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Now that we have an official bracket for the 2025 NCAA Tournament, it’s time to rank all 64 college baseball teams to see how each program stacks up heading into the start of regional play on Friday.

Each capsule includes some quick-hitting facts on each team and perhaps a key player or two, so it figures to serve as a useful primer for folks to prepare for this weekend’s slate.

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1. Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt in the pole position was a relatively easy decision. The Commodores are fresh off an SEC Tournament championship—their second in the last three seasons—and head into the tournament with plenty of momentum. Their 29 Quadrant 1 and 2 wins are the most of any team in the country, and their 3.79 team ERA ranks ninth nationally. Vanderbilt again has what it takes to be the king of the college baseball world.

2. LSU

This might be a bit of a surprise given LSU is the No. 6 seed nationally, but when it comes to well-roundedness, the 2025 Tigers are hard to beat. They have a bevy of high-quality weapons on both sides of the baseball, one of the most dynamic one-two punches on the mound in Kade Anderson (8-1, 3.54 ERA) and Anthony Eyanson (9-2, 2.77 ERA) and perhaps the most depth of any team in the country. When you combine that with the fact that there are multiple pieces from their 2023 title team—none more important than head coach Jay Johnson—on this year’s roster, you have a recipe for success.

3. Arkansas

Arkansas has failed to make it to a super regional in each of the last two seasons, but this year feels different. The Razorbacks this spring amassed 20 SEC wins—tied for their second-highest total in a single season this century—and have a handful of quality series wins to their name. “Well-roundedness” will be a key theme in this piece, especially when addressing a number of teams towards the top, and Arkansas certainly falls into that bucket. Their team average of .313 and team ERA of 4.06 both rank inside the top 20 nationally and they are led by newly-minted SEC Player of the Year Wehiwa Aloy. 

4. Texas

2025 was an historical season in Austin. Under the guide of first-year head coach Jim Schlossnagle, Texastook home the SEC regular season title after going an impressive 22-8 in its first year in the conference. The Longhorns’ 22 conference victories are the third-most in program history. The biggest strengths of this year’s team are its pitching and defense. Texas ranks inside the top 15 nationally in field percentage, as well as fifth nationally in team ERA (3.56) and second in WHIP (1.18). It’s battled injuries all season, yet Texas has proven it’s battle tested and can both play with and win against the best teams in the country.

5. North Carolina

After making the College World Series last season, North Carolina is again in position to make a run to Omaha. The Tar Heels are fresh off an ACC tournament championship—their second tournament title in the last four seasons—and boast one of the best pitching staffs in the country. Like Texas, North Carolina’s greatest strength is its pitching. Their team ERA of 3.42 and team WHIP of 1.21 rank fourth and fifth nationally, respectively. Led by ACC Pitcher of the Year Jake Knapp (12-0, 2.17 ERA), North Carolina has both a deep rotation and a litany of reliable bullpen arms headlined by freshman Walker McDuffie (3-1, 3.08 ERA).

6. Auburn

2025 has been the antithesis of 2024 for the Auburn Tigers. Just a year after missing the tournament entirely, Auburn this year earned the No. 4 national seed. On top of playing the toughest schedule of any team in the country, Auburn’s 38 wins are tied for the second-most in a single season since 2018, and its 17 SEC wins are tied for the most in a single-season since 2010. The Tigers also earned marquee series wins over No. 1 national seed Vanderbilt, swept LSU and took two of three games from Tennessee on the road.

7. Coastal Carolina

The coach Kevin Schnall era is off to a roaring start. Coastal Carolina this year has won 48 games—its most in a single-season since 2016 when it won the national championship—along with the most conference wins in program history. The Chanticleers not only won the regular season Sun Belt title but also stormed through the SBC tournament and took down fellow host Southern Miss in the championship. They swept their season series with Clemson and head into the tournament on an 18-game win streak. A team whose biggest strength is typically its offense, Coastal this year has one of the best pitching staffs in the country, and its 3.24 ERA ranks second nationally.

8. Florida State

After returning to Omaha last season for the first time since 2019, Florida State once again has the talent to make a return trip to the College World Series. The Seminoles’ 18 total conference wins are their second-most in a single-season since 2014. They’re a mighty talented team with quality pieces on both sides of the baseball, though their biggest strength is their offense. It’s a deep lineup that wears opposing teams down, and ACC Player of the Year Alex Lodise is at the forefront of its production. It’s hard to find a better option to give the ball to in game one than Jamie Arnold (7-2, 3.04 ERA), who has again anchored the rotation. 

