TUCSON, Ariz. - Reigning Big 12 Tournament Champion Arizona was picked to finish second in the 2026 Preseason Coaches Poll, while Tony Pluta and Owen Kramkowski each garnered Preseason All-Big 12 recognition, the league office announced Thursday.

The Wildcats were one of two programs to receive a first place vote, alongside TCU who was picked to finish first.

Additionally, Arizona pitchers Pluta and Kramkowski were named to the 2026 All-Big 12 Preseason Team.

Pluta, the 2025 NCBWA Stopper of the Year, is set to enter his season campaign after a sensational junior season. Pluta was consensus All-American in 2025 after appearing in 30 games and posting an exceptional ERA of 1.46, while recording 14 saves and tallying 34 strikeouts. Pluta's 14 saves ranked first in the Big 12 and tied for fourth in the nation. The senior was named a Preseason First Team All-American by both Perfect Game and D1Baseball, as he aims to improve upon his tremendous 2025 campaign.

Kramkowski is coming off a breakout sophomore season in which he garnered All-Big 12 Honorable Mention. During the 2025 season, Kramkowski started 18 games on the mound for the Wildcats, compiling a record of 9-6. He posted an ERA of 5.48 across 92.0 innings of work, while striking out 90 batters. Kramkowski ranked second in the conference in wins and eighth in strikeouts. He was named a Preseason Third Team All-American by Perfect Game and will seek to put together another dominant season on the mound for the Wildcats.

Arizona is coming off their best season under fifth-year Head Coach Chip Hale, as they won 44 games en route to securing a Big 12 Tournament Title in their inaugural season as a member of the conference and reaching the 2025 College World Series after advancing through the NCAA Eugene Regional and NCAA Chapel Hill Super Regional.

The Wildcats commence the 2026 campaign on Friday, February 13 in Surprise, Arizona against former Pac-12 foe Stanford as part of the 2026 College Baseball Series.