College Baseball Opening Day 2025: Here’s What To Watch For

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Max Belyeu in a NCAA regional winners bracket game at Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park in College Station, Texas on Saturday, June 1, 2024. (Photo by Eddie Kelly / ProLook Photos)

After eight long months, Division I college baseball returns tomorrow. A new season is exciting for a multitude of reasons: everyone is 0-0 with a completely clean slate and optimism is abundant.

In what has been the case for the past two seasons, Baseball America each week will highlight a handful of series on which to keep a close eye. In standard weeks, we’ll discuss the five series we’re most looking forward to. But where there are a number of multi-team events this weekend, we’ll hone in on the Shriners Children’s College Showdown and MLB’s Desert Classic. While the MTEs will carry the load this weekend, there is a mighty intriguing series in Chapel Hill to monitor as well.

Shriners Children’s College Showdown

For the second-straight season, the Shriners Children’s College Showdown returns to Globe Life Field.

Here’s the field:

The tournament kicks off with a big-time matchup between Clemson and Oklahoma State, followed by Arizona-Ole Miss and Texas-Louisville. While everyone has at least one matchup against a ranked team, Louisville and Ole Miss’ entire slates are against ranked opponents. That’s no easy way to open up a season, but it does present each team with a big-time opportunity to start its season off on a high note.

Can Ole Miss Bounce Back?

After winning its first-ever national championship in 2022, Ole Miss has failed to make the tournament in each of the last two seasons. The Rebels are in position to change that this year, though, due in large part to their class of newcomers. Outfielders Isaac Humphrey (.310/.412/.565) and Mitchell Sanford (.381/.460/.708) each had strong seasons at their respective programs, Louisville and New Orleans, and provide the lineup with lefthanded thump. Returners Luke Hill (.291/.404/.378) and Campbell Smithwick (.266/.449/.367) are the team’s top returners. Hill turned it on towards the end of last season, while Smithwick is fresh off an impressive summer on the Cape in which he hit over .300 and a strong fall.

Ole Miss also has returning depth on the mound, headlined by lefthander Hunter Elliott. Elliott was out all of last season recovering from Tommy John Surgery, but shined as a freshman in 2022 to the tune of a 2.70 ERA with 102 strikeouts across 80 innings. In addition to Elliott, righthanders Riley Maddox (3-7, 5.48 ERA) and Mason Nichols (4-2, 4.15 ERA) return after solid 2024 campaigns of their own.

Louisville Needs A Hot Start, Too.

Louisville is in a similar boat as Ole Miss in that they have not made the tournament since 2022. But also like Ole Miss, there is reason for optimism in Louisville. From this chair, I think the Cardinals have the potential to win a pair of games this weekend. Their lineup took a big blow when Gavin Kilen entered the portal, but a returning nucleus of star sophomore Zion Rose (.380/.455/.584), Eddie King (.322/.409/.664), Lucas Moore (.318/.434/.409) and Matt Klein (.297/.389/.492) is a great core to build around. In addition to the aforementioned quartet, Michael Lippe (.345/.415/.448) showed well across a 58 at-bat sample, while Toledo transfer Garret Pike (.360/.435/.670) was outstanding last spring for the Rockets.

On the bump, Patrick Forbes has undoubtedly the best stuff on the staff. He was used largely in relief last season and pitched his way to a 3.72 ERA with 32 strikeouts across 29 innings. Forbes is in line to join the rotation full-time, and gives the Cardinals the potential to have a bonafide “dude” to give the ball to on Fridays. It doesn’t stop with Forbes, though, as 2024 Missouri Valley Pitcher of the Year Brennyn Cutts (7-1, 3.69 ERA) was an excellent addition via the transfer portal. Cutts compiled 30 starts across three seasons in Terre Haute and brings with him both a track record of success and loads of experience. Lefthander Colton Hartman (1-2, 5.90 ERA) notched 37 strikeouts across 29 innings as a freshman, while Tucker Biven (4-2, 3.82 ERA) will be the team’s “fireman” in the back end of the bullpen.

Key Players To Watch

Clemson, Oklahoma State, Texas and Arizona all have their own in-depth previews, though it’s still worth noting a couple of key players for each team.

Clemson

The Tigers are led by potential top 10 overall pick Cam Cannarella, who last year hit .337/.417/.561 with 16 doubles, 11 home runs and 60 RBIs. His skill set allows him to affect the game in a myriad of ways and he plays with an infectious energy and swagger that rubs off on everyone. On the bump, sophomore righthander Aidan Knaak (5-1, 3.35 ERA) struck out 108 across 83.1 innings last season and is one of the top sophomore arms in the country. After winning the ACC conference tournament title in 2023, Clemson last year advanced to its first super regional since 2010. Coach Erik Bakich has the Tigers headed in the right direction and 2025 could be the year they break down the door to Omaha.