9. Ole Miss

Following a disappointing 2024 season in which it missed the tournament for the second-straight season, Ole Miss this year did a complete 180 and will host a regional for the second time since 2019. While they fell just short of an SEC tournament title, the Rebels made it to the championship game and collected 19 total conference wins—the most in a single season since 2009—when all was said and done. Speaking of the number “19,” the Rebels’ 19 Quadrant 1 wins are the most of any team in the country. They had the fifth-hardest schedule and are playing their best baseball at the perfect time.

10. Clemson

Head coach Erik Bakich has done a remarkable job since taking the reins of the program prior to the 2023 season. After not hosting a regional since 2018, 2025 marks the third consecutive season that the Tigers have accomplished that feat. Clemson was one game away from hoisting the ACC tournament championship for the second time in three seasons, and its 21 total conference victories marked the third-straight season it’s won 20 or more ACC games. The Tigers’ 24 Quadrant 1 and 2 wins are also an impressive mark. They haven’t made it to the College World Series since 2010, though this could be the year they break down the door to Omaha.

11. Georgia

Georgia last year made a super regional for the first time since 2008 and lost a handful of quality pieces from that roster, yet it hasn’t missed a beat. The Bulldogs will again host a regional after winning 42 games and 18 SEC games—their second-most in a single-season since 2008. Unsurprisingly, Georgia again has a prolific offense whose qualities play exceptionally well at Foley Field. Its 133 home runs rank No. 1 nationally and they are an impressive 29-4 at home this season. The Bulldogs are poised to not only return to their second-straight super regional, but potentially return to Omaha for the first time since 2008.

12. Tennessee

After winning its first-ever national championship last season, Tennessee looked invincible for the better half of 2025. While the Vols lost five straight SEC series to close the regular season, they advanced to the SEC tournament semifinals after earning a pair of quality victories over Alabama and Texas. Their run in the SEC tournament propelled them over the top 16 national seed line, and they will host a regional for the fourth time in the last five seasons. Winning back-to-back championships in any sport is incredibly difficult, yet Tennessee has the talent to do just that. Its 122 home runs rank third nationally, and it hit .307 as a team, while its 3.90 team ERA ranks tenth nationally. 

13. Oregon

Oregon’s first year as a member of the Big Ten has been a resounding success. It went 22-8 in conference play to capture the regular season championship, and its 41 overall wins are tied for the most in a single season since 2014. On top of a quality series win over fellow host UCLA, Oregon also went 4-0 against rival Oregon State. Slugger Mason Neville’s 26 home runs lead the country, while its team ERA of 3.97 is the lowest in the Big Ten and ranks inside the top 15 nationally. Oregon has made a super regional in each of the last two seasons, yet a trip to the College World Series has eluded it since 1954.

14. Oregon State

This ranking might feel a bit low for a top eight national seed, yet it is much more a testament to the teams above than it is a slight to Oregon State. Full disclosure: I thought about slotting the Beavers as high as No. 7. Nonetheless, they are fresh off their fourth-straight 40-plus-win season and will host a regional for the third time in the last four seasons. While the Beavers’ metrics—especially their RPI of 7 and 20 Quadrant 1 and 2 wins—are favorable, they have just six wins this season over fellow tournament teams and went 0-4 against Oregon.

15. TCU

To be totally candid, I was surprised when Fort Worth was not announced as a host site on Sunday night. The Horned Frogs this year collected a whopping 21 total conference wins—their most in a single season since 2003—have an RPI (18), strength of schedule (18) and non-conference strength of schedule (14) that all rank inside the top 20 nationally. They also amassed 20 Quadrant 1 and 2 wins and advanced to the Big 12 tournament title game. However, their host snub has likely only added fuel to the fire. The Horned Frogs are one of the most dangerous two-seeds in the tournament and have the talent to make a run to the College World Series.

16. Georgia Tech

Speaking of host snubs, Georgia Tech is the first regular season ACC champion to not host since 1999. On top of its impressive number of conference wins and advancing to the ACC tournament semifinals, Georgia Tech crossed the 40-win mark for just the second time since 2011. Additionally, the Yellow Jackets amassed a dozen Quadrant 1 wins, including a quality series win over Louisville. Led by star sophomore Drew Burress, Georgia Tech will be playing with a huge chip on its shoulder as it looks to advance to a super regional for the first time since 2006.

