“I like where we are:” Jarrett names weekend rotation, previews JMU ahead of Opening Day
Florida State head coach Link Jarrett set the first dominoes of the 2026 season on Thursday, announcing his weekend starting rotation and finalizing a key infield decision ahead of Opening Day on Friday (Eastern Time). With a three-game series against James Madison set to begin in Tallahassee, Jarrett emphasized growth, repeatability and a mixture of veterans and new faces as the Seminoles reset after significant roster turnover.
Weekend rotation locked: Mendes, Beard, Moore
Jarrett confirmed a weekend trio to open the season: left-hander Wes Mendes will take the Friday night start, followed by lefty Trey Beard and right-hander Bryson Moore. Mendes, who was the club’s Sunday starter a season ago, brings postseason experience after starting in both the Tallahassee Regional and the Corvallis Super Regional during the 2025 postseason.
Beard’s role remains as the southpaw option behind Mendes, while Moore — a transfer who had to earn his spot — claimed the third weekend slot. The decision gives Jarrett a mix of established arms and a high-upside newcomer to attack lineups across the weekend.
Why Mendes gets the Friday nod
Jarrett pointed to Mendes’ pitch mix and repeatability as the deciding factors for the prime Friday assignment. “The pitch mix is noticeable. He’s got multiple breaking pitches. The changeup has always been very good. The fastball life has always been very good. His continued growth and additional success will come from repeatability, ” Jarrett said.
That combination of arsenal and consistency was enough to move Mendes into the role that often defines a weekend staff, a show of confidence from a coach entering his fourth season with the program.
Moore’s role earned; health and consistency the keys
Moore’s elevation to the weekend rotation was not automatic. The junior arrived in Tallahassee after two seasons at his previous school, where innings were limited — a combined 31. 1 innings in Charlottesville. Moore’s profile is tantalizing: a mid-90s fastball that complements a five-pitch mix and the makings of a frontline starter if he can stay healthy and locate consistently.
Jarrett framed Moore as a pitcher with huge upside contingent on staying durable and repeating mechanics. The coaching staff will monitor workload and progress, hoping Moore’s stuff translates into reliable production across long relief or weekend starts.
Middle infield competition narrows; Fisher at short
On the defensive side, Jarrett said the competition in the middle infield has been active and fluid. For Opening Day, Cal Fisher will get the start at shortstop. A Wisconsin native, Fisher has logged time at third base and second base in prior seasons and moves into the shortstop role following Alex Lodise’s departure.
“He has been very consistent. I think his knowledge of what we’re trying to do systematically helps that. His throwing accuracy stands out to me…He’s got a knack for the double play feed and pivot at that position and he’s solidified the opportunity to play short tomorrow, ” Jarrett said.
The coach left other defensive spots unsettled, signaling that internal battles could continue early in the season as the staff seeks the best combinations both offensively and defensively.
Outlook: expectations remain high despite turnover
Even after replacing more than half of the roster, Florida State enters the weekend with top-20 expectations in several preseason ballots, and a clean historical edge over James Madison — the Seminoles are 9-0 all-time against the Dukes. The pitching staff, however, will look markedly different from one season ago, placing a premium on early-season health and consistent performances from the new-look group.
Jarrett sounded optimistic about where the team stands heading into the opener. “I like where we are, ” he said, a concise assessment that underscores confidence but also the work that remains as the Seminoles try to blend new contributors with returning pieces in pursuit of early momentum.
