The curtains closed on an era of Utah baseball this weekend as the Utes wrapped up their final season at Smith’s Ballpark. Finishing with a 21-29 overall record and 8-22 in Big 12 Conference play, the Utes ended the 2025 season with a 2-3 series loss to Texas Christian University and officially placed last in the conference standings.
Needing a sweep to keep their Big 12 Championship hopes alive, the Utes dropped 2 of 3 to the Horned Frogs and missed the conference tournament in their first year in the Big 12. While the weekend was filled with emotion and tributes, it also highlighted a season that didn’t go as planned.
Thursday’s opener saw Utah in control for most of the night, taking a 5-4 lead in the top of the ninth inning. But TCU exploded for nine runs in the final frame, capitalizing on three walks and seven hits to steal a 13-5 win. Despite the meltdown, Utah’s offense showed life — collecting 15 hits, just two shy of its season high in conference play. Core Jackson, Tyler Quinn and Matt Flaharty each tallied three hits, while Colter McAnelly struck out six over seven innings, bringing his season total to 92 — the fourth most in program history.
The Utes bounced back Friday with a quick start, putting up seven runs in the first inning en route to an 8-6 win. Five different hitters had multi-hit games, led by Kaden Carpenter’s career-best four-hit night and a three-run homer by Quinn. Merit Jones picked up the win, and Mateus Conaway closed things out for his second save of the year.
Saturday’s finale served as both Senior Day and a farewell to Smith’s Ballpark, Utah’s home since 1996. A crowd of fans gathered to honor the eight-member senior class and reflect on nearly three decades of memories. Fans were given commemorative paper tickets and invited onto the warning track after the game to say goodbye to the park.
Class of 2025 includes Conaway, Jackson, Quinn, Drake Digiorno, Jackson Elder, Brady Joyner, Bransen Kuehl and Santino Panaro.
But the Utes couldn’t cap the weekend with a win, falling 6-8 in the season finale. With the loss, Utah officially missed the Big 12 tournament and ended the year in last place.
Still, there were individual bright spots. Jackson was recently named the No. 10 shortstop in the country by D1Baseball. He led the team in nearly every offensive category, including batting average (.353), slugging (.637), RBIs (43), home runs (12) and runs scored (57). As a team, the Utes ranked second in the Big 12 in doubles per game (2.34).
Now, all eyes turn to the 2026 season and the opening of Charlie Monfort Field at America First Ballpark on campus. After a tough introduction to Big 12 baseball, the Utes will look to reset, rebuild and return to contention in a new home.