17. Southern Miss

It’s done so rather quietly, but Southern MIss has established itself as one of the most consistent winners in the sport. 2025 marked the ninth-straight season in which it’s won at least 40 games, and its 27 Sun Belt wins are the most in program history. The Golden Eagles have an impressive road series win over TCU, as well as an impressive standalone win over Ole Miss. Much like in years past, Southern Miss has a wealth of depth on the mound led by righthander JB Middleton (10-1, 2.01 ERA). Its 3.91 team ERA ranks 11th nationally and a regional championship would secure Southern Miss’ third trip to super regionals in the last four seasons.

18. UCLA

Like its west coast counterpart Oregon, UCLA has also enjoyed plenty of success in its first season as a member of the Big Ten. The Bruins shared the regular season title with the Ducks, and their 42 wins are the second-most in a single season since 2015. Furthermore, their 25 total conference wins are a new program record. UCLA is led by Golden Spikes Award semifinalist and potential 2026 No. 1 overall pick Roch Cholowsky, who took home conference player of the year honors following a career year.

19. Alabama

Its case perhaps wasn’t as strong as some of the teams ahead of it, but Alabama is another team that fell just short of hosting. Second-year head coach Rob Vaughn has done a fantastic job, and the Crimson Tide this year won 40-plus games for just the second time since 2010. They have impressive standalone wins over Coastal Carolina, NC State and Southern Miss, as well as quality conference series victories over Oklahoma and Georgia. Alabama played a difficult schedule and came out of it with 15 Quadrant 1 wins. It heads to Hattiesburg as one of the most dangerous No. 2 seeds in the field.

20. Arizona

Though it had a rather uninspiring end to the regular season, Arizona—in its first year in the conference—swept its way through the Big 12 tournament to secure its second-straight conference tournament title after winning last year’s Pac-12 crown. The Wildcats this year notched impressive series victories over West Virginia and TCU and extended their regional streak to five. A regional championship would signify the program’s first super regional appearance under head coach Chip Hale.

21. Northeastern

The Huskies head into the tournament as the hottest team in America. They’re in the midst of perhaps the best season in program history, and their 48 wins are both a new program record and the highest total of any team nationally. Northeastern won the regular season CAA title and conference tournament, and their 25 conference victories are by far the most in program history. A team built on its pitching, Northeastern ranks first nationally in both team ERA (2.92) and team WHIP (1.04).

22. Florida

Florida appeared to be dead in the water after an abysmal 1-11 start in SEC play, yet the Gators righted the ship and ended the season with six-straight conference series wins. Most notably, they took down both Arkansas and Texas. They’ve dealt with a plethora of injuries to key players this season, but they’ve weathered the storm. Remarkably, Florida has made the tournament in each of the last 17 seasons and are fresh off back-to-back College World series appearances. The Gators might not be the on-paper favorite, yet coach Kevin O’Sullivan’s teams have a knack for playing their best baseball when it matters most.

23. Dallas Baptist

Under head coach Dan Heefner, Dallas Baptist has turned into one of the premier non-Power 4 programs in the country. Not only that, but the Patriots are consistently a top 25 team and have made a regional in 11 straight seasons. DBU this season captured its second regular season conference title in the last three seasons and has won 40-plus games in nine of the last 10 seasons. An offensive-minded club, DBU’s 97 home runs rank 16th nationally. While it got a tough draw, the Patriots have the firepower to potentially advance to a super regional for the second time since 2011.

24. Kansas

2025 has been a historical season in Lawrence. Head coach Dan Fitzgerald has done an outstanding job at the helm, and he’s managed to guide his Jayhawks to their first tournament appearance since 2014 in just his third season. Their 20 conference wins are the most in program history, their 43 overall wins are tied for the second-most in program history and they polished off their regular season with an impressive road sweep of West Virginia. Traveling to No. 3 Arkansas feels harsh considering the season it had, though Kansas will be up for the challenge.

25. Oklahoma

Oklahoma more than held its own in its first year in the SEC and will head to a regional for the fourth-straight year. The Sooners notched an impressive early-season victory over Oregon State, but also have series wins over No. 1 national seed Vanderbilt and No. 10 national seed Ole Miss. It’s not the most prolific offensive team, but potential top 10 overall pick Kyson Witherspoon (10-3, 2.47 ERA) could kickstart a quality tournament run.