Oklahoma State

In what is a bit of a change of pace from previous years, the strength of this year’s Oklahoma State team is its pitching. Hawaii transfer Harrison Bodendorf (4-3, 4.61 ERA) will get the ball on Fridays, and the southpaw is armed with a plus changeup that’s a legitimate swing-and-miss pitch. Gabe Davis (2-4, 4.17 ERA) is a likely top-two round pick this July, while Sean Youngerman (8-1, 3.71 ERA) will anchor the bullpen.

Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year Nolan Schubart—who last year swatted 23 home runs—is one of the most prolific power hitters in college baseball (.370/.513/.838) and will be the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ starting nine. Oklahoma State is on an impressive 11-year tournament streak, but it has advanced to a super regional just once during that span. With a balanced roster and a deep pitching staff, it is armed with the necessary pieces to be playing well into June.

Texas

To say it was an eventful offseason in Austin would be a severe understatement. After the Longhorns fired former head coach David Pierce, they sent shockwaves through college baseball by hiring Texas A&M head coach Jim Schlossnagle.

Schlossnagle has a strong returning core offensively, led by 2024 Big 12 Player of the Year Max Belyeu (.329/.423/.667) and Jalin Flores (.340/.408/.656). A draft-eligible sophomore last year, Flores could have signed if he wanted to but he settled on returning to the forty acres. There are more question marks on the pitching staff, but Indiana State transfer—and 14th-round pick last July—Jared Spencer (6-0, 4.08 ERA) is armed with an effective fastball-slider combination. The staff’s x-factor might be UTSA transfer Ruger Riojas (10-3, 3.25 ERA). Riojas last season collected 75 strikeouts across 69.1 innings and enjoyed an impressive fall. He can be deployed in a number of situations and might lead the team in appearances when all is said and done.

Between having a new head coach at the helm and joining the SEC, it will be a year of firsts for Texas. However, the Longhorns have a rich tradition and track record of success that figure to continue as year one of the Schlossnagle era commences.

Arizona

Arizona coach Chip Hale has done an outstanding job through his first three years. The Wildcats have made the tournament each season and last year captured the Pac-12 conference tournament title. Their lineup this spring is led by the dynamic duo of Brendan Summerhill (.324/.399/.550) and Mason White (.305/.392/.603). Summerhill is a potential first-round pick this July, while White profiles as a likely top-five round selection.

There are plenty of new faces on the pitching staff, but 6-foot-5 righthander Collin McKinney (3-6, 6.70 ERA) will headline the rotation after striking out 60 across 49.2 innings last season at Baylor. Freshman southpaw Mason Russell is one of the most impressive freshman arms and is also in line to pitch on the weekends. Shifting focus to the bullpen, sidewinder Casey Hintz (3-1, 4.13 ERA) returns after a solid sophomore season and an impressive summer on the Cape in which he was named an all-star.

How To Watch The Shriners Children’s College Showdown

Our college baseball streaming guide for 2025 can be found here, but all of this weekend’s action at Globe Life can be streamed via FloSports (subscription required).

MLB’s Desert Invitational

The Desert Invitational has quickly turned into one of the most stacked early season MTEs in college baseball. This season is no different, and this year’s field is headlined by No. 15 Vanderbilt and No. 24 UC Irvine. Here’s the full field:

• No. 15 Vanderbilt
• No. 24 UC Irvine
• Nebraska
• Grand Canyon
• Austin Peay
• New Mexico
• San Diego State
• Seton Hall

Key Players To Watch

The action kicks off on Friday with a matchup between UC Irvine and Nebraska, though the night cap between Vanderbilt and GCU is one of the best tilts of the tournament. Vanderbilt and UC Irvine have their own team previews, but I’ll still worth highlighting their key players.

Vanderbilt

Under the guise of legendary head coach Tim Corbin, Vanderbilt has cemented itself as one of the premier programs in the sport. While it’s unknown if star freshman Brodie Johnston and transfer Mike Mancini will play this weekend, the Commodores will still be led by likely top-three round pick RJ Austin (.335/.402/.471). Getting veteran shortstop Jonathan Vastine (.299/.384/.545) back was also a big win for the ‘Dores, and he will again man the six-hole. Returning depth up the middle is key, and Vanderbilt has plenty of it. On the bump, southpaws JD Thompson (5-2, 4.15 ERA) and Ethan McElvain (1-2, 3.34 ERA) will lead the charge followed by impact transfer Cody Bowker (5-1, 3.00 ERA).

UC Irvine

UC Irvine last year enjoyed one of its most successful seasons in program history, as it won 45 games and a pair of games in the Corvallis regional. Since coach Ben Orloff took over in 2019, the Anteaters have finished above .500 each year and have made the tournament twice. Potential top-five round pick Anthony Martinez (.316/.422/.492) is one of the most polished bats on the West Coast, and he again will headline the offense. Veteran infielder Will Bermudez (.301/.420/.447) after a solid 2024 campaign, while a trio of transfers in Zach Fjelstad (.261/.414/.348), Jacob McCombs (.333/.438/.593) and Colin Yeaman (.443/.541/.900) give the lineup depth. My favorite arm on the pitching staff is sophomore lefty Ricky Ojeda, who last year pitched his way to a 3.46 ERA with 74 strikeouts to 25 walks. He’s a strike-thrower with stuff to boot.

