Fall practice is done, alumni games, intrasquad scrimmages, and all the preseason noise is done. From now till June 23rd, there will be ball. The sound of pings across the country as teams go yard, the sound of leather popping as pitchers pump gas, and of course the taste of a cold beverage is finally here.
Every team across the nation has a singular dream. Lifting the trophy at the end of the season in Omaha, proclaiming themselves as national champions. The harsh reality is that only one team will accomplish that though. So, what defines success? Is it is having a winning season? Is it making it to the NCAA Tourney? Is it winning your conference, or making it to a Regional or Super Regional? For many teams, the above likely represent a resounding yes, that is a successful season. When it comes to Texas Baseball though, there is only one answer. OMAHA.
The 2025 season puts Texas in uncharted territory as they will now compete in the toughest conference in the nation in hopes of tallying their 39th trip to Omaha. Am I predicting the Horns to make it to Omaha? No.
Before you let loose with a barrage of tomatoes and rotten fruit, I think that the 2025 has the talent and mental makeup to make a deep run and end up in Omaha. The lineup 1-9 is as deep as Texas has had since 2021 and brings a lot to the table, even if there are not as many LHH as the staff would ideally like. In addition, I think there is more depth and talent on the pitching staff than Texas has had in a few years. Yes, there are questions around how the pieces will fit in the rotation and key roles, but this is not a team devoid of talent.
I say all of this to drive home one point. Patience. The Texas staff are tireless workers and relentless in their efforts to improve this team. The blueprint is there, and they will continue to work to deliver upon fans expectations. Success is not built overnight and the team that you see in Arlington won’t be the same team you see as the season goes on.
All the platitudes and noise aside, lets take a look at the SEC conference outlook.
National Rankings:
#1 Texas A&M
#3 LSU
#4 Tennessee
#5 Arkansas
#8 Georgia
#10 Florida
#16 Vanderbilt
#18 Mississippi State
#19 Texas
NR Kentucky
NR Oklahoma
NR Auburn
NR Alabama
NR South Carolina
NR Ole Miss
NR Missouri
Projected FInish
Projected Regional Teams:
Texas A&M
LSU
Tennessee
Arkansas
Georgia
Florida
Vanderbilt
Mississippi State
Texas
Oklahoma
Projected Individual Awards:
Hitter of the Year: Jace LaViolette (Texas A&M)
Pitcher of the Year: Ryan Prager (Texas A&M)
Freshman of the Year: Derek Curiel (LSU)
Conference All-Conference Team:
C – Ike Irish (Auburn)
1B – Ethan Petry (South Carolina)
2B – Gavin Kilen (Tennessee)
SS – Jalin Flores (Texas)
3B – Gavin Grahovac (Texas A&M)
OF – Jace LaViolette (Texas A&M)
OF – Max Belyeu (Texas)
OF – RJ Austin (Vanderbilt)
DH – Jared Jones (LSU)
SP – Ryan Prager (Texas A&M)
SP – Anthony Eyanson (LSU)
SP – Zach Root (Arkansas)
SP – Kyson Witherspoon (Oklahoma)
SP – Gabe Gaeckle (Arkansas)
Conference Breakdown by Team:
#1 Texas A&M Aggies
2024 Record: 53-15 (19-11 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024
Super Regional: 2024
College World Series: 2024 (National Runner Up)
Conference Home Series: Alabama, Kentucky, South Carolina, LSU, and Missouri
Conference Away Series: Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, and Georgia
Notable non-conference opponents: Texas State, Arizona, Oklahoma State, Sam Houston, Lamar, Houston, UTSA
Pitcher to Watch: Jace LaViolette
Hitter to Watch: Ryan Prager
Team Overview: The Aggies are ranked #1 and for good reason. Schlossnagle and staff built a monster roster and first year head coach Michael Earley kept the vast majority of the pieces together and added more through the transfer portal. No championship is won on paper, but Texas A&M can check all the boxes in the preseason of a contender.
#3 LSU Tigers
2024 Record: 43-23 (13-17 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024
Super Regional: 2024 (lost to UNC)
College World Series: 2023 (National Champions)
Conference Home Series: Missouri, Mississippi State, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas
Conference Away Series: Texas, Oklahoma, Auburn, Texas A&M, South Carolina
Notable non-conference opponents: Dallas Baptist, Nebraska, Sam Houston, Louisiana
Pitcher to Watch: Anthony Eyanson
Hitter to Watch: Jared Jones
Team Overview: LSU has talent in abundance. There is not a single super star like Tommy White or Dylan Crews, but the Tigers are very balanced and have a great mix of youth and experience. The pitching rotation has elite potential but do need to prove themselves as none of the three were frontline starters in the SEC last season. That said, this is a team that has everything needed to contend for a title.