26. UC Irvine

There was a point in time where UC Irvine was in a great position to host, yet a pair of late-season series losses to UC San Diego and Cal State Fullerton bounced the Anteaters from the hosting picture. Though it lost in the Big West tournament championship, Irvine’s 24 conference wins are the second-most in program history. With wins over Nebraska, Southern California, UCLA and Oregon State, Irvine has shown it can both play with and win against high-caliber clubs. The Anteaters certainly fall into the bucket of “No. 2 seeds I wouldn’t want in my regional” and could punch their first super regional ticket since 2014.

27. NC State

Following its series sweep of Clemson, there was a point in time where it looked as if a Raleigh regional was in the cards. However, the Wolfpack dropped two of its last three ACC series. Nonetheless, it has a loud sweep of Clemson to go along with a quality series victory over Louisville. NC State has been to the College World Series in two of the last four seasons, and it has the pieces on both sides of the baseball to knock off a younger Auburn team.

28. West Virginia

The Mountaineers were well on their way to hosting their first regional since 2019, though back-to-back series losses against Kansas State and Kansas sealed their fate as a No. 2 seed. While it’s discouraging to think what could have been—a Morgantown regional would have been a blast—first-year head coach Steve Sabins has done an A+ job. West Virginia’s 41 overall wins and 19 conference victories are the most in program history, and its team ERA of 4.21 ranks 21st nationally. The Mountaineers are no strangers to winning a regional on the road, and they’re more than capable of advancing to their second-straight super regional.

29. UTSA

The Roadrunners have yet to play a postseason game, and 2025 has already been the best season in program history. On top of winning its first regular season conference title since 2008 and making the tournament for the first time since 2013, UTSA’s 44 wins and 25 total conference wins are new program records. The Roadrunners also notched impressive standalone wins over in-state rivals Texas and Texas A&M. Austin is certainly a tough draw, though UTSA’s blend of experience and talent is a potential recipe for success.

30. Wake Forest

2025 has been a bit of an up-and-down year in “Deactown,” yet Wake Forest will head to the tournament for the fourth-straight season. Knoxville is certainly a difficult draw, but Lindsey Nelson Stadium is an uber-friendly offensive environment. This year’s Demon Deacons club can swing it, and their .308 team average and 100 home runs rank 28th and 11th nationally, respectively. How well it’s able to pitch is the X-factor, though Wake Forest is capable of slugging its way to an upset regional title.

31. Duke

During his time in Durham, head coach Chris Pollard has turned Duke into a consistent winner. 2025 marks the Blue Devils’ third-straight tournament appearance—the longest streak in program history—and their 17 ACC wins are the second-most in during Pollard’s tenure. Duke’s regular season was headlined by a standout series victory at Clemson, though it also secured a series win over NC State. Foley Field is an extremely hitter-friendly environment in which Georgia plays exceptionally well, but Duke has an impressive lineup of its own, and its 99 home runs rank 14th nationally.

32. Louisville

It was a toss-up as to whether or not Louisville would be a No. 2 or No. 3 seed come Selection Monday, and the Cardinals did just enough to earn the former. The regular season was frustrating at times—they won just one series after April 6—yet the Cardinals were able to secure big-time series victories over North Carolina and Florida State to go with marquee standalone wins over Texas, Arizona, Kentucky and Vanderbilt. After not making the tournament in each of the last two seasons, it’s nice to see Louisville back in the postseason.

33. Mississippi State

It’s been quite the season in “Stark Vegas.” Former head coach Chris Lemonis was fired on April 28 after the Bulldogs’ series loss at Auburn, and interim head coach Justin Parker guided his team to a 9-1 finish to the regular season and consecutive series wins over Kentucky and Ole Miss. Mississippi State went from a team that was squarely on the bubble to a team that very well could have earned a two-seed if it didn’t have a one-and-done showing at the SEC Tournament. The Tallahassee regional is one of the toughest in the field, and the Bulldogs have their work cut out for them, but they have talented pieces on both sides of the baseball. I view Mississippi State as a potential No. 3 seed who could punch its ticket to a super regional.

34. Cincinnati

Cincinnati this year returns to the tournament for the first time since 2019. Second-year head coach Jordan Bischel has done an excellent job, and the Bearcats have won 30-plus games in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1999. In addition to their series win over Duke on opening weekend, the Bearcats have four more series victories over tournament teams. Knoxville is a difficult draw, though expect Cincinnati to give whoever it faces a tough game.

