College baseball preseason top 25: Why Texas A&M, Arkansas, UVA lead the pack in our rankings

After a wild summer, Texas A&M has emerged as college baseball’s preseason favorite with a stacked roster and a new-look coaching staff. The 2024 College World Series runners-up are aiming to be the last team standing in June.

There is plenty of stiff competition for A&M. Within the SEC, Arkansas, LSU and reigning national champion Tennessee are set to push the Aggies. Virginia leads the pack from the ACC, and the new-look Big 12 and Big Ten conferences figure to be competitive as well.

Opening Day is three weeks away in college baseball. The Road to Omaha will have many twists and turns over the next six months, but there’s sure to be no shortage of drama and big moments along the way, as college baseball gears up for another exciting spring.

1. Texas A&M

Why they’re ranked here: A&M returns the bulk of the team that finished as runner-up to Tennessee in the College World Series. All-American Jace LaViolette may be the best player in the country, and 2024 SEC Freshman of the Year Gavin Grahovac also returns in the heart of the order. Ace Ryan Prager unexpectedly returned to College Station after being drafted 81st overall and will again lead the rotation.

Why there’s room for improvement: There’s a new face in the dugout after coach Jim Schlossnagle abruptly left for archrival Texas immediately following the season. A&M ultimately turned to assistant coach Michael Earley, 36, to replace him. Earley is well-respected as a hitting coach, but he’s never been a head coach and now must quickly adjust to the role and shoulder weighty expectations.

Opposing coach: “I think the best team is A&M. You start thinking about LaViolette, Grahovac, (Penn transfer Wyatt) Henseler’s there, (Kaeden) Kent moves to short, (Caden) Sorrell is back, they get Prager back. It feels like A&M is the most complete team.”

2. Arkansas

Why they’re ranked here: Arkansas lost All-American Hagen Smith and the rest of its rotation, but the Razorbacks again look like they may have the best pitching staff in the country. Right-handers Gabe Gaeckle and Will McEntire return, and Arkansas grabbed left-handers Landon Beidelschies (Ohio State) and Zach Root (East Carolina) from the transfer portal. However coach Dave Van Horn and pitching coach Matt Hobbs choose to line things up, they again will have a wealth of premium pitchers to deploy.

Why there’s room for improvement: Arkansas’s offense did not produce at the same level as its pitching staff last season, and it will need to improve around the returning core of Wehiwa Aloy, Kendall Diggs and Ryder Helfrick. But, again, Arkansas brought in some key transfers like Logan Maxwell (TCU) and Cam Kozeal (Vanderbilt).

Opposing coach: “Arkansas got, in my mind, the two best lefties in the whole portal in Root and Beidelschies. Combine that with Gaeckle and some other guys they’ve got, and they seem like they’re loaded for bear on the mound. Aloy can play short, and Helfrick is powerful. Hard to think anyone is more talented than A&M and Arkansas.”

3. Virginia

Why they’re ranked here: The Cavaliers return six starters from a lineup that was one of the best in the country in 2024 and looks like it will again be a premier unit this spring. Leading hitter Henry Godbout, top power threat Harrison Didawick, catcher Jacob Ference and Freshman All-American Henry Ford are all back to anchor the group. Virginia also added another blue-chip recruit in outfielder James Nunnallee.

Why there’s room for improvement: Virginia is not as well established on the mound. Left-hander Evan Blanco last year emerged as the team’s ace and returns, along with right-hander Jay Woolfolk, who was the Cavs’ best pitcher in the NCAA Tournament. With better injury luck in 2025, the pitching staff could be imposing, but it still must prove itself.

Opposing coach: “Virginia is good. I think they’re going to have like a 1.000 OPS as a team, and Blanco is an ace. They’re at the top of the (ACC).”

4. LSU

Why they’re ranked here: LSU has stacked as much talent as any team in the country. The Tigers have some premium returners, including first baseman Jared Jones (28 HRs) and second baseman Steven Milam (2024 Freshman All-American). LSU will also welcome back right-hander Chase Shores, who missed last year due to Tommy John surgery but has the tools to be an ace. The Tigers also have an elite group of newcomers (both freshmen and transfers), giving coach Jay Johnson a lot of options when filling out his lineup card.

