ALBANY, N.Y. - The University at Albany baseball program has announced that Dylan Banner, Matthew Mariano, Luke Filippi, and Levi McAllister will serve as team captains for the 2026 season. 

"This year Luke Filippi and Levi McAllister will join Matthew Mariano and Dylan Banner as our team captains,” said Head Coach Jon Mueller. “All four student-athletes have helped set the tone throughout the fall season. They have set a positive example for our team on a daily basis and helped guide the current and new team members on and off the field. We are looking forward to our rigorous non-conference schedule as well as the highly competitive America East schedule in 2026."

Dylan Banner

Senior | RHP | Plainview, N.Y.

Banner returns as one of UAlbany’s most reliable starting pitchers after leading the staff in starts, innings, ERA, and strikeouts in 2025. His conference production earned him preseason recognition entering 2026, and he remains one of the top right-handed starters in the America East. Banner also reprises his role as captain for a second straight season. 

Matthew Mariano

Redshirt Senior | RHP | Clifton Park, N.Y.

Mariano made 20 appearances with multiple starts for UAlbany last season, finishing among the team leaders in innings pitched and strikeouts. The redshirt senior brings experience and durability to the pitching staff as he enters his fifth year with the program and continues as a returning captain for the Great Danes.

Luke Filippi

Senior | OF | Port Jefferson, N.Y.

Filippi returns as a consistent presence in the lineup after starting in a majority of games last spring. He finished the 2025 campaign as one of the team’s top run producers, adding power, speed on the bases, and strong fielding. Entering his fourth season with the program, Filippi has appeared in more than 100 career games for the Great Danes.

Levi McAllister

Senior | C | Concord, N.H.

McAllister anchors the UAlbany lineup after posting a team-leading batting average and slugging percentage a season ago. He drove in more than 50 runs during the 2025 campaign and was among the conference leaders in extra-base hits. Behind the plate, McAllister logged over 40 starts and established himself as one of the top catchers in the America East, earning 2026 preseason honors.

The Great Danes head down to Lubbock, Texas, to open the 2026 season on Friday, February 20 at 2:00 PM against Texas Tech.

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