35. Western Kentucky

Western Kentucky’s poor strength of schedule metrics had it on the wrong side of the bubble heading into conference tournament week, but the Hilltoppers ran the table and secured their first conference tournament title since 2008 to clinch their first tournament appearance since 2009. Western Kentucky’s 46 wins are the most in program history, and it’s a well-rounded club whose team average (.315) and team ERA (3.35) have national ranks of 14th and third, respectively. Oxford is a tough draw, especially when you factor in Georgia Tech as the region’s No. 2 seed, but don’t be surprised if the Hilltoppers make some noise.

36. Miami (FL)

Like one of its Sunshine State counterparts (Florida), Miami in early April appeared destined to miss the tournament. A key series-clinching, rubber game victory at Pittsburgh was the first of five-straight series victories for the Hurricanes. In addition to Pitt, they also took down Duke, Georgia Tech, Boston College and NC State. In fact, Miami would have likely earned a No. 2 seed if it didn’t have a sour ending to the regular season and a one-and-done showing in Durham. The Hurricanes’ regional berth is the first under second-year head coach J.D. Arteaga. Hattiesburg feels like a regional that could go in a number of different directions, and having weapons like sophomore slugger Daniel Cuvet and righthander Griffin Hugus (5-7, 4.22 ERA) give the Hurricanes a chance to pull off an upset.

37. Kansas State

Kansas State this year secured back-to-back regional appearances for the first time since 2010-11. The Wildcats have been on a steady upward trend since head coach Pete Hughes took the helm 2019, and their 17 conference wins this season are a new program record. They performed well in early-season multi-team events and picked up wins over Arkansas, TCU and Nebraska along with a key series victory over West Virginia.

38. Oklahoma State

In what was an adversity-filled year in Stillwater, Oklahoma State weathered the storm and extended its regional streak to an impressive 12th-straight season. The Cowboys were a “bubble out” team at the end of April, yet they got hot at the right time and concluded the regular season with three-straight series victories—two of which were sweeps—and a key win in the Big 12 tournament. Oklahoma State is certainly an underdog in Athens, yet funky lefthander Harrison Bodendorf (10-1, 2.77 ERA) could start its postseason run on a high note.

39. Southern California

At long last, USC’s postseason drought is over. For the first time since 2015, the Trojans—under third-year head man Andy Stankiewicz—are headed back to the tournament. Furthermore, they crossed the 35-win threshold for the first time since that season and notched an impressive 19 total conference victories in their first season in the Big Ten. The Trojans stumbled down the stretch, but they picked up a series win over UCLA and also have big-time standalone wins over Vanderbilt and UC Irvine.

40. Kentucky

Hearing Kentucky’s name called yesterday afternoon was a bit of a surprise. However, the Wildcats weren’t as close to the bubble as many thought given they weren’t even among the last four teams in the field. Their body of work appears modest on the surface, but the Wildcats finished with an RPI of 38, the eighth-best strength of schedule and secured key series wins over Tennessee and Oklahoma. As a cherry on top, the Wildcats extended their regional streak to three-straight seasons for the first time in program history. There are certainly less-formidable No. 3 seeds than Kentucky, though the Clemson regional feels like a bit of a death sentence for the ‘Cats.

41. Cal Poly

For the better part of this season, Cal Poly looked like a potential at-large team. However, back-to-back series losses to UC Santa Barbara and UC Irvine—as well as individual losses to Santa Clara and Cal State Northridge—made the conference tournament a “must-win” if the Mustangs wanted to make the tournament. They did exactly that, though, and stormed through the losers’ bracket and beat UC Irvine twice in one day to clinch their first-ever conference tournament championship and first tournament appearance since 2014. Cal Poly has a deep lineup whose .318 team average ranks eighth nationally, though Eugene is a mighty difficult draw.

42. Arizona State

For the first time since 2021, Arizona State is headed back to the tournament. The Sun Devils appeared to be safely in the field, yet a sweep at Oklahoma State, a shutout loss against BYU in the conference tournament and four stolen bids made for a mighty stressful Selection Monday. Its resume isn’t necessarily the loudest, but it got key series wins over TCU and Kansas. ASU’s 18 conference wins are the most in a single season since 2014, and its 35 overall wins are the most since 2016. The Sun Devils have a deep and dangerous lineup, though their lack of depth on the mound limits their postseason ceiling.

