Baseball News: 6-24-2026
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Dudley Dent
Jun 24, 2026, 8:03:05 AM (20 hours ago) Jun 24
to Tiger Tracks
Auburn Baseball News: 6-24-2026
Way-too-early SEC baseball power rankings for 2027 season:
https://rolltidewire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/crimson-tide/baseball/2026/06/23/sec-baseball-power-rankings-2027-early-texas-georgia/90610844007/
Where did Auburn baseball land in the final USA TODAY Coaches Poll?:
https://auburnwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/auburn/baseball/2026/06/23/auburn-baseball-coaches-poll-ranking-cws-sec/90666255007/
**********************
Way-too-early SEC baseball power rankings for 2027 season
By Matt Melton
Roll Tide Wire
For a seventh consecutive season, the college baseball national champion has come from the SEC.
As the conference only continues its' grip on the sport of college baseball, the SEC now begins to look ahead to the 2027 season, one that will likely feature a number of teams yet again vying for a national title in Omaha. Among that group will be many who will enter the 2027 campaign among the preseason favorites nationally, in part due to some talented returning players, as well as additions through the transfer portal and high school ranks.
Let's take a look at how college baseball's top conference is currently looking for the 2027 season.
16. Missouri Tigers
Missouri (24-31, 6-24) missed the NCAA Tournament this past spring, ending the year with a losing record. Kerrick Jackson enters his fourth season as the Tigers head coach in 2027.
15. South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina (22-35, 7-23) was the second SEC team to finish with a losing record this past spring, missing the NCAA Tournament. The Gamecocks will begin a new era next season under head coach Kevin Schnall, who takes over the program following multiple seasons at Coastal Carolina.
14. Kentucky Wildcats
Despite a losing record in conference action, Kentucky (33-23, 13-17) made a NCAA Tournament appearance this past spring, but did not advance past a regional. The Wildcats are likely set to lose two of their top players to the MLB draft this offseason in Tyler Bell and Jaxon Jelkin.
13. Vanderbilt Commodores
The Commodores were among the surprises from the 2026 season, as Vanderbilt (33-25, 14-16) missed the NCAA Tournament entirely. Tim Corbin and the Commodores will likely reload this offseason to a team that will lose some key names such as Mike Mancini.
12. LSU Tigers
LSU (30-28, 9-21) was likely the biggest surprise of the 2026 season across college baseball, missing the NCAA Tournament. Jay Johnson and the Tigers will reload this offseason, and will be in the mix next season despite the potential loss of star outfielder Derek Curiel, in part due to returners such as Omar Serna Jr. and Mason Braun.
11. Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss (41-23, 15-15) returned to Omaha for the CWS this past season following an impressive run through both regionals and super regionals. The Rebels are certainly a team to watch for this offseason, even despite the likely losses of Cade Townsend and Taylor Rabe, among others.
10. Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee (38-22, 15-15) had a bit of a down 2026 season compared to years past, making a regional appearance in year one of the Josh Elander era. The Volunteers are likely to lose star pitcher Tegan Kuhns to the MLB draft, but should still reload with another NCAA Tournament caliber team in 2027.
9. Alabama Crimson Tide
The 2026 campaign was an eventful one for Alabama (42-21, 18-12) that saw the Crimson Tide return to Omaha for the first time since 1999. Alabama will likely lose a significant amount of production this offseason to the MLB draft, such as Justin Lebron, but should still return a talented roster headlined by the rising sophomore duo of Eric Hines and Myles Upchurch.
8. Texas A&M Aggies
The Aggies enjoyed a bounce back 2026 season that saw Texas A&M (41-16, 18-11) make the NCAA Tournament, but fall at home in regionals. Texas A&M is likely set to lose the star trio of Chris Hacopian, Gavin Grahovac, and Caden Sorrell to the MLB draft, each of which were First Team All-SEC selections.
