Oklahoma State Announces Return of Five Starters, Headlined by Kollin Ritchie

STILLWATER – Tuesday was a good day for Oklahoma State baseball as it was announced five starters are returning for the 2027 season. Headlined by slugger Kollin Ritchie, the Cowboys announced the return of catcher Campbell Smithwick, Garrett Shull and pitchers Stormy Rhodes and Hunter Watkins.

Ritchie announced his return over the weekend following the conclusion of the 2026 MLB Draft.

He finished the season with a .326 batting average, 81 runs scored, 75 RBIs and 31 home runs, which are the second most by a Cowboy hitter in program history, behind only Pete Incaviglia’s NCAA record 48.

A semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award and Dick Howser Trophy, Ritchie led the team with 20 multi-RBI games and finished the year ranked in the top 12 nationally in home runs (31), total bases (185), runs (81), slugging percentage (.804) and RBIs (75).

Garrett Shull had an improved sophomore season as he hit .226 across 53 games. In 164 at-bats, he recorded four doubles, two triples and 14 home runs with 39 RBIs. Strikeouts were a big problem as he had 74 to 29 walks. 

As a junior, Campbell Smithwick had a solid first season in Stillwater as he hit .275 across 57 games. In 182 at-bats, he had 11 doubles, 10 home runs and 43 RBIs. He also had 41 strikeouts to 36 walks. In the field, he finished with .994 fielding percentage with three errors.

Much like Shull, pitcher Stormy Rhodes had an improved sophomore season as well. He finished the season with a 4.04 ERA across 21 appearances with a 4-2 record. In 64.2 innings, he recorded 62 strikeouts to 20 walks, giving up 12 doubles and five home runs.

As for Hunter Watkins, he’s coming back from a season-ending knee injury this past season. He finished 2025 with a 6.23 ERA across 14 appearances and a 4-3 record. In 52 innings, he recorded 54 strikeouts to 20 walks, giving up 11 doubles, two triples and 13 home runs.