43. Creighton

Creighton is the Big East’s lone representative after taking home its first conference tournament title since 2019. The Blue Jays also won the conference’s regular season title, though their unfavorable metrics had them on the wrong side of the bubble. Their 41 wins are tied for the most in a single season since 2011, and their team ERA of 4.00 ranks 15th nationally. However, heading to Fayetteville is a bit of a “David vs. Goliath” situation.

44. Nebraska

For the second-straight season, Nebraska won the Big Ten tournament title to secure their third tournament appearance in the last five seasons. The Cornhuskers’ run in the conference tournament—which included wins over a pair of hosts in Oregon and UCLA—was ultra-impressive, and during the regular season they knocked off Vanderbilt, took down Kansas and won their series against Oregon State. Nebraska has its work cut out for it in Chapel Hill, but it’s playing its best baseball at the perfect time.

45. Stetson

Stetson secured its second-straight Atlantic Sun tournament title in wild fashion. The Hatters were losing game one of the championship to Florida Gulf Coast in the seventh-inning before the skies opened up and caused a lengthy rain delay. The conference soon announced that the rest of game one would not be played—and that FGCU would be declared the winner—as well as the cancellation of a hypothetical game two. However, Stetson was awarded the conference’s automatic bid “per ASUN policy.”

Though the nature in which they punched their ticket to the tournament was nothing short of bizarre, the Hatters are a dangerous No. 3 seed. They’ve won 40-plus games in back-to-back seasons for the first time since the early-2000s and have a chance—albeit at long odds—to make waves in what feels like a bit of a wide-open Auburn regional. If Stetson is able to pull off an upset or two, it will likely be because of its pitching. Led by staff ace Jonathan Gonzalez (9-2, 2.26 ERA), Stetson’s team ERA of 4.22 ranks 18th nationally.

46. East Tennessee State

There’s an argument to be made that this year has been the best in program history for East Tennessee State. Its 41 wins are a new program record, it won its first conference tournament title since 2013 while also notching a big-time road win at Tennessee to hand the Volunteers their first loss of the season. The Buccaneers are playing with the house’s money this weekend in Nashville.

47. East Carolina

East Carolina seemed to be headed towards missing the tournament for the first time since 2017, but the Pirates went a perfect 4-0 in Clearwater to win their second AAC title in the last four seasons. Their seven-straight regionals also match the longest postseason streak in program history. Conway is a discouraging draw, but the Pirates won’t lack confidence as they make the short trip south.

48. Rhode Island

It’s hard to argue against the fact that 2025 has been the best season in Rhode Island program history. The Rams’ 38 overall wins and 22 conference wins are both new program records, and they won both the Atlantic 10 regular season and conference titles for the first time since 2016. It’s also important to note that Rhode Island won an early-season game at Oregon and nearly split the series. This weekend in Baton Rouge will by far be the Rams’ toughest test of the season, but they have absolutely nothing to lose.

49. SC-Upstate

2025 will go down in history for the Spartans, as they won their first conference tournament championship since 1990 to secure their first-ever regional appearance. While it’s a four-seed, Upstate is not an opponent to be taken lightly. It collected six Quadrant 1 and 2 wins this season—headlined by a run-rule victory at NC State—and its .319 team average ranks seventh nationally. 

50. Saint Mary’s

The Gaels head to the tournament for just the second time in program history after taking down WCC power San Diego in the conference championship. Their 35 wins are tied for the second-most in program history, and they also picked up a standalone win over UC Santa Barbara and a series-opening win over Creighton. Saint Mary’s makes an already-challenging Corvallis regional that much more difficult. The Gaels have a solid lineup whose .301 average ranks 44th nationally.

51. Murray State

It’s been a historic 2025 campaign for the Racers. They won their first conference tournament title—and returned to a regional—for the first time since 2003, and their 39 wins are a new program record. They also picked up a pair of key victories over Western Kentucky and Kentucky, as well as a hard-fought loss in extra innings to regional host Ole Miss. The Racers’ team average (.301) and team ERA (4.63) both rank inside the top 50 nationally, making them an under-the-radar team on which to keep a close eye.

52. Wright State

2025 was par for the course for Wright State. It extended its regular season conference title streak to an eye-popping seven straight seasons, and it also captured its fourth conference tournament title in the last five years. The Raiders have long been known as an offensive-minded club, and this year is no different. Their .305 average ranks 35th nationally, and their 1.54 home runs per game ranks 34th.

