STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Following a strong 2025 season and All-WAC recognition, senior right-hander Brian Panneton enters the 2026 season with notable national preseason honors.
 
Panneton was named among the top starting pitchers in the country by D1Baseball.com, ranking No. 36 among mid-major starters and No. 122 overall nationally entering the season.
 
"Brian is one of the more mature players we have had in our program over the past three years," head coach Fuller Smith said. "He is a pros pro on and off the field. Success leaves clues and his daily habits set him up for success on and off the field."
 
During the 2025 season, Panneton earned All-WAC Second Team honors after leading the Texans with a 3.69 ERA. He allowed just 85 hits across 78 innings pitched while appearing in 15 games, starting 14. The junior registered six wins last season, which also marked a team high. Panneton posted a 6–3 record on the year and recorded 65 strikeouts, also a team high.
 
Panneton was named WAC Pitcher of the Week in April after a string of strong conference performances. Panneton compiled three scoreless performances and was a crucial part of both of Tarleton State's shutouts in the 2025 regular season.