#4 Tennessee Volunteers
2024 Record: 60-13 (22-8 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024
Super Regional: 2024
College World Series: 2024 (Vols brought home their first ever national title)
Conference Home Series: Florida, Texas A&M, Kentucky, Auburn, Vanderbilt
Conference Away Series: Alabama, South Carolina, Ole Miss, LSU, Arkansas
Notable non-conference opponents: Samford, Oklahoma State, Arizona
Pitcher to Watch: Nate Snead
Hitter to Watch: Andrew Fischer
Team Overview: Tennessee lost a lot of star power from last years national championship squad. Conventional thinking says that the Vols will take a massive step back, but there is nothing conventional about Tony Vitello and I expect that no one is excited to see the Vols show up to their ballpark. The lineup does not have the same amount of pop and electricity, but there are several big time transfer portal additions that will pick up the slack. The starting rotation has a lot of potential and some elite talent, but will need to prove that it can contend at the top of the SEC
#5 Arkansas Razorbacks
2024 Record: 44-16 (20-10 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024
Super Regional: 2022
College World Series: 2022
Conference Home Series: South Carolina, Missouri, Texas A&M, Texas, Tennessee
Conference Away Series: Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Georgia, Florida, LSU
Notable non-conference opponents: Kansas State, TCU, Michigan, Oral Roberts, Missouri State
Pitcher to Watch: Zach Root
Hitter to Watch: Kendall Diggs
Team Overview: Once again, Arkansas will have one of the top pitching rotations in the nation. The question is whether they will have enough offense to avoid getting dumped out of their own Regional for the third year straight. Coach Dave Van Horn brought in some impact transfers to alleviate the offensive issues they faced last year, but they will have to prove themselves on the field to finally bring home that elusive national championship for Van Horn.
#8 Georgia Bulldogs
2024 Record: 43-17 (17-13 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024
Super Regional: 2024 (lost to NC State at home)
College World Series: 2008
Conference Home Series: Kentucky, Auburn, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M
Conference Away Series: Florida, Texas, Vanderbilt, Missouri, Alabama
Notable non-conference opponents: UNC Wilmington, Florida Gulf Coast, Georgia Tech, Clemson
Pitcher to Watch: Leighton Finley
Hitter to Watch: Tre Phelps
Team Overview: On paper, the Bulldogs are a force to contend with. They have a bevy of power arms and multiple guys in the lineup that can go deep at every at bat. Yes, Georgia lost Charlie Condon and Corey Collins, but once again Wes Johnson has dipped into the transfer portal to bolster his roster with impact talent. This is a team that will hit a lot of home runs and if the pitching staff performs to the same standards they have in the past, it is not hard to envision Georgia making their first trip back to Omaha since 2008 this year.
#10 Florida Gators
2024 Record: 36-30 (13-17 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024
Super Regional: 2024
College World Series: 2024 (knocked out by Texas A&M)
Conference Home Series: Georgia, Vanderbilt, Missouri, Arkansas, Alabama
Conference Away Series: Tennessee, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Texas
Notable non-conference opponents: Air Force, Miami, UCF, FAU, Florida State
Pitcher to Watch: Liam Peterson
Hitter to Watch: Brody Donay
Team Overview: Despite having Jac Caglinone, 2024 was a high wire act as the Gators started off hot, but then were all over the place to finish the year. The 2024 edition of the Gators have power aplenty throughout the lineup to keep them in every game they play. The rotation has a lot of talent, but still questions remain as two of the starters were not frontline guys last season. The staff ace Liam Peterson has elite talent, but had a up and down 2024 season, so the pitching staff largely determine the trajectory and ceiling of the Gators in 2025.
#16 Vanderbilt Commodores
2024 Record: 38-23 (13-17 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024 (went 0-2 in the Clemson regional, losing to Coastal Carolina and High Point)
Super Regional: 2021
College World Series: 2021 (lost to Miss State in the championship series)
Conference Home Series: Texas A&M, Arkansas, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky
Conference Away Series: Auburn, Florida, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Tennessee
Notable non-conference opponents: Grand Canyon, Nebraska, UC Irvine, Air Force, UCLA, USC, Xavier, Louisville
Pitcher to Watch: JD Thompson
Hitter to Watch: RJ Austin
Team Overview: The VandyBoys will once against have an outstanding starting rotation with elite talent. In addition, the bullpen returns a number of guys with experience and talent. Offensively, Vandy has talent, but there are still question marks about whether it can keep pace as it lacks punch again this year. For three consecutive seasons, Vandy has flamed out in the Regionals, including going 0-2 last season. In order to reverse that trend, the offense will have to produce when it matters the most.
