sports

NCAA approves robot umpire challenge system for SEC Tournament

The NCAA Baseball Rules Committee has approved an automated ball-and-strike challenge system for the 2026 SEC Tournament, marking the first use of a robot umpire in college baseball's postseason.

Teams will be able to challenge umpire calls using an automated tracking system similar to Major League Baseball. Each team starts with three challenges, retaining them if successful but losing one if the original call stands. playerbros.org

The system will display the pitch location on the videoboard and broadcast. Commissioner Greg Sankey stated the innovation helps student-athletes prepare for the professional level. The tournament is scheduled for May 19-24 in Hoover, Alabama.