College Baseball 2026 Preseason Top 25 Teams Revealed

The 2026 college baseball season kicks off in the coming weeks with UCLA Bruins at number one in preseason top 25 rankings. LSU Tigers sit at number two as defending national champions from 2025, while teams like Texas Longhorns and Mississippi State Bulldogs round out the top five. Fans can watch most games on ESPN networks as play begins in various early tournaments and home openers.

Background

College baseball wrapped up its 2025 season with the Men's College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, where LSU claimed the title after a 53-15 record. UCLA finished the year at 48-18, reaching the finals but falling short. The Bruins shared the Big Ten regular season title with Oregon and made their first College World Series trip since 2013. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers went 56-13 and were runners-up, showing strength throughout the year.

Many top teams lost key players to the draft or graduation, but returning talent and new recruits have experts ranking squads early. UCLA earned the top spot due to its steady roster with few big changes after a resurgent year. LSU coach Jay Johnson built a winner with smart player development, and the Tigers plan to repeat their success. Mississippi State hired Brian O’Connor from Virginia as coach, bringing high hopes to a team that went 36-23 last year.

The season builds toward the Division I Baseball Championship from June 12 to 22 at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha. Preseason polls from ESPN and others like D1Baseball and Baseball America agree on the leaders, though some spots vary. UCLA, LSU, Texas, Mississippi State, and Georgia Tech appear strong across lists. Lower-ranked teams like NC State, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, and Arizona also eye deep runs.

Teams prepare through fall ball and early scrimmages. Conferences like the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12 feature powerhouses. Early events include the Shriners Children's College Showdown in Arlington, Texas, and the Puerto Rico Baseball Challenge.

Key Details

Top 10 Teams and Opening Games

UCLA Bruins start against UC San Diego at 8 p.m. They went 48-18 last year and lost in the College World Series. LSU Tigers open versus Milwaukee at 3 p.m. after their championship 53-15 season. Texas Longhorns, with a 44-14 record, rank third. Mississippi State Bulldogs, now 36-23 from 2025, sit fourth under new coach O’Connor.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, 41-19 last year, play Bowling Green at 4 p.m. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers face Fairfield at 4 p.m. after their 56-13 runner-up finish. Arkansas Razorbacks, 50-15 and semifinal losers, meet Oklahoma State at 8 p.m. in Arlington. Louisville Cardinals, 42-24 semifinalists, take on Michigan State at 4 p.m. Auburn Tigers open against Youngstown State, time to be announced, after 41-20.

TCU Horned Frogs, 39-20, play Vanderbilt at 4 p.m. in Arlington. North Carolina Tar Heels, 46-15, rank 11th. Oregon State Beavers went 48-16-1. Florida Gators at 39-22 and Tennessee Volunteers at 46-19 fill mid-pack spots.

Lower Rankings and Notable Games

NC State Wolfpack, 35-21, face Washington at 2:30 p.m. in Puerto Rico. Kentucky Wildcats, 31-26, play UNC Greensboro at 4 p.m. Vanderbilt Commodores, 43-18, meet TCU in Texas. Arizona Wildcats, 44-21, start versus Stanford at 8 p.m. in Surprise, Arizona. Texas A&M rounds out the top 25 at 30-26.

Other teams like Clemson, Southern Miss, Wake Forest, Miami, and Arizona State appear in various top 25s. Arizona State made the tournament last year for the first time since 2021 but lost players to the draft.

"UCLA’s relative inactivity in the offseason puts them at the top because they return so much from a team that reached Omaha," said a college baseball analyst.

ESPN broadcasts many games. Check their schedule for live coverage of openers and big matchups. Scores update in real time on their platforms.

What This Means

These rankings set expectations for the season. UCLA must build on its Big Ten success and College World Series run without major roster shifts. LSU aims to defend the title amid tough SEC play. Mississippi State’s coaching change could spark a turnaround if new talent gels.

Early tournaments test depth. The Shriners event in Arlington pits Arkansas against Oklahoma State and TCU versus Vanderbilt. Puerto Rico sees NC State play Washington. Home openers let fans see changes firsthand.

Roster turnover hits programs hard. Arkansas faces a big rebuild after semifinals. North Carolina lost production but returns stars like Brendan Lawson, a potential top draft pick. TCU looks to build on 39 wins under coach Kirk Saarloos.

Fans get more games on TV, making the sport accessible. Strong SEC and Big 12 teams could dominate regionals. Coastal Carolina seeks another finals trip. Georgia Tech and Auburn push up after solid 2025s.

The path to Omaha favors consistent teams. Preseason favorites like UCLA and LSU have experience, but surprises from mid-tier squads like Florida State or Georgia happen each year. Opening games reveal form before conference slates begin in February and March.