#18 Mississippi State Bulldogs
2024 Record: 40-23 (17-13 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024
Super Regional: 2021
College World Series: 2021 (Won the National Championship)
Conference Home Series: Texas, South Carolina, Florida, Kentucky, Ole Miss
Conference Away Series: Oklahoma, LSU, Alabama, Auburn, Missouri
Notable non-conference opponents: Southern Miss, Missouri State, Arizona, Oklahoma State, Samford, Ole Miss
Pitcher to Watch: Pico Kohn
Hitter to Watch: Ace Reese
Team Overview: After the 2021 national championship, the Bulldogs have a rough couple of years, not even making the NCAA Tourney. Last season, they got back to the Regionals, but lost most of their rotation that helped carry them there. On paper, the Bulldog lineup is solid but lacks punch. They did bring in several impact transfers, but is there enough offense for the team to make a deep run through the tourney? The pitching staff has several veterans, but none of them have a ton of experience and innings behind them. If everything comes together, this is a very dangerous team, but it could also be one that is a fringe tourney team.
#19 Texas Longhorns
2024 Record: 36-24 (20-10 Big 12)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024 (knocked out of the College Station Regional by Louisiana)
Super Regional: 2023
College World Series: 2022 (Texas went 0-2 against Notre Dame and Texas A&M)
Conference Home Series: LSU, Georgia, Auburn, Texas A&M, Florida
Conference Away Series: Mississippi State, Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas, Oklahoma
Notable non-conference opponents: Louisville, Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, Houston, Texas Tech, Illinois, Santa Clara, UTSA, Sam Houston, Texas State, Lamar
Pitcher to Watch: Jared Spencer
Hitter to Watch: Will Gasparino
Team Overview: Texas checks all the boxes offensively. They are solid 1-9 with guys that don’t just contribute but can make a difference in every aspect of the game. The question is what the rotation looks like and who will fill the various roles. The team is not devoid of talent by any stretch of the means, but there is not a frontline ace, and the rotation will likely be in transition throughout the season, dictated by performance and arm management. If pitching coach Max Weiner can work the same magic that he did for A&M last season, the pieces are in place for Texas to make a run.
Kentucky Wildcats
2024 Record: 46-16 (22-8 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024
Super Regional: 2024
College World Series: 2024 (Won game one of the CWS, but then went 0-2 thereafter)
Conference Home Series: Auburn, Ole Miss, Texas, South Carolina, Oklahoma
Conference Away Series: Georgia, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt
Notable non-conference opponents: Wofford, Xavier, Louisville
Pitcher to Watch: Nic McCay
Hitter to Watch: Dylan Koontz
Team Overview: After shocking many by winning the SEC and then making a run to Omaha, the Wildcats have quite a few questions entering 2025. Kentucky is having to replace most of its offensive stars and lost its entire rotation as well. The lineup will likely see five new starters from the transfer portal and a heralded true freshman, while the rotation looks like it will consist of three transfers from smaller schools. The Wildcats are not devoid of talent by any means, but there will be a lot to prove all around in 2025 to make the NCAA Tourney, much less make another run to Omaha.
Oklahoma Sooners
2024 Record: 40-21 (23-7 Big 12)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024
Super Regional: 2022
College World Series: 2022 (Runner up to Ole Miss)
Conference Home Series: Mississippi State, LSU, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Texas
Conference Away Series: South Carolina, Alabama, Missouri, Georgia, Kentucky
Notable non-conference opponents: Minnesota, Oregon State, Virginia, Dallas Baptist, Sam Houston, Louisiana Tech, Oral Roberts, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State
Pitcher to Watch: Kyson Witherspoon
Hitter to Watch: Easton Carmichael
Team Overview: What a difference a few years makes. After missing out on consecutive NCAA Tournaments, the Sooners went on a bit of an improbable run, finishing up as national title runner ups in 2022. Skip Johnson has been able to drive the Sooners to back-to-back Regionals, including a Big 12 title. Now a new challenge presents itself…the SEC. On paper, Oklahoma should feel very good about the pitching rotation, which is anchored by the brothers Witherspoon. There are several other intriguing arms for Skip to work with as well. The biggest question for the Sooners is on the offensive side, which lost significant production from last year. The good news is that the Sooners do return a few key pieces to build around, but other guys will need to step up. Overall, the potential is certainly there to make it back to Regional play.
Auburn Tigers
2024 Record: 27-26 (8-22 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2023 (went 0-2 in their home regional)
Super Regional: 2022
College World Series: 2022 (went 1-2 during pool play)
Conference Home Series: Vanderbilt, Alabama, LSU, Mississippi State, South Carolina
Conference Away Series: Kentucky, Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, Ole Miss
Notable non-conference opponents: Troy, Samford, Ohio State, Oregon State, Baylor, Georgia Tech, Jacksonville State
Pitcher to Watch: Cade Fisher
Hitter to Watch: Ike Irish
Team Overview: After a challenging season in 2024, Auburn will look to bounce back and make it to the NCAA Tourney. Last season, injuries and a pitching staff that did not perform was a massive hinderance to success. In 2025, Auburn has one of the best players in the nation in Ike Irish and multiple other players that can pack a punch. On the pitching side, the Tigers brought in two impact transfers in Cade Fisher and Sam Dutton, but overall, the pitching staff will need to improve and prove itself for the team to take the next step.
