ATLANTA - Georgia State head coach Brad Stromdahl has named right-hander Tysen Benford as the Panthers' Opening Day starter for the 2026 season.

Benford, entering his third season in the program, takes the ball to begin the year after serving in a key role on the pitching staff in 2025. He appeared in 20 games with two starts last season, posting a 1–1 record with a 4.67 ERA across 52.0 innings while striking out 41 batters and recording four saves. The North Paulding product provided flexibility for the Panthers a year ago, working multiple innings out of the bullpen and making spot starts throughout the season. His ability to throw strikes and handle different roles on the staff made him a consistent option on the mound. Benford also earned a win on the road at Alabama State and logged several extended outings, including a six-inning performance in a start.

Benford becomes the latest in a line of Georgia State pitchers to earn the honor of starting the first game of the season. Below is a look at the Panthers' Opening Day starters over the last 20 seasons.

2026 - Tysen Benford (Junior)
2025 – Ross Norman (Sophomore)
2024 – Rob Evans (Junior)
2023 – Ryan Watson (Senior)
2022 – Brandon Kaminer (Grad Student)
2021 – Ryan Watson (Sophomore)
2020 – Seth Clark (Sophomore)
2019 –  Hunter Gaddis (Junior)
2018 – Hunter Gaddis (Sophomore)
2017 – Bryce Conley (Senior)
2016 – Cole Uvila (Senior)
2015 – Nathan Bates (Junior)
2014 – Nathan Bates (Sophomore)
2013 – Nick Squegila (Senior)
2012 – Jake Dyer (Senior)
2011 – Justin Malone (Junior) 
2010 – David Buchanan (Junior)
2009 – Robinson Polanco (Senior)
2008 – Robinson Polanco (Junior)
2007 – Bobby Benett (Junior)
2006 – Roman Hicks (Junior)
2005 – Ben Rulon (Sophomore)