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Tennessee Vols (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
Projecting Omaha-bound teams in early April leaves plenty of room for interpretation, but a few clear contenders have already separated themselves.
Baseball America’s first in-season Eight for Omaha projection highlights a mix of proven powerhouses, steady risers and a couple bold selections. All eight teams are listed alphabetically and have shown—through performance, depth or upside—that they have the tools to compete deep into June.
Arkansas
Record: 31-3; 11-1 SEC
Current ranking: No. 1
After consecutive early exits in 2023 and 2024 despite hosting regionals, Arkansas looks built for redemption. The Razorbacks are among the nation’s most balanced teams, ranking third in scoring and 10th in ERA entering the season’s ninth weekend. Cam Kozeal and Charles Davalan continue to bat above .400, while Davalan, Wehiwa Aloy and Brent Iredale have launched double-digit homers. Pitching-wise, lefthanders Zach Root (3.48 ERA) and Landon Beidelschies (3.82) anchor a deep staff. A brutal closing stretch—Texas, LSU, Tennessee—awaits, but this version of Arkansas has the firepower to finally break through in June.
Clemson
Record: 31-5; 9-3 ACC
Current ranking: No. 5
After falling short in a Super Regional last year, the Tigers appear poised to take the next step. Offensively, they haven’t matched the firepower of last season’s group, but the pitching staff has more than made up the difference. Clemson’s current 3.98 FIP and 3.38 SIERA mark its best statistical performance on the mound since 2020, and its 26% strikeout rate paired with a .285 BABIP paints the picture of a staff that can compete deep into June. The lineup has been more about discipline and timely hitting than gaudy numbers. Just three players—Jarren Purify, Cam Cannarella and Dominic Listi—are hitting above .300, and Josh Paino is the only power bat with more than four home runs and an average north of .265. Still, there’s a confidence to this team—one built around pitching, experience and the kind of defensive polish that travels well in the postseason.
Florida State
Record: 25-7; 8-4 ACC
Current ranking: No. 13
Florida State enters the final stretch of the regular season with a roster that remains built for postseason success. The Seminoles rank No. 50 nationally in scoring, a step back from last year’s veteran-led group, but led by potential National Player of the Year Alex Lodise, they’re tied for 10th in home runs, a potential sign that their offense still has more impact to give. On the mound, the rotation is a clear strength. Jamie Arnold, a No. 1 overall pick candidate in 2025, anchors the staff, with Joey Volini and Wes Mendes providing impressive depth behind him. Florida State will look to rebound from a rough weekend against Wake Forest that included two run-rule losses, but its combination of top-end pitching and power gives it a strong foundation for a return to Omaha.
Kansas
Record: 27-7; 9-3 Big 12
Current ranking: No. 19
One of two bolder picks in this iteration of Eight for Omaha, Kansas has positioned itself as one of the more surprising contenders in college baseball this season. The Jayhawks are off to the best start in program history, sitting at 27-7 overall and 9-3 in Big 12 play through eight weekends. Offensively, they’ve been one of the nation’s most dangerous lineups—ranking fourth in home runs and 14th in scoring—while the pitching staff has held its own with a team ERA ranked 44th nationally. That balance has helped Kansas maintain a consistent presence near the top of the Big 12 standings. It’s fair to wonder how a group built mostly with non-Division I transfers will perform in a postseason field likely filled with bluebloods, but so far, Kansas has more than held its own against high-major opponents. Early results suggest the Jayhawks belong in the conversation, and their statistical performance has been that of a team capable of making a deep push.
LSU
Record: 31-3; 10-2 SEC
Current ranking: No. 3
LSU has performed like one of the most complete teams in the country this season, with consistent production on both sides of the ball. Offensively, seven regulars—Jared Jones, Derek Curiel, Daniel Dickinson, Steven Milam, Chris Stanfield, Jake Brown and Luis Hernandez—are batting above .300 while appearing in at least 25 games. Jones leads the team in power with 11 home runs and remains a key middle-of-the-order presence. On the mound, the Tigers have frontline talent and depth. Lefthander Kade Anderson has pitched at a level worthy of National Pitcher of the Year consideration, while righthander Anthony Eyanson has been one of the most reliable No. 2 starters in the country. In the bullpen, Zac Cowan has emerged as one of the nation’s top relievers, giving LSU a high-leverage option late in games. With this kind of balance and output, LSU is tracking as a strong candidate to make a return trip to Omaha.
Tennessee
Record: 29-4; 9-3 SEC
Current ranking: No. 4
Even with a slight stumble against Texas A&M, Tennessee remains one of college baseball’s premier forces. Through 33 games, it has outpaced last year’s national title team in win percentage and ranks fifth nationally in scoring and third in ERA. Lefthander Liam Doyle has emerged as one of the top arms in the country, while Marcus Phillips has solidified the rotation as a dependable Saturday option. Offensively, the Volunteers are loaded again. Hunter Ensley, Andrew Fischer, Dean Curley, Dalton Bargo and Levi Clark, among a host of others, headline a lineup that’s among the deepest in the country and more than capable of another Omaha run.
Texas
Record: 27-4; 11-1 SEC
Current ranking: No. 2
Texas has quickly established itself as one of the nation’s top teams in year one under Jim Schlossnagle, opening the season 27-4 overall and 11-1 in SEC play. A mix of portal additions and homegrown talent has helped the Longhorns make an immediate impact in their new conference, with both the offense and pitching staff producing at a high level. At the plate, Ethan Mendoza, Adrian Rodriguez, Rylan Galvan and Will Gasparino have led a deep lineup that’s produced consistent run support. On the mound, Jared Spencer has been the clear ace, while former closer Ruger Riojas has successfully transitioned to a starting role. Luke Harrison has paced the trio with a 2.55 ERA, and all three enter mid April with ERAs below 3.25. The combination of top-end talent, experienced leadership and early dominance in SEC play makes Texas one of the most complete and reliable teams in the national picture.
Texas A&M
Record: 18-15; 4-9 SEC
Current ranking: NR
Despite a brutal start that earned them the unwanted title of worst-opening stretch by a preseason No. 1 since 1999 USC, Texas A&M has shown recent signs of life. The Aggies have won three straight games in SEC play, including a statement series win over then-No. 1 Tennessee, and have started to resemble the team many expected. The rotation—Ryan Prager, Justin Lamkin and Myles Patton—has been steady with ERAs in the mid-to-high-3s, and the bats have begun to stir. Jace LaViolette remains the team’s biggest threat, but Wyatt Henseler, Terrance Kiel III, Caden Sorrell and Bear Harrison have all contributed to an offense that finally looks awake. The postseason path is narrow, no question. But the Aggies still possess top-end talent, and if they sneak into the field, they could be a nightmare matchup for just about anyone. It’s early enough that there’s quite a bit of room for projection in the Eight for Omaha predictions, so I’m choosing to ride with the Aggies’ recent momentum in this one while betting on their talent.
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