7. Florida Gators
Florida (41-21, 18-12) was among the SEC's top teams during the regular season, but suffered a shocking exit from the NCAA Tournament at home in regionals. Despite the potential loss of Liam Peterson to the MLB draft, the Gators should still have one of the SEC's top pitching staff's in 2027, led by returning SEC Pitcher of the Year Aidan King.
6. Arkansas Razorbacks
Arkansas (41-22, 17-13) made a NCAA Tournament appearance during the 2026 season, but did not advance past a regional. The Razorbacks will yet again be among the SEC's most talented teams in 2027, even despite likely losses of Ryder Helfrick and Hunter Dietz, among others, to the MLB draft.
5. Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma (43-23, 14-16) capped a memorable NCAA Tournament run by claiming the program's third national title, defeating some of college baseball's top seeded teams along the way. The Sooners and Skip Johnson will likely lose a number of players to the MLB draft this offseason, but should reload in 2027.
4. Mississippi State Bulldogs
The first season under head coach Brian O'Connor in Starkville was certainly a productive one, as Mississippi State (43-19, 16-14) made a super regional in the NCAA Tournament. Despite the likely loss of Ace Reese, the Bulldogs will be loaded next spring, headlined by the returning rising sophomore duo of Jacob Parker and Jack Bauer.
3. Auburn Tigers
Auburn (42-22, 17-13) had a bit of a disappointing conclusion to the 2026 season, as the Tigers were upset at home in super regionals of the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers have a number of talented younger players such as Ethan Bingaman and Mason McCraine who are likely set to return in 2027, as well as ace Jake Marciano.
2. Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia (53-14, 23-7) was undoubtedly the SEC's top team this past season, winning both the regular season and conference tournament titles on their way to making a deep CWS run. The Bulldogs are likely set to lose a number of players such as SEC Player of the Year Daniel Jackson and Joey Volchko this offseason, but Georgia is certain to reload through what is likely to be one of college baseball's top transfer classes.
1. Texas Longhorns
Texas (46-15, 19-10) made a deep run in the NCAA Tournament this past season, making a CWS appearance for the first time as a member of the SEC. The Longhorns and head coach Jim Schlossnagle will be loaded once again next spring, and should be among college baseball's preseason title favorites led by returning names Dylan Volantis, Sam Cozart, and Anthony Pack Jr., the latter of which was the 2026 SEC Freshman of the Year.
*************************
Where did Auburn baseball land in the final USA TODAY Coaches Poll?
By Taylor Jones
Auburn Wire
Auburn baseball's season came to a disappointing end in the NCAA Super Regional when SEC rival Ole Miss swept the Tigers at Plainsman Park to advance to the College World Series.
Now that the College World Series has officially ended, the final USA TODAY Coaches Poll of the season has been released. The Auburn Tigers will end the season in the top 10, being the first team outside of this year's College World Series field at No. 9.
Oklahoma takes home the No. 1 slot this season after defeating North Carolina in the College World Series final, after receiving votes in the final regular season poll of the season released on May 25. Georgia grabs No. 3, with Texas, Alabama, and Ole Miss following suit at No. 5, No. 6, and No. 7, respectively.
Four SEC teams follow Auburn in the top 25. Fellow Super Regional participant Mississippi State finished No. 13, with Texas A&M (No. 16), Florida (No. 19), and Arkansas (No. 21) next in line. Kentucky and Tennessee each received votes in the final poll.
Here is a look at the final USA TODAY Coaches Poll for the 2026 baseball season.
