Fresno State outfielder Sky Collins is back in the lineup this season, less than a year after suffering a severe ankle injury during the 2025 Mountain West championship.

Collins, a former Buchanan High School and Fresno City College standout, was hurt while sliding into second base in last year's title game.

His 2025 season ended as he was taken off the field, but he said he never doubted he would be ready for the start of 2026.

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"I always expected to be on the field day one and it was a long humbling process... one week I'd feel good but I always knew that even if it was a little painful, I'd push through and be out there opening day," Collins said.

Collins opened the season as Fresno State's starting center fielder and is hitting .370 in the early going.

Head coach Ryan Overland credited the program's strength staff for helping Collins return. He also said encouragement came from a familiar face in Fresno State athletics.

"Every time I see coach Hill he brings up coach Hill and seeing Sky in the weight room and he knows that process of what it takes to get through so... anybody who gives their blessing of toughness and being a Bulldog, there's no one better than coach Hill," Overland said.

Now healthy, Collins said he is embracing a leadership role while playing in front of those who watched him grow up.

"Being able to have my family in the stands at all times - seeing my little brother, my little sister, my grandpa, my grandma... my whole family watches me and not have to travel far... it's been a dream to play on this field and to grow up here and to play here," he said.

Overland said he hopes to have Owen Faust and Cam Schneider return this weekend, while Cayden Munster remains a couple of weeks away.

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