Alabama Crimson Tide
2024 Record: 33-24 (13-17 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024 (Bama went 0-2 in the Tallahassee Regional)
Super Regional: 2023
College World Series: 1999
Conference Home Series: Tennessee, Oklahoma, Mississippi State, Missouri, Georgia
Conference Away Series: Texas A&M, Auburn, LSU, Vanderbilt, Florida
Notable non-conference opponents: Coastal Carolina, NC State, Ohio State, Jacksonville State, Troy, Samford, Southern Miss
Pitcher to Watch: Zane Adams
Hitter to Watch: Justin Lebron
Team Overview: After making it to Regional play in his first year as the head coach, Rob Vaughn will look to help take his team to the next step, making it to another Regional and be competitive. Offensively, Vaughn continues to build more depth, but does have a solid group of hitters, led by superstar Justin Lebron. There are two JUCO guys and four transfers that will need to adjust and prove themselves, but each comes with productive experience. Pitching wise, the Tide have a sure-fire guy in Zane Adams, but after that, there are definite question marks. Like Texas, there is more depth, but they will need prove it on the mound and see how the rotation shakes out.
South Carolina Gamecocks
2024 Record: 37-25 (13-17 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024 (went 1-2 in the Raleigh Regional)
Super Regional: 2023
College World Series: 2012
Conference Home Series: Oklahoma, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Florida, LSU
Conference Away Series: Arkansas, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, Kentucky, Auburn
Notable non-conference opponents: Clemson, College of Charleston, North Carolina, North Florida
Pitcher to Watch: Eli Jerzembeck
Hitter to Watch: Ethan Petry
Team Overview: Paul Mainieri is back! After leaving baseball back in 2021, he is once again a head coach in the SEC leading the Gamecocks. While he may be more of a CEO role with heralded assistant coach Monte Lee leading the charge, it will be interesting if he is able to turn around the fortunes of South Carolina, who has struggled since winning back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011. Offensively, the Cocks have a lineup with plenty of power, including one of the top hitters in the nation in Ethan Petry. The pitching rotation is the biggest question though, as South Carolina will be relying on several arms that have been absent due to injury or moving from the bullpen. Overall, this is a team that will look to try and make the NCAA Tourney in Mainieri’s first year back.
Ole Miss Rebels
2024 Record: 27-29 (11-19 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2022
Super Regional: 2022
College World Series: 2022 (National Champions)
Conference Home Series: Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Auburn
Conference Away Series: Missouri, Kentucky, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Mississippi State
Notable non-conference opponents: Arizona, Texas, Clemson, Southern Miss, Jacksonville State, Mississippi State
Pitcher to Watch: Hunter Elliott
Hitter to Watch: Mitch Sanford
Team Overview: After winning the national title in 2022, Ole Miss has missed the NCAA Tournament the past two seasons. Even the 2022 season was a case of what if, as Ole Miss was the last team to make it into the tourney. Mike Bianco isn’t necessarily on the hot seat, but it is absolutely warming up as Ole Miss faithful are unlikely to stomach another year without making it to the tourney. The good news is that the Rebels get back one of the heroes of their title run in Hunter Elliott. The Rebels have other options, but they will need to take the next step to help them get back into contention. Offensively, Ole Miss really struggled this past season. They are hoping some of that is patched up through transfer portal talent acquisition, specifically, guys that are more power oriented. Overall, Ole Miss is a club that is dangerous any given weekend but may struggle to get back to NCAA Regionals unless there are marked improvements in several areas.
Missouri Tigers
2024 Record: 23-32 (9-21 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2012
Super Regional: 2006
College World Series: 1964
Conference Home Series: Ole Miss, Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Mississippi State
Conference Away Series: LSU, Arkansas, Florida, Alabama, Texas A&M
Notable non-conference opponents: Connecticut, Stetson, UCF, Illinois, Missouri State, Kansas
Pitcher to Watch: Brock Lucas
Hitter to Watch: Jackson Lovich
Team Overview: After a tough first year under Coach Kerrick Jackson, things look better for the Tigers, but only marginally. The SEC is already tough and only got tougher as Texas and Oklahoma joins the fold, both of whom play Missouri. Last season, Missouri clearly was the least talented squad in every SEC matchup, but still was able to scratch out 9 wins. In 2025, there is still a lot to prove both offensively and defensively, but the hope is that they can play spoiler and continue to build upon what they have in place. Offensively, there isn’t much power in the lineup, so look for the Tigers to be more of a hit and run club and put pressure on the base paths. The Tigers have not been to an NCAA Regional since 2012. Is 2025 the year that changes…unlikely.
Every team across the nation has a singular dream. Lifting the trophy at the end of the season in Omaha, proclaiming themselves as national champions. The harsh reality is that only one team will accomplish that though. So, what defines success? Is it is having a winning season? Is it making it to the NCAA Tourney? Is it winning your conference, or making it to a Regional or Super Regional? For many teams, the above likely represent a resounding yes, that is a successful season. When it comes to Texas Baseball though, there is only one answer. OMAHA.