Why there’s room for improvement: While LSU has a wealth of talent, it is light on SEC experience. How quickly newcomers like freshman right-hander William Schmidt and transfers Daniel Dickinson (infielder from Utah Valley) and Anthony Eyanson (right-hander from UC San Diego) adjust will be critical.

Opposing coach: “Pretty good amount of turnover with Tommy White being gone. Jones is a big keep; he’s probably one of those preseason Player of the Year-type guys. They go get Dickinson, a couple other impact guys, four or five arms that were front-of-the-portal-type guys and they look like they’re solid.”

5. Tennessee

Why they’re ranked here: The 2024 national champions had to reload over the summer, but coach Tony Vitello and his staff accumulate talent as well as anyone in the country. They hit the portal hard, bringing in high-profile players like infielders Andrew Fischer (Ole Miss) and Gavin Kilen (Louisville) and left-hander Liam Doyle (Ole Miss) to pair with returners like center fielder Hunter Ensley, Freshman All-American shortstop Dean Curley and right-hander Nate Snead.

Why there’s room for improvement: The last few national champions have struggled to maintain an elite level through significant roster turnover. Tennessee is not short on talent, but how quickly will the Vols jell, and who will emerge as leaders to replace Drew Beam, Blake Burke and Christian Moore?

Opposing coach: “Obviously they lost a couple first-round bats, but they added two top-three-rounders to the lineup through the portal. I’m sure there are other big arms there, but a few of those starters that pitched them (to the championship) are gone. What’s it going to be like on the mound? But they seem good.”

History.

A call befitting the national champs 🔊 pic.twitter.com/p8O4EX4TaZ

— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) June 25, 2024

6. Florida

Why they’re ranked here: Florida lost two-way sensation Jac Caglianone to pro ball but is not short on talent in 2025. It returns its powerful double-play combination of shortstop Colby Shelton and second baseman Cade Kurland, who combined for 34 home runs. Right-hander Liam Peterson took his lumps as a freshman in the rotation last season but is primed for a step forward. Florida supplemented its returners with a strong group of newcomers, including outfielders Blake Cyr (Miami) and Kyle Jones (Stetson).

Why there’s room for improvement: Florida last season was uncharacteristically bad on the mound and now must replace five of the six pitchers who threw more than 40 innings in 2024. The Gators also lost some key leaders and must replace their presence.

Opposing coach: “They really added to their lineup and kept Shelton. That seems like a pretty powerful lineup. I don’t know who’s going to pitch for Florida though.”

7. Florida State

Why they’re ranked here: Left-hander Jamie Arnold is arguably the best pitcher in the country. After going 11-3 with a 2.98 ERA as a sophomore, he’s back to lead a staff that runs deeper this year thanks to the additions of right-hander Evan Chrest (Jacksonville) and Wes Mendes (Ole Miss). Right-hander Cam Leiter, the Seminoles’ 2024 opening-day starter, is still recovering from injury, but regardless of whether he’s able to return to form, this is a strong staff.

Why there’s room for improvement: Florida State lost its four leading hitters from last season, leaving a hole in the middle of the order. The Seminoles do, however, return the spine of the team with catcher Jaxson West, infielders Alex Lodise and Drew Farout and center fielder Max Williams. While the offense may not have as much thump (FSU last year ranked sixth in Division I in home runs), coach Link Jarrett is adept at building strong offensive teams, and this year should be no different.

Opposing coach: “They lost so many of the big boppers, but if you only have to score four runs on a Friday in the league, you’re in a good spot.”

8. Clemson

Why they’re ranked here: The Tigers have been a top-eight seed in both of coach Erik Bakich’s first two seasons and figure to be there again in 2025. All-Americans Cam Cannarella and Aidan Knaak give the Tigers serious star power both in the lineup and on the mound. Cannarella, a center fielder, is arguably the most exciting player in the nation thanks to his ability to impact every facet of the game. Knaak, a right-hander, emerged as Clemson’s ace as a freshman in 2024 and is ready to lead the rotation again in 2025.

Why there’s room for improvement: The Tigers hit 109 home runs (21st nationally) in 2024 but lost the players who accounted for 82 of those long balls. Finding new sources of power, like Purdue transfer Luke Gaffney, is critical.

