For the third straight home conference series, the Horns are facing a top-10 opponent.
The college baseball spotlight shines brightly on Austin this weekend as the No. 1 Texas Longhorns welcome the No. 6 Auburn Tigers to UFCU Disch-Falk Field for a marquee SEC showdown that continues the streak of high-profile matchups on the Forty Acres.
In a remarkable nod to the conference’s strength, Auburn is actually the lowest-ranked opponent that Texas have hosted since opening SEC play at the Disch a month ago against then-No. 2 LSU before a visit from then-No. 3 Georgia.
Texas, riding high after claiming the nation’s top ranking, has been a dominant force all season with a mix of explosive offense and lights-out pitching. Led by the catcher Rylan Galvan slugging with a batting average of .337 with 32 RBI’s while the senior ace lefty Jared Spencer dealing a 3.08 ERA, the Longhorns have built their campaign on discipline, consistency, resilience, and an undeniable home-field advantage, boasting a 17-3 record at home.
“I think our ability to recommit and just make every day our opening day — we don’t stack days on top of each other. There’s no past bad outing. There’s no looking forward to the future. It’s all you have is today,” said junior right-hander Max Grubbs on Wednesday.
Discipline at the plate, putting the ball in play and intentional baseball taking one pitch at a time are key for the Longhorns to maintain pressure on Auburn.
“It doesn’t happen by accident, it happens by intention. We don’t just grab things out of the air to work on them each day,” said head coach Jim Schlossnagle. “Sometimes you’re going to have to play really good situational baseball that scores of the games could be a little closer and a little more tight.”
With Kentucky Proud Ballpark playing large in cool weather last weekend in Lexington, that was the case for Texas as the only two home runs for the Longhorns came during Saturday’s 5-4 loss to the Wildcats in 15 innings during which the bats went silent for the visitors late.
The lack of game-changing power from Texas against Kentucky forced the Horns to string together multiple strong at bats to outscore the Wildcats 11-7 in the two victories.
“Where we are offensively, we’re down a couple bats that that are good, but they’re also bats that change the game with one swing and so when you lose some of that, then you’re going to have to play really good situational baseball that scores of the games could be a little closer and a little more tight,” Schlossnagle said.
While right fielder Max Belyeu remains out with the fractured thumb he suffered against Missouri three weeks ago, second baseman Ethan Mendoza is listed as probable on Wednesday’s initial report after injuring his shoulder against Kentucky and sitting out Tuesday’s game against UTRGV. In a radio appearance on Thursday, Schlossnagle indicated that Mendoza is more capable of hitting than fielding, so he could be the designated hitter for one or more games this weekend if he’s capable of playing.
The Arizona State transfer is an important table setter at the top of the Texas lineup — Mendoza leads the Horns in batting average at .363, is tied for the team lead in runs with 37, and is second on the team in walks with 25, producing an on-base percentage of .469 that only ranks behind Galvan at .504.
Adrian Rodriguez is dealing with a deep bone bruise on his hand caused when he was hit by a pitch against Missouri.
“Adrian has obviously been playing. He had some limitations, but he’s given us everything he can,” Schlossnagle said. “Depending on how he feels each day, it’s a deep bruise in his hand. Some days it feels like it’s almost all the way back. On other days, you know, maybe one swing kind of bothers him.”
In 11 at bats since returning, Rodriguez doesn’t have a hit yet working exclusively from the left side.
Auburn isn’t just in Austin to compete — they’re here to disrupt with an overall record of 27-10. The Tigers have been quietly climbing the rankings, and after sweeping No. 8 LSU last weekend, they’ve got momentum roaring on their side in the midst of a six-game winning streak.
The Tigers’ lineup, anchored by veteran power hitter Cooper McMurray with a .348 batting average who can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the country. Their pitching staff, headlined by senior flame-throwing righty Samuel Dutton (5-2, 2.34 ERA), who will be tested with a not-so-deep bullpen behind him due to injury against a Texas team averaging nearly seven runs per game.
The starting pitching has been enough to put Auburn in positions to win over recent games, however — the starters have turned in a 0.43 ERA and .123 average over the last four games with the staff posted a 2.25 ERA while holding opponents to a .159 average during that span.
Unlike a Kentucky team that has struggled to win close games, Auburn is 8-2 in one-run games this season, demonstrating an ability to execute on the mound and in the batter’s box.
“A busy week got off to a good start last night,” head coach Butch Thompson said. “We’re getting to play the No. 1 team in America. I’m just so impressed with Texas. I keep giving characteristics of teams we’ve played, and for Texas this is every bit of the same pitching staff as LSU. I’m overly impressed with the depth and ability of the pitching staff. This is probably the most sound team we’ve played from a preparation standpoint.”
This is more than just a top-10 clash — it’s a measuring stick. Both teams are eyeing top seeds in June, and this series will once again help shape the SEC standings and NCAA Tournament bracket. Expect packed crowds, postseason energy, and possibly a few fireworks under the Texas sky.
Games are set to play on at 7 p.m. Central on Thursday, Friday at 6 p.m., and Saturday at noon on the SEC Network+.