The 2025 season puts Texas in uncharted territory as they will now compete in the toughest conference in the nation in hopes of tallying their 39th trip to Omaha. Am I predicting the Horns to make it to Omaha? No.
Before you let loose with a barrage of tomatoes and rotten fruit, I think that the 2025 has the talent and mental makeup to make a deep run and end up in Omaha. The lineup 1-9 is as deep as Texas has had since 2021 and brings a lot to the table, even if there are not as many LHH as the staff would ideally like. In addition, I think there is more depth and talent on the pitching staff than Texas has had in a few years. Yes, there are questions around how the pieces will fit in the rotation and key roles, but this is not a team devoid of talent.
I say all of this to drive home one point. Patience. The Texas staff are tireless workers and relentless in their efforts to improve this team. The blueprint is there, and they will continue to work to deliver upon fans expectations. Success is not built overnight and the team that you see in Arlington won’t be the same team you see as the season goes on.
All the platitudes and noise aside, lets take a look at the SEC conference outlook.
National Rankings:
#1 Texas A&M
#3 LSU
#4 Tennessee
#5 Arkansas
#8 Georgia
#10 Florida
#16 Vanderbilt
#18 Mississippi State
#19 Texas
NR Kentucky
NR Oklahoma
NR Auburn
NR Alabama
NR South Carolina
NR Ole Miss
NR Missouri
Projected FInish
| SEC Coaches Poll | D1Baseball | Zach's Prediction |
| Texas A&M | Texas A&M | Texas A&M |
| Tennessee | LSU | LSU |
| Arkansas | Tennessee | Arkansas |
| LSU | Arkansas | Tennessee |
| Florida | Georgia | Georgia |
| Georgia | Florida | Florida |
| Vanderbilt | Vanderbilt | Texas |
| Texas | Mississippi State | Vanderbilt |
| Mississippi State | Texas | Oklahoma |
| Kentucky | Auburn | Mississippi State |
| Oklahoma | Alabama | Alabama |
| Auburn | Oklahoma | Auburn |
| Alabama | Kentucky | Ole Miss |
| South Carolina | Ole Miss | South Carolina |
| Ole Miss | South Carolina | Kentucky |
| Missouri | Missouri | Missouri |
Projected Regional Teams:
Texas A&M
LSU
Tennessee
Arkansas
Georgia
Florida
Vanderbilt
Mississippi State
Texas
Oklahoma
Projected Individual Awards:
Hitter of the Year: Jace LaViolette (Texas A&M)
Pitcher of the Year: Ryan Prager (Texas A&M)
Freshman of the Year: Derek Curiel (LSU)
Conference All-Conference Team:
C – Ike Irish (Auburn)
1B – Ethan Petry (South Carolina)
2B – Gavin Kilen (Tennessee)
SS – Jalin Flores (Texas)
3B – Gavin Grahovac (Texas A&M)
OF – Jace LaViolette (Texas A&M)
OF – Max Belyeu (Texas)
OF – RJ Austin (Vanderbilt)
DH – Jared Jones (LSU)
SP – Ryan Prager (Texas A&M)
SP – Anthony Eyanson (LSU)
SP – Zach Root (Arkansas)
SP – Kyson Witherspoon (Oklahoma)
SP – Gabe Gaeckle (Arkansas)
Conference Breakdown by Team:
#1 Texas A&M Aggies
2024 Record: 53-15 (19-11 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024
Super Regional: 2024
College World Series: 2024 (National Runner Up)
Conference Home Series: Alabama, Kentucky, South Carolina, LSU, and Missouri
Conference Away Series: Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, and Georgia
Notable non-conference opponents: Texas State, Arizona, Oklahoma State, Sam Houston, Lamar, Houston, UTSA
Pitcher to Watch: Jace LaViolette
Hitter to Watch: Ryan Prager
Team Overview: The Aggies are ranked #1 and for good reason. Schlossnagle and staff built a monster roster and first year head coach Michael Earley kept the vast majority of the pieces together and added more through the transfer portal. No championship is won on paper, but Texas A&M can check all the boxes in the preseason of a contender.
#3 LSU Tigers
2024 Record: 43-23 (13-17 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024
Super Regional: 2024 (lost to UNC)
College World Series: 2023 (National Champions)
Conference Home Series: Missouri, Mississippi State, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas
Conference Away Series: Texas, Oklahoma, Auburn, Texas A&M, South Carolina
Notable non-conference opponents: Dallas Baptist, Nebraska, Sam Houston, Louisiana
Pitcher to Watch: Anthony Eyanson
Hitter to Watch: Jared Jones
Team Overview: LSU has talent in abundance. There is not a single super star like Tommy White or Dylan Crews, but the Tigers are very balanced and have a great mix of youth and experience. The pitching rotation has elite potential but do need to prove themselves as none of the three were frontline starters in the SEC last season. That said, this is a team that has everything needed to contend for a title.
