College Baseball Preview 2026 Season: Top Teams, Trends to Watch

The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, the smell of freshly cut grass—college baseball season 2026 is almost here. This year promises exciting matchups, rising stars, and the quest for the College World Series title. We’ll explore the top contenders, the impact of the transfer portal, and key storylines for the 2026 college baseball season. Get ready for some hardball action.

Table of Contents:

• College Baseball Preview 2025 Season: Top Contenders
• Emerging Talent and Key Players
• Conference Breakdown
• Early Season Showdowns and Tournaments
• College Baseball Recruiting and Draft Implications
• Conclusion

College Baseball Preview 2026 Season: Top Contenders

Several teams have emerged as early favorites. The Texas A&M Aggies start the season at number one in some preseason rankings despite coaching changes.

Their potent offense, led by Jace LaViolette and Gavin Grahovac, will be a challenge for opposing pitching staffs.

Don’t count out the LSU Tigers. They return players like Jared Jones and have added top transfers.

Baseball America predicts a strong season for the Tigers, even placing them high in their way-too-early top 25. Other teams to watch include the Virginia Cavaliers with their impressive depth and the Georgia Bulldogs who landed top transfers.

The defending national champions, the Tennessee Volunteers, look to make another title run with Dean Curley and Andrew Fischer.

Emerging Talent and Key Players

This season brings new talent, but some familiar faces stand out. Jace LaViolette (Texas A&M) is expected to dominate. Gavin Grahovac (Texas A&M), last year’s SEC Freshman of the Year, aims for another strong season.

On the mound, Ryan Prager surprised many by returning to Texas A&M instead of turning pro. Keep an eye out for LSU’s Jared Jones, whose power could make him a key player for coach Jay Johnson. Tommy White is also an impact player for the Tigers. Look for Luke Holman to add depth for the Tigers, after transferring in from Coastal Carolina.

Don’t forget the pitching. LSU’s Chase Shores is back from injury. William Schmidt, a top high school prospect, chose college over the pros.

Conference Breakdown

The SEC dominates preseason polls with numerous ranked teams. The ACC features several top-tier teams including Virginia, North Carolina, Wake Forest, and Florida State. Other conferences like the Big 12, Big Ten, and Sun Belt also have strong contenders, like Dallas Baptist. The Big 12 is expected to be tough again.

Early Season Showdowns and Tournaments

The season kicks off with must-see matchups. The College Baseball Showdown features top teams including Texas A&M, LSU, and Virginia, facing off at Globe Life Field. The three teams will face off in Arlington in what could be an early look at how the rest of the year could unfold.

Teams like Texas, Clemson, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Arizona, and Louisville will compete in tournaments early. LSU and Dallas Baptist will play a midweek game. These games will be streamed live on FloBaseball. Tennessee will participate in the Astros Foundation College Classic at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

College Baseball Recruiting and Draft Implications

College baseball recruiting shaped team rosters for the college baseball season. The transfer portal has significantly impacted how teams improve and rebuild their rosters and gain an edge.

Some teams acquired impact players from the transfer portal. Others retained star players who decided not to enter the MLB draft and instead opted to stay in college.

These decisions could be critical for some teams. Other MLB Draft eligible sophomores like Daniel Dickinson, hope to improve their draft stock for 2025 or beyond.

Conclusion

From established stars like Jac Caglianone to up-and-coming talent, the college baseball season promises an exciting year. The season, starting in February, has a packed schedule of must-see matchups.

So, grab your peanuts and cracker jacks and settle in for what should be an exciting college baseball season. College baseball’s 2025 season has much to offer fans of the game. Look for talented pitchers such as Gage Jump. Keep up with the freshmen, including Harrison Didawick. Pay attention to head coach Jim Schlossnagle.