Opposing coach: “I thought Clemson did well in the portal and they’ve got stars in Cannarella and Knaak. It’s another typical Erik Bakich team at Clemson.”

CLEMSON’S CAM CANNARELLA WITH THE CATCH OF THE YEAR 🤯

🎥@SportsCenterpic.twitter.com/kaxIQs77Ix

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 9, 2024

9. Oregon State

Why they’re ranked here: The Beavers lost Travis Bazzana as the No. 1 pick in the draft but still have a formidable lineup. They have star power in shortstop Aiva Arquette (perhaps the nation’s top transfer), third baseman Trent Caraway and outfielder Gavin Turley, and experience in outfielder Dallas Macias and catcher Wilson Weber.

Why there’s room for improvement: After last year’s conference realignment, Oregon State is playing this season as an independent, something no team of the Beavers’ prominence has tried since Miami joined the ACC in 2004. Oregon State has a solid schedule, but independence will bring unique challenges. On the field, the Beavers are also rebuilding the top of their pitching staff. Left-hander Nelson Keljo, right-hander Eric Segura and blue-chip freshman right-hander Dax Whitney give the group upside, but it’s a bit lacking in experience.

Opposing coach: “They brought in some pretty good young guys. They’re a team that always has a couple older players and then they sprinkle in the younger guys. They’re always in it, never reloading. What I’m anxious to see about is the pitching, but their offense has a chance to put up some serious numbers.”

10. North Carolina

Why they’re ranked here: UNC’s 2024 freshman class, led by catcher Luke Stevenson and right-hander Jason DeCaro, helped the Tar Heels win the ACC and advance to Omaha. They’re back for more, giving UNC a solid core to build around.

Why there’s room for improvement: The Tar Heels must replace Vance Honeycutt, arguably the best player in program history, as well as several other key pieces from last year’s team. Outfielder Kane Kepley (Liberty) was a big addition through the transfer portal, and UNC should run even deeper on the mound this season if starters Jake Knapp and Folger Boaz, who were injured last year, return to form.

Opposing coach: “If they get another step from DeCaro and Boaz, I think they’ll be good. But maybe they still take a step back after losing Honeycutt and (leading hitter) Casey Cook.”

11. Duke

Why they’re ranked here: The Blue Devils have a strong, experienced returning core that got a boost when leading hitter Ben Miller went undrafted. Add in veteran shortstop Wallace Clark and Freshman All-Americans AJ Gracia and Kyle Johnson, and Duke has what should be a formidable lineup.

Why there’s room for improvement: Duke has more to replace on the mound, as No. 1 starter Jonathan Santucci and All-American closer Charlie Beilenson were both drafted in the top five rounds. Left-handers Andrew Healy, Johnson (a two-way star) and James Tallon will figure prominently into Duke’s plans, as will veteran right-handers Ryan Higgins and Gabe Nard. Finding the right mix on the mound will be crucial.

Opposing coach: “The last two years I thought the arms were really good, and I know they’ve got some guys back but it seems like they maybe lost the star power with (Jonathan) Santucci being gone. They were really good last year. Do they take a little step back?”

12. Georgia

Why they’re ranked here: The Bulldogs last season reached the Super Regionals for the first time since 2008, an excellent showing in their first year under coach Wes Johnson. They’re looking to capitalize on that momentum behind a strong 1-2 punch on the mound of right-handers Leighton Finley and Kolten Smith and a big, talented transfer class.

Why there’s room for improvement: Georgia lost both Charlie Condon, the 2024 Golden Spikes Winner, and All-American Corey Collins from last year’s lineup. They leave a massive hole in the lineup, though the Bulldogs still have talented offensive players such as Tre Phelps, a Freshman All-American, and veteran transfers Nolan McCarthy (Kentucky) and Devin Obee (Duke).

Opposing coach: “They’ve got arm talent; it’s a good 1-2 with Finley and Smith. I like them. They’re still going to be a physical offense, but they lost 57 homers. That’s a lot to replace.”

13. Oregon

Why they’re ranked here: The Ducks have made the Super Regionals in back-to-back seasons, and their 2025 roster is as good as ever. Left-hander Grayson Grinsell is back to anchor the rotation, and the infield will have a very familiar look to it with Carter Garate, Maddox Molony, Drew Smith and Jacob Walsh all returning.