#4 Tennessee Volunteers
2024 Record: 60-13 (22-8 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024
Super Regional: 2024
College World Series: 2024 (Vols brought home their first ever national title)
Conference Home Series: Florida, Texas A&M, Kentucky, Auburn, Vanderbilt
Conference Away Series: Alabama, South Carolina, Ole Miss, LSU, Arkansas
Notable non-conference opponents: Samford, Oklahoma State, Arizona
Pitcher to Watch: Nate Snead
Hitter to Watch: Andrew Fischer
Team Overview: Tennessee lost a lot of star power from last years national championship squad. Conventional thinking says that the Vols will take a massive step back, but there is nothing conventional about Tony Vitello and I expect that no one is excited to see the Vols show up to their ballpark. The lineup does not have the same amount of pop and electricity, but there are several big time transfer portal additions that will pick up the slack. The starting rotation has a lot of potential and some elite talent, but will need to prove that it can contend at the top of the SEC
#5 Arkansas Razorbacks
2024 Record: 44-16 (20-10 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024
Super Regional: 2022
College World Series: 2022
Conference Home Series: South Carolina, Missouri, Texas A&M, Texas, Tennessee
Conference Away Series: Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Georgia, Florida, LSU
Notable non-conference opponents: Kansas State, TCU, Michigan, Oral Roberts, Missouri State
Pitcher to Watch: Zach Root
Hitter to Watch: Kendall Diggs
Team Overview: Once again, Arkansas will have one of the top pitching rotations in the nation. The question is whether they will have enough offense to avoid getting dumped out of their own Regional for the third year straight. Coach Dave Van Horn brought in some impact transfers to alleviate the offensive issues they faced last year, but they will have to prove themselves on the field to finally bring home that elusive national championship for Van Horn.
#8 Georgia Bulldogs
2024 Record: 43-17 (17-13 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024
Super Regional: 2024 (lost to NC State at home)
College World Series: 2008
Conference Home Series: Kentucky, Auburn, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M
Conference Away Series: Florida, Texas, Vanderbilt, Missouri, Alabama
Notable non-conference opponents: UNC Wilmington, Florida Gulf Coast, Georgia Tech, Clemson
Pitcher to Watch: Leighton Finley
Hitter to Watch: Tre Phelps
Team Overview: On paper, the Bulldogs are a force to contend with. They have a bevy of power arms and multiple guys in the lineup that can go deep at every at bat. Yes, Georgia lost Charlie Condon and Corey Collins, but once again Wes Johnson has dipped into the transfer portal to bolster his roster with impact talent. This is a team that will hit a lot of home runs and if the pitching staff performs to the same standards they have in the past, it is not hard to envision Georgia making their first trip back to Omaha since 2008 this year.
#10 Florida Gators
2024 Record: 36-30 (13-17 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024
Super Regional: 2024
College World Series: 2024 (knocked out by Texas A&M)
Conference Home Series: Georgia, Vanderbilt, Missouri, Arkansas, Alabama
Conference Away Series: Tennessee, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Texas
Notable non-conference opponents: Air Force, Miami, UCF, FAU, Florida State
Pitcher to Watch: Liam Peterson
Hitter to Watch: Brody Donay
Team Overview: Despite having Jac Caglinone, 2024 was a high wire act as the Gators started off hot, but then were all over the place to finish the year. The 2024 edition of the Gators have power aplenty throughout the lineup to keep them in every game they play. The rotation has a lot of talent, but still questions remain as two of the starters were not frontline guys last season. The staff ace Liam Peterson has elite talent, but had a up and down 2024 season, so the pitching staff largely determine the trajectory and ceiling of the Gators in 2025.
#16 Vanderbilt Commodores
2024 Record: 38-23 (13-17 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024 (went 0-2 in the Clemson regional, losing to Coastal Carolina and High Point)
Super Regional: 2021
College World Series: 2021 (lost to Miss State in the championship series)
Conference Home Series: Texas A&M, Arkansas, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky
Conference Away Series: Auburn, Florida, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Tennessee
Notable non-conference opponents: Grand Canyon, Nebraska, UC Irvine, Air Force, UCLA, USC, Xavier, Louisville
Pitcher to Watch: JD Thompson
Hitter to Watch: RJ Austin
Team Overview: The VandyBoys will once against have an outstanding starting rotation with elite talent. In addition, the bullpen returns a number of guys with experience and talent. Offensively, Vandy has talent, but there are still question marks about whether it can keep pace as it lacks punch again this year. For three consecutive seasons, Vandy has flamed out in the Regionals, including going 0-2 last season. In order to reverse that trend, the offense will have to produce when it matters the most.