Nebraska

Nebraska last year captured its first Big Ten conference tournament title since 2005 to secure its second tournament berth in the last four seasons. The Cornhuskers return their three top hitters—Rhett Stokes (.360/.409/.487), Case Sanderson (.338/.469/.450) and Gabe Swansen (.327/.385/.653)—as well as three of their top starters on the mound in Mason McConnaughey (9-3, 3.45 ERA), Drew Christo (3-3, 4.62 ERA) and Will Walsh (5-4, 5.06 ERA). They were on the cusp of the top 25 and could play their way into the ranking in short order.

Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon has both won the WAC’s regular-season title and made the tournament in three of the last four seasons. Coach Greg Wallis has done an excellent job, and this year’s ‘Lopes team enters as the preseason favorite to win the conference. Zach Yorke (.285/.390/.478) is both their best bat and a mid-major draft prospect to follow. He has an intriguing hit-power combination with a knack for finding the barrel. Sophomore righthander Connor Mattison (6-5, 5.67 ERA) enjoyed a successful freshman year in which he struck out 80 across 60.1 innings, while junior righty Isaac Lyon (6-1, 3.97 ERA) is a seasoned strike-thrower who avoids hard contact.

Austin Peay

Roland Fanning has done an outstanding job since taking over as Austin Peay’s head man in 2022. The 2024 ASUN Coach of the Year led the Governors to their first regular-season conference title since 2012 and their offense ranked first nationally in a plethora of categories. The Governors lost a lot of production offensively, but they did return three key pieces in Gus Freeman (.375/.506/.617), John Bay (.365/.471/.817) and Brody Szako (.319/.429/.628). Bay (24) and Szako (15) combined to hit 39 home runs and bring plenty of thump to the middle of the lineup. The main question for Austin Peay is whether or not their pitching will take a step forward from last season. Its 7.48 ERA is a mark to forget, but Jacob Weaver led the staff with 66 strikeouts and will lead the rotation.

New Mexico

New Mexico last season won 28 games, which was its highest single-season total since 2017. The Lobos this year will be led by veteran outfielder Will Asby, who last year hit .333/.422/.601 with 31 extra-base hits and 59 RBIs. 2024 was a season to forget for San Diego State, as it won just 17 games. Second-year head coach Shaun Cole will look to right the ship in 2025, and his offense will be led by Finley Bates (.292/.358/.397). Rounding out the field is Seton Hall, who is a dark horse to win the Big East. It boasts the conference’s top incoming transfer in AJ Soldra (.345/.406/.483), whose speed and hit-ability profile well atop the Pirates’ lineup.

How To Watch MLB’s Desert Invitational

All 12 games this weekend can be streamed on MLB.com, but three games—Vanderbilt versus Grand Canyon, Austin Peay versus Seton Hall and Nebraska versus Vanderbilt—will be on MLB Network.

Texas Tech at No. 12 North Carolina

In what is one of the most intriguing series of opening weekend, Texas Tech travels to Chapel Hill to square off with No. 12 North Carolina. After making the College World Series for the first time since 2018 last season, North Carolina again heads into the season with Omaha aspirations.

The Tar Heels lost their top four hitters from last year’s team and will especially miss dynamic centerfielder Vance Honeycutt, but their lineup has a trio of formidable bats in star catcher and likely first-round pick Luke Stevenson (.284/.420/.535), potential top-two round pick Kane Kepley (.330/.482/.521) and infielder Gavin Gallaher (.314/.392/.491). Blue chip sophomore Jason DeCaro (6-1, 3.81 ERA) is one of the premier underclass arms in the country and will lead the rotation, while lefthander Folger Boaz (3-1, 5.77 ERA) will look to return to form after his 2024 season was cut short due to an injury. After making an eye-popping 36 appearances last spring, Matthew Matthijs (12-4, 3.72 ERA) will again anchor the bullpen. To read more about North Carolina, check out their season preview.

Last year snapped a seven-year regional streak for Texas Tech, but the Red Raiders with renewed optimism. Their top-two hitters—Damian Bravo (.378/.438/.583) Dylan Maxcey (.349/.398/.547)—will anchor the lineup, along with premier sophomore TJ Pompey (.279/.389/.516). On the mound, Lukas Pirko (5-3, 3.84 ERA) was a key addition via the transfer portal. Pirko last year collected 76 strikeouts in 72.2 innings and is most valuable weapon is an above-average changeup. Pirko will be accompanied by fellow sophomore Mac Heuer (4-5, 5.94 ERA), a physical righthander who logged plenty of innings last year as a freshman.

How To Watch Texas Tech at No. 12 North Carolina

The series kicks off tomorrow afternoon at 4:00 PM EST and all three games can be streamed via ACC Network Extra.

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