Why there’s room for improvement: While Grinsell is a reliable starter at the front of the rotation, Oregon doesn’t have as much experience behind him. The Ducks also will have to navigate the challenges that come with moving to the Big Ten, which will add to their travel (they have five trips to the Eastern or Central time zones) and possibly ding their RPI (though the Big Ten rated ahead of the Pac-12 in 2024).

Opposing coach: “They got Walsh back — getting him back is huge because he’s a real middle-of-the-order bat. The question is are they going to stay healthy on the mound? Because you know they’re going to put together a good lineup and get the most out of their players.”

14. NC State

Why they’re ranked here: The Wolfpack are one of the most consistent programs in the ACC and are coming off their second CWS appearance in four years. Right-handers Jacob Dudan and Derrick Smith return at the back of the bullpen, giving NC State arguably the best late-game 1-2 punch in the country. There’s a good mix of experience and upside in the rotation with the return of Matt Willadsen, Dominic Fritton and sophomores Cooper Consiglio and Ryan Marohn.

Why there’s room for improvement: NC State must replace six regulars from last year’s lineup, including All-Americans Jacob Cozart and Alec Makarewicz. But the Wolfpack have been consistently able to build an impressive offense under coach Elliott Avent and associate head coach Chris Hart, and this year figures to be no different thanks to the return of outfielder Josh Hogue and catcher Alex Sosa and the addition of some exciting newcomers.

Opposing coach: “NC State is always going to be there near the top of the conference. They’ve got the high-end guys out of the bullpen that are really good, and that makes it tough on you.”

NC STATE IS HEADED BACK TO OMAHA 🐺#RoadToOmaha x 🎥 ESPN / @NCStateBaseball pic.twitter.com/9y6pYdp5s1

— NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) June 11, 2024

15. Arizona

Why they’re ranked here: Arizona enters the new-look Big 12 with an exciting lineup, headlined by outfielder Brendan Summerhill and shortstop Mason White, both projected as top-50 draft picks this summer. Veteran second baseman Garen Caulfield gives the Wildcats another experienced bat in the lineup, which should run plenty deep again in 2025.

Why there’s room for improvement: The Wildcats lost their entire rotation, which was a key force behind their Pac-12 title last season. The good news is pitching coach Kevin Vance last year showed his ability to rebuild a rotation and has some exciting newcomers to work with this spring, including freshmen Smith Bailey and Mason Russell and transfers Jack Berg (junior college) and Christian Coppola (Rutgers).

Opposing coach: “Mason White is for sure talented, and Summerhill is a legit, legit player. I think Summerhill has a chance to have a long professional career. His game fits very well for that ballpark. They were old on the mound last year, but (Vance) found the niche with those pitchers and went to it. It’s going to be interesting to see that group this year.”

16. Vanderbilt

Why they’re ranked here: The Commodores have a strong core of talent both on the mound and in the lineup. Left-hander JD Thompson is back and figures to lead the rotation, along with Georgetown transfer Cody Bowker. The Commodores also have a host of promising young pitchers behind them. Offensively, veteran shortstop Jonathan Vastine returns, as does the versatile R.J. Austin.

Why there’s room for improvement: Does Vanderbilt have the star power to compete at the top of the SEC? Even its senior-laden 2019 national championship team benefitted greatly from the play of J.J. Bleday and Kumar Rocker. Does this roster have such a breakout in it?

Opposing coach: “You’ve got to believe they get back on track, that they’re the type of team fighting for Omaha real soon. They got dinged by some pitching injuries the last couple years and all their position players seemed to be about the same. But they made a lot of changes since last season, and I’m not going to bet against Tim Corbin being good.”

17. Wake Forest

Why they’re ranked here: Wake brought in an impressive group of newcomers to go with a solid young core that was forced into action last season when the injury bug bit the team. Shortstop Marek Houston, a potential first-round pick in 2025, and slugger Jack Winnay lead the returners. The Deacs also added outfielder Ethan Conrad as a transfer from Marist, and he has a chance to be the breakout player of the year.

Why there’s room for improvement: Wake has some serious star power to replace, including its trio of top-10 picks: Chase Burns, Nick Kurtz and Seaver King. It also must find a way to be better on the mound this spring even while losing arguably the best pitcher in the country. The staff is deep, especially with additions like Matthew Dallas (Tennessee) and freshman Duncan Marsten, but finding the new core is key.