Rank Team Record PTS 1st Prev Chg Hi/Lo
1 Oklahoma Sooners 43-23 750 30 NR 28 1/NR
2 North Carolina Tar Heels 54-14 720 0 4 2 2/14
3 Georgia Bulldogs 53-14 682 0 3 - 3/13
4 West Virginia Mountaineers 47-17 633 0 11 7 4/NR
5 Texas Longhorns 46-15 629 0 5 - 2/5
6 Alabama Crimson Tide 42-21 510 0 16 10 6/NR
7 Ole Miss Rebels 41-23 508 0 20 13 7/NR
8 Troy Trojans 39-32 487 0 NR - 8/NR
9 Auburn Tigers 42-22 471 0 6 3 4/12
10 UCLA Bruins 52-8 455 0 1 9 1/10
11 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 50-11 452 0 2 9 2/11
12 Kansas Jayhawks 45-18 390 0 15 3 9/NR
13 Mississippi State Bulldogs 43-19 369 0 17 4 3/17
14 Oregon Ducks 43-18 362 0 12 2 10/NR
15 USC Trojans 48-18 350 0 19 4 8/NR
16 Texas A&M Aggies 41-16 256 0 10 6 7/NR
17 Southern Miss Golden Eagles 44-17 238 0 7 10 7/20
18 Florida State Seminoles 40-19 231 0 9 9 6/18
19 Florida Gators 41-21 222 0 14 5 8/25
20 Oregon State Beavers 45-14 215 0 8 12 6/20
21 Arkansas Razorbacks 41-22 176 0 13 8 5/24
22 Nebraska Cornhuskers 43-17 151 0 18 4 16/NR
23 Cal Poly Mustangs 39-24 95 0 NR - 23/NR
24 St. John's Red Storm 36-26 87 0 NR - 24/NR
25 Little Rock Trojans 39-28 70 0 NR - 25/NR
Schools Dropped Out
No. 21 Oklahoma State; No. 22 Arizona State; No. 23 Jacksonville State; No. 24 Cincinnati; No. 25 Tennessee;
Others Receiving Votes
Arizona State 66; Oklahoma State 53; Jacksonville State 37; UC Santa Barbara 20; Kentucky 10; Liberty 9; Cincinnati 9; Tennessee 8; Wake Forest 6; Miami (FL) 6; Mercer 5; East Carolina 4; Coastal Carolina 4; Louisiana 3; North Carolina State 1
Way-too-early SEC baseball power rankings for 2027 season:
https://rolltidewire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/crimson-tide/baseball/2026/06/23/sec-baseball-power-rankings-2027-early-texas-georgia/90610844007/
Where did Auburn baseball land in the final USA TODAY Coaches Poll?:
https://auburnwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/auburn/baseball/2026/06/23/auburn-baseball-coaches-poll-ranking-cws-sec/90666255007/
**********************
Way-too-early SEC baseball power rankings for 2027 season
By Matt Melton
Roll Tide Wire
For a seventh consecutive season, the college baseball national champion has come from the SEC.
As the conference only continues its' grip on the sport of college baseball, the SEC now begins to look ahead to the 2027 season, one that will likely feature a number of teams yet again vying for a national title in Omaha. Among that group will be many who will enter the 2027 campaign among the preseason favorites nationally, in part due to some talented returning players, as well as additions through the transfer portal and high school ranks.
Let's take a look at how college baseball's top conference is currently looking for the 2027 season.
16. Missouri Tigers
Missouri (24-31, 6-24) missed the NCAA Tournament this past spring, ending the year with a losing record. Kerrick Jackson enters his fourth season as the Tigers head coach in 2027.
15. South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina (22-35, 7-23) was the second SEC team to finish with a losing record this past spring, missing the NCAA Tournament. The Gamecocks will begin a new era next season under head coach Kevin Schnall, who takes over the program following multiple seasons at Coastal Carolina.
14. Kentucky Wildcats
Despite a losing record in conference action, Kentucky (33-23, 13-17) made a NCAA Tournament appearance this past spring, but did not advance past a regional. The Wildcats are likely set to lose two of their top players to the MLB draft this offseason in Tyler Bell and Jaxon Jelkin.
13. Vanderbilt Commodores
The Commodores were among the surprises from the 2026 season, as Vanderbilt (33-25, 14-16) missed the NCAA Tournament entirely. Tim Corbin and the Commodores will likely reload this offseason to a team that will lose some key names such as Mike Mancini.
