Texas Baseball Notebook: Jim Schlossnagle Maintains Optimism for Longhorns Despite SEC Tournament Loss, Eyes Deeper NCAA Run

The SEC Tournament didn’t end the way Jim Schlossnagle or the Texas Longhorns had hoped. A quick exit after a tight loss in Hoover brought a premature end to their conference title hopes, but it hasn’t dulled the veteran coach’s outlook on his team—or the postseason. Schlossnagle has been around long enough to understand that a stumble in the conference tournament isn’t a death sentence, and for the Longhorns, the bigger picture still lies ahead.

Texas entered the SEC Tournament on a hot streak, riding high off a strong finish to the regular season that included key series wins and surging offensive production. But as is often the case in Hoover, the unpredictable nature of postseason baseball struck quickly. The Longhorns dropped a heartbreaker in their opening game and were sent packing earlier than anticipated. Yet Schlossnagle, now in his second year guiding Texas, isn’t hitting the panic button.

“We didn’t go to Hoover to lose, but at the same time, it’s not the last thing that defines us,” Schlossnagle said following the tournament. “I still think we’ve got a really good team that’s built for what’s coming next.”

What’s coming next is, of course, the NCAA Tournament—where Texas has long made its name. With 38 appearances and 37 regional titles in the program’s storied history, the postseason stage is familiar territory for the Longhorns. And for Schlossnagle, who led TCU to five College World Series appearances, the road to Omaha is where he’s most comfortable. That confidence trickles down to his players, even in the wake of the SEC disappointment.

This year’s Texas team is a blend of emerging stars, veteran leadership, and unrelenting grit. While the season began with inconsistency—especially on the mound—Schlossnagle and his staff have steadily shaped a roster that plays hard, trusts each other, and embraces the challenge of postseason baseball.

One of the more positive developments late in the season has been the offensive surge from the top of the order. Junior outfielder Max Belyeu has been electric, hitting over .320 since the start of April with timely power and plate discipline. His presence at the top of the lineup has created opportunities for sluggers like Jared Thomas and Porter Brown, who have both delivered key RBIs during Texas’ late push.

“We’re seeing the ball really well right now,” Belyeu said after the SEC Tournament. “It didn’t go our way in Hoover, but that doesn’t mean our bats have cooled off. We know what we can do.”

The biggest question heading into the NCAA Tournament is pitching. Texas has leaned heavily on starters like Lebarron Johnson Jr. and Ace Whitehead, but inconsistency—especially in the middle innings—has cost them in tight games. Johnson, in particular, has flashed brilliance with a 96 mph fastball and a hard-breaking slider, but his command sometimes wanes, leading to elevated pitch counts and short outings. Still, Schlossnagle is encouraged by the depth he’s seen develop as the season progressed.

“We’ve had to ask a lot from guys who didn’t expect to carry this kind of load in February,” Schlossnagle said. “But the good thing is that it’s given us a bullpen that’s been tested and guys who’ve responded.”

Among those is freshman right-hander Zane Morehouse, who has stepped into high-leverage situations and shown impressive poise. Morehouse, along with dependable reliever Travis Sthele, could be pivotal pieces as Texas navigates its regional and—if all goes well—super regional assignments.

“We’re not perfect,” Schlossnagle said. “But we’re battle-tested. That counts for something in June.”

Another X-factor heading into the tournament is the team’s health. After dealing with nagging injuries throughout the spring, Texas appears to be trending in the right direction physically. Key contributors who were limited in April are now closer to full strength, giving the Longhorns a more complete lineup and defensive unit heading into their regional.

Texas also boasts an experienced infield anchored by shortstop Mitchell Daly, whose glove has been steady all year and whose bat has come alive at the right time. Daly’s ability to turn the double play and keep mistakes to a minimum gives the pitching staff extra confidence in crunch time.

And while Schlossnagle is optimistic, he’s also realistic. The SEC is unforgiving. Even a team like Texas, with a rich tradition and seasoned roster, can find itself on the edge come Selection Monday. But Schlossnagle believes the Longhorns did enough over the last six weeks to earn not just a tournament berth, but potentially a host site—though that decision will come down to the committee.

“If we get to play at home, great,” Schlossnagle said. “If not, we’ll go wherever we need to go. We’re not scared of anyone. This team has gone through too much and worked too hard to be fazed by a plane ride or a new stadium.”

That toughness has become a calling card for Schlossnagle’s program in just a short time. The former TCU coach was brought in to elevate Texas to new heights in the SEC, and while growing pains are expected, his vision is beginning to take shape. From the way the team carries itself to the precision of their preparation, Schlossnagle’s fingerprints are all over this Longhorns squad.

Even in the face of adversity, there’s a level of calm that comes from the top—and it’s beginning to define the culture inside the clubhouse. The players talk often about how Schlossnagle emphasizes the “controllables,” focusing only on effort, attitude, and preparation. That mindset, they say, is part of the reason they’re still confident despite the SEC Tournament stumble.

“We’ve been through ups and downs all season,” said third baseman Peyton Powell. “Coach tells us to flush it and move forward. One loss doesn’t define us. A weekend in Hoover doesn’t define us. We’re not done.”

It’s a sentiment Schlossnagle echoes. His track record in the postseason gives him credibility, and the trust his players place in him is evident. They’ve bought into his system, and with a roster loaded with upperclassmen and young talent, the Longhorns believe their best baseball may still be ahead.

There’s also a sense of unfinished business. After a strong showing in 2023 that ended in heartbreak in the super regional, returning players have used that disappointment as fuel. This year’s team wants to take the next step—to Omaha, and beyond.

Schlossnagle isn’t promising results. That’s not his style. But he is promising effort. He’s promising preparation. And he’s promising that his team will show up ready to compete, no matter the opponent or the venue.

“I don’t know where we’ll go or who we’ll face,” Schlossnagle said. “But I know what kind of team we are. I know the fight in that room. And I know we’re going to give somebody a problem next weekend.”

It’s a message his players have embraced. And while the SEC Tournament didn’t go their way, the most important games still lie ahead. For the Texas Longhorns and Jim Schlossnagle, it’s time to turn the page—and keep chasing the ultimate prize.