talawanda ended last season second in the SWOC, finishing 6-3 in the conference and 9-19 overall. 

New opportunities

Along with playing in a larger conference, Talawanda baseball faces internal changes. Since the end of the 2025 season, 11 of the Brave’s 18-man roster graduated, including three first team all-conference players. 

Third baseman and pitcher Austin Puckett is one of only four returning seniors this season. After facing the same three SWOC opponents in recent years, Puckett sees the SWBL as a welcome change of pace.

“We’ve been in the SWOC for as long as I can remember, so coming into this new conference is going to be a nice change of environment for us,” Puckett said.

Finding new leaders

With sixty percent of the roster 2025 departed, the search for new leadership is underway. 

Puckett is stepping up in different ways to include showing sophomores the proper way to lift weights during preseason workouts.

Middle infielder Kyle Jones played in 21 games last year and now entering his final season is also ready to grow his role on the team.

“With new talent and a new conference, expectations are high,” Jones said. “We want to build and help coach out in the future, creating a legacy of Talawanda baseball.” 

Lykins said he has been impressed with the leadership returning players like Puckett and Jones have shown.

“A lot of times you can’t tell who the seniors are because no one is trying to be the ‘big dog’ or showing too much of an ego,” Lykins said. “It’s all about support.” 

Lykins said he is also open to playing underclassmen in the lineup, should the need arise.

“I’m always capable of being surprised,” Lykins said. “I’ll play anyone that gives me an opportunity to win.” 

2026 schedule

Lykins and his seniors agree that Harrison tops the list of teams the Brave are most excited to play this spring. Harrison, who remains in the SWOC, will visit Oxford April 27. 

The Brave are also looking forward to renewing their “geographical rivalry” with Ross as both schools are again in the same conference. 

The Brave open their 2026 season at home against the Eaton Eagles March 28. Talawanda will begin SWBL play April 8 at Ross.