Opposing coach: “I have a hard time thinking you can take a ton of steps forward losing three top-10 picks, but can you improve on 15-15 (in ACC play) and 0-2 in a Regional? I don’t know that they’ll be more talented. They had some good freshmen show up to school, but if Nick Kurtz isn’t in the lineup, what effect does that have? Is Houston going to tote the load? But I think they’ll be in the mix in the top third of the league.”

18. Texas

Why they’re ranked here: Texas made the biggest splash of the offseason when it hired coach Jim Schlossnagle away from archrival Texas A&M on the heels of the Aggies’ runner-up finish in Omaha. The Longhorns have what figures to be one of the best offenses in the country. Shortstop Jalin Flores unexpectedly went undrafted and returns to Austin, joining outfielders Max Belyeu, the Big 12 Player of the Year, and Will Gasparino. Texas also added Ethan Mendoza (Arizona State) and Easton Winfield (Louisiana-Monroe) through the transfer portal.

Why there’s room for improvement: Texas last season scuffled on the mound before eventually finding a couple of solid starters in Max Grubbs and Ace Whitehead, who both return. But as the Longhorns enter the SEC, is that enough? New pitching coach Max Weiner has a lot of options both among newcomers and returners, but he and Schlossnagle will have to find the right mix.

Opposing coach: “Texas is going to hit. They got some bats back, and getting Flores back is big. The pitching is more of a question mark, and then coming into the league is going to be different for them. But you know they’re going to be ready to go after everything that happened last summer.”

19. Oklahoma State

Why they’re ranked here: The Cowboys have a chance to have one of the better offenses in the country with sluggers Colin Brueggemann and Nolan Schubart (who have combined for 60 home runs over the last two seasons) leading the way. Outfielder Jayson Jones, a transfer from Arkansas, brings another power bat to Stillwater.

Why there’s room for improvement: Oklahoma State lost more than 300 innings from last year’s pitching staff and must reload. Big right-hander Gabe Davis (6-9, 217 pounds) will play a key role, and look for left-hander Harrison Bodendorf to make an impact after transferring from Hawaii.

Opposing coach: “I’ve heard some good things from (scouts), but I’ve also talked to some who aren’t as high on them. They definitely have more velocity on the mound than they’ve had the last couple years. And Schubart has real thump in the lineup.”

20. Dallas Baptist

Why they’re ranked here: DBU has made the NCAA Tournament for 10 straight seasons, and the Patriots look to be formidable again in 2025. Offensively, they are powerful and experienced, with six regulars returning. They’re strong up the middle with catcher Grant Jay, shortstop Luke Heefner and center fielder Nathan Humphreys all returning with a wealth of experience.

Why there’s room for improvement: DBU last year had an excellent 1-2 punch in the rotation, but Ryan Johnson and Jaron DeBerry must now be replaced. Sophomore right-hander James Ellwanger has as much upside as anyone, and right-hander Luke Pettitte, son of Andy Pettitte, also is ready to take on a bigger role. DBU doesn’t lack for talent on the mound — it rarely has under coach Dan Heefner— but there might be some growing pains for its new-look staff.

Opposing coach: “They’re just really good at development. Dan Heefner is amazing. They’ve got a horse on Friday that’s up to 100 (Ellwanger). Nothing ever surprises me with those guys, but you have to figure they’ll be up there in Conference USA again.”

RHP James Ellwanger (@DBU_Baseball) is one of the top Sophomore-eligible arms in this year’s Draft. Missed time due to injury last spring, but still showed flashes of his high octane arsenal and collected 23 Ks across 17.1 IP. Had a productive stint on the Cape where across 5… pic.twitter.com/dnULYxiKwT

— Peter Flaherty III (@PeterGFlaherty) January 7, 2025

21. Mississippi State

Why they’re ranked here: The Bulldogs reloaded through the transfer portal but also got a big boost when first baseman Hunter Hines went undrafted, clearing the way for him to return to Starkville. On the mound, veterans Pico Kohn, Karson Ligon and Stone Simmons all return, giving Mississippi State some veteran presence.