#18 Mississippi State Bulldogs
2024 Record: 40-23 (17-13 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024
Super Regional: 2021
College World Series: 2021 (Won the National Championship)
Conference Home Series: Texas, South Carolina, Florida, Kentucky, Ole Miss
Conference Away Series: Oklahoma, LSU, Alabama, Auburn, Missouri
Notable non-conference opponents: Southern Miss, Missouri State, Arizona, Oklahoma State, Samford, Ole Miss
Pitcher to Watch: Pico Kohn
Hitter to Watch: Ace Reese
Team Overview: After the 2021 national championship, the Bulldogs have a rough couple of years, not even making the NCAA Tourney. Last season, they got back to the Regionals, but lost most of their rotation that helped carry them there. On paper, the Bulldog lineup is solid but lacks punch. They did bring in several impact transfers, but is there enough offense for the team to make a deep run through the tourney? The pitching staff has several veterans, but none of them have a ton of experience and innings behind them. If everything comes together, this is a very dangerous team, but it could also be one that is a fringe tourney team.
#19 Texas Longhorns
2024 Record: 36-24 (20-10 Big 12)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024 (knocked out of the College Station Regional by Louisiana)
Super Regional: 2023
College World Series: 2022 (Texas went 0-2 against Notre Dame and Texas A&M)
Conference Home Series: LSU, Georgia, Auburn, Texas A&M, Florida
Conference Away Series: Mississippi State, Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas, Oklahoma
Notable non-conference opponents: Louisville, Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, Houston, Texas Tech, Illinois, Santa Clara, UTSA, Sam Houston, Texas State, Lamar
Pitcher to Watch: Jared Spencer
Hitter to Watch: Will Gasparino
Team Overview: Texas checks all the boxes offensively. They are solid 1-9 with guys that don’t just contribute but can make a difference in every aspect of the game. The question is what the rotation looks like and who will fill the various roles. The team is not devoid of talent by any stretch of the means, but there is not a frontline ace, and the rotation will likely be in transition throughout the season, dictated by performance and arm management. If pitching coach Max Weiner can work the same magic that he did for A&M last season, the pieces are in place for Texas to make a run.
Kentucky Wildcats
2024 Record: 46-16 (22-8 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024
Super Regional: 2024
College World Series: 2024 (Won game one of the CWS, but then went 0-2 thereafter)
Conference Home Series: Auburn, Ole Miss, Texas, South Carolina, Oklahoma
Conference Away Series: Georgia, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt
Notable non-conference opponents: Wofford, Xavier, Louisville
Pitcher to Watch: Nic McCay
Hitter to Watch: Dylan Koontz
Team Overview: After shocking many by winning the SEC and then making a run to Omaha, the Wildcats have quite a few questions entering 2025. Kentucky is having to replace most of its offensive stars and lost its entire rotation as well. The lineup will likely see five new starters from the transfer portal and a heralded true freshman, while the rotation looks like it will consist of three transfers from smaller schools. The Wildcats are not devoid of talent by any means, but there will be a lot to prove all around in 2025 to make the NCAA Tourney, much less make another run to Omaha.
Oklahoma Sooners
2024 Record: 40-21 (23-7 Big 12)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024
Super Regional: 2022
College World Series: 2022 (Runner up to Ole Miss)
Conference Home Series: Mississippi State, LSU, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Texas
Conference Away Series: South Carolina, Alabama, Missouri, Georgia, Kentucky
Notable non-conference opponents: Minnesota, Oregon State, Virginia, Dallas Baptist, Sam Houston, Louisiana Tech, Oral Roberts, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State
Pitcher to Watch: Kyson Witherspoon
Hitter to Watch: Easton Carmichael
Team Overview: What a difference a few years makes. After missing out on consecutive NCAA Tournaments, the Sooners went on a bit of an improbable run, finishing up as national title runner ups in 2022. Skip Johnson has been able to drive the Sooners to back-to-back Regionals, including a Big 12 title. Now a new challenge presents itself…the SEC. On paper, Oklahoma should feel very good about the pitching rotation, which is anchored by the brothers Witherspoon. There are several other intriguing arms for Skip to work with as well. The biggest question for the Sooners is on the offensive side, which lost significant production from last year. The good news is that the Sooners do return a few key pieces to build around, but other guys will need to step up. Overall, the potential is certainly there to make it back to Regional play.
Auburn Tigers
2024 Record: 27-26 (8-22 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2023 (went 0-2 in their home regional)
Super Regional: 2022
College World Series: 2022 (went 1-2 during pool play)
Conference Home Series: Vanderbilt, Alabama, LSU, Mississippi State, South Carolina
Conference Away Series: Kentucky, Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, Ole Miss
Notable non-conference opponents: Troy, Samford, Ohio State, Oregon State, Baylor, Georgia Tech, Jacksonville State
Pitcher to Watch: Cade Fisher
Hitter to Watch: Ike Irish
Team Overview: After a challenging season in 2024, Auburn will look to bounce back and make it to the NCAA Tourney. Last season, injuries and a pitching staff that did not perform was a massive hinderance to success. In 2025, Auburn has one of the best players in the nation in Ike Irish and multiple other players that can pack a punch. On the pitching side, the Tigers brought in two impact transfers in Cade Fisher and Sam Dutton, but overall, the pitching staff will need to improve and prove itself for the team to take the next step.