53. Miami (OH)

The Redhawks won 35 games and swept their way through the MAC tournament en route to their first tournament appearance since 2005. Additionally, their 23 conference wins are a new single-season program record. Miami gave a handful of quality teams a tough game, and its seven Quadrant 1 and 2 wins is the highest total among all No. 4 seeds.

54. Houston Christian

First-year head coach Clay VanderLaan has done an outstanding job in year one. He guided the Huskies to their first conference tournament title and regional appearance since 2015, and their 32 wins are the most in a single season since 2013.

55. Fresno State

Fresno State’s 2025 season has been nearly a carbon-copy of last year’s. The Bulldogs in 2024 finished 32-27 (16-14 Mountain West) and won the conference tournament, while this season they finished 31-27 (18-12 Mountain West) and won their second-straight Mountain West tournament title. Fresno also opened their season with a pair of solid series victories over BYU and Cal State Fullerton. Led by conference player of the year Murf Gray, the Bulldogs head to Los Angeles with no shortage of momentum.

56. Columbia

The class of the Ivy League all year, Columbia won its third regular-season conference title and second conference tournament title in the last four seasons. The Lions this year took three of four against San Diego, and their 29 wins are the third-most in program history.

57. Fairfield

While this season snapped Fairfield’s impressive streak of four-straight regular season MAAC titles, the Stags this year captured their first conference tournament title since 2016. They began their season with a solid series win against Florida Gulf Coast, while in the conference tournament they avenged their series loss to Rider with consecutive victories over the Broncs. Fairfield’s 39 wins this season are the most in program history.

58. North Dakota State

Nobody in college baseball played a tougher non-conference schedule than North Dakota State. The Bison had the No. 1 non-conference strength of schedule in which it earned key victories over UTRGV, Tulane, Creighton and Minnesota. They then went on to beat Summit League power Oral Roberts twice in the conference tournament to secure their first tournament berth since 2021. Keep a close eye on sophomore shortstop Jake Schaffner. A high-level athlete who had a Wisconsin football offer in high school, Schaffner this year hit a league-leading .384/.443/.489 with 15 extra-base hits and has double-plus bat-to-ball skills.

59. Utah Valley

Utah Valley lost former head coach Eddie Smith to Washington and its best player—Daniel Dickinson—to the transfer portal, yet first-year head coach Nate Rasmussen weathered the storm and led the Wolverines to their first conference tournament title and regional berth since 2016. Utah Valley’s team average of .310 ranks 22nd nationally and its 32 wins are the second-most since 2016.

60. Central Connecticut

Over the last handful of seasons, Central Connecticut has established itself as the team to beat in the Northeast Conference. 2025 marked the Blue Devils’ third conference tournament title in the last five years. Interestingly enough, their .331 team average is the highest among all teams in the field of 64.

61. Holy Cross

Back-to-back Patriot League Coach of the Year Ed Kahovec this season led the Crusaders to their first conference tournament title and tournament appearance since 2017. Their 17 conference wins are the most in program history, while their 31 overall victories are the second-most. The Cross is led by Patriot League Pitcher of the Year Jaden Wywoda (9-2, 3.65 ERA) and Patriot League Player of the Year CJ Egrie.

62. Bethune-Cookman

2025 SWAC Coach of the Year Jonathan Hernandez has his Wildcats looking like the SWAC powerhouse they were in the mid-to-late 2000s when they won six-straight conference tournament titles. This year was Bethune’s first conference tournament title since 2017, but it’s won 30-plus games in three-straight seasons for the first time since that dominant stretch. 

63. Binghamton

Binghamton this year took home its second America East conference tournament title in the last four seasons after it knocked off top-seeded Bryant in the conference championship. The Bearcats this season also picked up a series victory over fellow tournament team Holy Cross and won a road SEC game at Missouri.

64. Arkansas-Little Rock

Little Rock had perhaps the most miraculous run to make the tournament of any team in the field. The Trojans finished in eighth place in the OVC and were the last team in the conference tournament, but they managed to rattle off five-straight wins—including a pair of elimination game victories on day one—en route to their first conference tournament championship since 2005. Little Rock in the regular-season picked up a Quadrant 1 win at Ole Miss and head into the tournament with absolutely nothing to lose.