Why there’s room for improvement: The Bulldogs lost a lot from last year’s team and are going to need their newcomers to step up. They added a lot of quality players like sluggers Reed Stallman (Campbell) and Noah Sullivan (South Carolina-Upstate) and infielders Gehrig Frei (North Alabama) and Ace Reese (Houston). Mississippi State must find the right alignment, but it has a talented roster again.

Opposing coach: “I think they might be pretty similar to last year. But losing Dakota Jordan, Connor Hujsak, David Mershon, it’s tough to replace offensively.”

22. UC Santa Barbara

Why they’re ranked here: As is so often the case at UCSB, it starts on the mound. Right-hander Tyler Bremner is arguably the best pitcher in the country and could rewrite the program’s record book this spring (he’s 10 wins and 91 strikeouts away from breaking both marks). Right-hander Jackson Flora looks ready to take a step forward as a sophomore, and left-hander Hudson Barrett, a 2023 Freshman All-American, should be back healthy after missing nearly all of 2024.

Why there’s room for improvement: The Gauchos are rebuilding offensively after losing six regulars from last year’s lineup. UCSB will look to build around infielders Jonathan Mendez and Corey Nunez, but they’ll need new players like first baseman Jack Holman (UCLA) and Isaac Kim (Pomona-Pitzer) to step up.

Opposing coach: “They always pitch, they’ve got the frontline guys there. I have a ton of respect for how coach (Andrew) Checketts runs his program and they always have frontline guys going out there and competing and getting picked high in the draft. The question is more about how is the offense is going to take this year.”

23. Indiana

Why they’re ranked here: The Hoosiers have built a formidable lineup in Bloomington, headlined by outfielder Devin Taylor, a potential top-10 draft pick this summer. They also return their double-play combination of shortstop Tyler Cerny and second baseman Jasen Oliver. If sophomore outfielder Andrew Wiggins, a former blue-chip recruit, is ready to step into a bigger role, this lineup has serious upside.

Why there’s room for improvement: The pitching staff is not as experienced, and Indiana needs some of its transfer additions to come through. Cole Gilley (Indiana State), Gavin Seebold (Southern Indiana) and Jackson Yarberry (Saint Louis) are the newcomers to watch, while senior left-hander Ryan Kraft is looking to lead the returners after a big summer in the Northwoods League.

Opposing coach: “Indiana can be really good. They’re athletic, and Devin Taylor is awesome. They got better down the stretch last year, but they didn’t have the depth on the mound that you need on a national level. Now they’ve brought in some arms, so we’ll see.”

24. TCU

Why they’re ranked here: After missing the NCAA Tournament last year, TCU has a chance for a strong bounce back in 2025. Shortstop Anthony Silva unexpectedly did not get drafted and returns for his junior season. Also returning are catcher Karson Bowen and outfielder Chase Brunson, who have dealt with injuries but should be ready to form a solid core to the lineup. Freshmen Noah Franco and Sawyer Strosnider could contribute immediately.

Why there’s room for improvement: TCU must replace ace Payton Tolle, who leaves a sizeable hole. The Horned Frogs have solid options for the rotation — watch for lefthanders Ben Abeldt and Kole Klecker — but this is going to be a new-look rotation.

Opposing coach: “I don’t know what they gained on the pitching side that would really move them forward. They’ve got some talented freshmen, and bringing (hitting coach) Bill Mosiello back is huge. They’ll steal over 100 bags and they’ll get deep in bullpens. But they have to be better on the mound.” 

25. Southern Miss

Why they’re ranked here: The Golden Eagles last year made a successful transition following the retirement of Scott Berry and the promotion of Christian Ostrander to head coach, as they won 43 games and finished second in the Sun Belt. Most of that team is back, including six regulars from the lineup and several talented pitchers like Colby Allen, JB Middleton and Kros Sivley.

Why there’s room for improvement: Southern Miss does need to replace its star power, particularly in the lineup where leading hitter Dalton McIntyre and top power threat Slade Wilks will be missed. The Golden Eagles won’t need to mash to win games thanks to their pitching, but finding a couple of big bats is key.

Opposing coach: “Christian Ostrander is great with arms, and they’ve got some guys. You can feel like they will be in the top part of the (Sun Belt) again. But how good is that nationally? The divide grows each year.”

(Photo of Jace Laviolette: Steven Branscombe / Imagn Images)