Alabama Crimson Tide
2024 Record: 33-24 (13-17 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024 (Bama went 0-2 in the Tallahassee Regional)
Super Regional: 2023
College World Series: 1999
Conference Home Series: Tennessee, Oklahoma, Mississippi State, Missouri, Georgia
Conference Away Series: Texas A&M, Auburn, LSU, Vanderbilt, Florida
Notable non-conference opponents: Coastal Carolina, NC State, Ohio State, Jacksonville State, Troy, Samford, Southern Miss
Pitcher to Watch: Zane Adams
Hitter to Watch: Justin Lebron
Team Overview: After making it to Regional play in his first year as the head coach, Rob Vaughn will look to help take his team to the next step, making it to another Regional and be competitive. Offensively, Vaughn continues to build more depth, but does have a solid group of hitters, led by superstar Justin Lebron. There are two JUCO guys and four transfers that will need to adjust and prove themselves, but each comes with productive experience. Pitching wise, the Tide have a sure-fire guy in Zane Adams, but after that, there are definite question marks. Like Texas, there is more depth, but they will need prove it on the mound and see how the rotation shakes out.
South Carolina Gamecocks
2024 Record: 37-25 (13-17 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2024 (went 1-2 in the Raleigh Regional)
Super Regional: 2023
College World Series: 2012
Conference Home Series: Oklahoma, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Florida, LSU
Conference Away Series: Arkansas, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, Kentucky, Auburn
Notable non-conference opponents: Clemson, College of Charleston, North Carolina, North Florida
Pitcher to Watch: Eli Jerzembeck
Hitter to Watch: Ethan Petry
Team Overview: Paul Mainieri is back! After leaving baseball back in 2021, he is once again a head coach in the SEC leading the Gamecocks. While he may be more of a CEO role with heralded assistant coach Monte Lee leading the charge, it will be interesting if he is able to turn around the fortunes of South Carolina, who has struggled since winning back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011. Offensively, the Cocks have a lineup with plenty of power, including one of the top hitters in the nation in Ethan Petry. The pitching rotation is the biggest question though, as South Carolina will be relying on several arms that have been absent due to injury or moving from the bullpen. Overall, this is a team that will look to try and make the NCAA Tourney in Mainieri’s first year back.
Ole Miss Rebels
2024 Record: 27-29 (11-19 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2022
Super Regional: 2022
College World Series: 2022 (National Champions)
Conference Home Series: Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Auburn
Conference Away Series: Missouri, Kentucky, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Mississippi State
Notable non-conference opponents: Arizona, Texas, Clemson, Southern Miss, Jacksonville State, Mississippi State
Pitcher to Watch: Hunter Elliott
Hitter to Watch: Mitch Sanford
Team Overview: After winning the national title in 2022, Ole Miss has missed the NCAA Tournament the past two seasons. Even the 2022 season was a case of what if, as Ole Miss was the last team to make it into the tourney. Mike Bianco isn’t necessarily on the hot seat, but it is absolutely warming up as Ole Miss faithful are unlikely to stomach another year without making it to the tourney. The good news is that the Rebels get back one of the heroes of their title run in Hunter Elliott. The Rebels have other options, but they will need to take the next step to help them get back into contention. Offensively, Ole Miss really struggled this past season. They are hoping some of that is patched up through transfer portal talent acquisition, specifically, guys that are more power oriented. Overall, Ole Miss is a club that is dangerous any given weekend but may struggle to get back to NCAA Regionals unless there are marked improvements in several areas.
Missouri Tigers
2024 Record: 23-32 (9-21 SEC)
Last Appearances:
Regional: 2012
Super Regional: 2006
College World Series: 1964
Conference Home Series: Ole Miss, Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Mississippi State
Conference Away Series: LSU, Arkansas, Florida, Alabama, Texas A&M
Notable non-conference opponents: Connecticut, Stetson, UCF, Illinois, Missouri State, Kansas
Pitcher to Watch: Brock Lucas
Hitter to Watch: Jackson Lovich
Team Overview: After a tough first year under Coach Kerrick Jackson, things look better for the Tigers, but only marginally. The SEC is already tough and only got tougher as Texas and Oklahoma joins the fold, both of whom play Missouri. Last season, Missouri clearly was the least talented squad in every SEC matchup, but still was able to scratch out 9 wins. In 2025, there is still a lot to prove both offensively and defensively, but the hope is that they can play spoiler and continue to build upon what they have in place. Offensively, there isn’t much power in the lineup, so look for the Tigers to be more of a hit and run club and put pressure on the base paths. The Tigers have not been to an NCAA Regional since 2012. Is 2025 the year that changes…unlikely.