12. LSU Tigers
LSU (30-28, 9-21) was likely the biggest surprise of the 2026 season across college baseball, missing the NCAA Tournament. Jay Johnson and the Tigers will reload this offseason, and will be in the mix next season despite the potential loss of star outfielder Derek Curiel, in part due to returners such as Omar Serna Jr. and Mason Braun.
11. Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss (41-23, 15-15) returned to Omaha for the CWS this past season following an impressive run through both regionals and super regionals. The Rebels are certainly a team to watch for this offseason, even despite the likely losses of Cade Townsend and Taylor Rabe, among others.
10. Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee (38-22, 15-15) had a bit of a down 2026 season compared to years past, making a regional appearance in year one of the Josh Elander era. The Volunteers are likely to lose star pitcher Tegan Kuhns to the MLB draft, but should still reload with another NCAA Tournament caliber team in 2027.
9. Alabama Crimson Tide
The 2026 campaign was an eventful one for Alabama (42-21, 18-12) that saw the Crimson Tide return to Omaha for the first time since 1999. Alabama will likely lose a significant amount of production this offseason to the MLB draft, such as Justin Lebron, but should still return a talented roster headlined by the rising sophomore duo of Eric Hines and Myles Upchurch.
8. Texas A&M Aggies
The Aggies enjoyed a bounce back 2026 season that saw Texas A&M (41-16, 18-11) make the NCAA Tournament, but fall at home in regionals. Texas A&M is likely set to lose the star trio of Chris Hacopian, Gavin Grahovac, and Caden Sorrell to the MLB draft, each of which were First Team All-SEC selections.
7. Florida Gators
Florida (41-21, 18-12) was among the SEC's top teams during the regular season, but suffered a shocking exit from the NCAA Tournament at home in regionals. Despite the potential loss of Liam Peterson to the MLB draft, the Gators should still have one of the SEC's top pitching staff's in 2027, led by returning SEC Pitcher of the Year Aidan King.
6. Arkansas Razorbacks
Arkansas (41-22, 17-13) made a NCAA Tournament appearance during the 2026 season, but did not advance past a regional. The Razorbacks will yet again be among the SEC's most talented teams in 2027, even despite likely losses of Ryder Helfrick and Hunter Dietz, among others, to the MLB draft.
5. Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma (43-23, 14-16) capped a memorable NCAA Tournament run by claiming the program's third national title, defeating some of college baseball's top seeded teams along the way. The Sooners and Skip Johnson will likely lose a number of players to the MLB draft this offseason, but should reload in 2027.
4. Mississippi State Bulldogs
The first season under head coach Brian O'Connor in Starkville was certainly a productive one, as Mississippi State (43-19, 16-14) made a super regional in the NCAA Tournament. Despite the likely loss of Ace Reese, the Bulldogs will be loaded next spring, headlined by the returning rising sophomore duo of Jacob Parker and Jack Bauer.
3. Auburn Tigers
Auburn (42-22, 17-13) had a bit of a disappointing conclusion to the 2026 season, as the Tigers were upset at home in super regionals of the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers have a number of talented younger players such as Ethan Bingaman and Mason McCraine who are likely set to return in 2027, as well as ace Jake Marciano.
2. Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia (53-14, 23-7) was undoubtedly the SEC's top team this past season, winning both the regular season and conference tournament titles on their way to making a deep CWS run. The Bulldogs are likely set to lose a number of players such as SEC Player of the Year Daniel Jackson and Joey Volchko this offseason, but Georgia is certain to reload through what is likely to be one of college baseball's top transfer classes.
1. Texas Longhorns
Texas (46-15, 19-10) made a deep run in the NCAA Tournament this past season, making a CWS appearance for the first time as a member of the SEC. The Longhorns and head coach Jim Schlossnagle will be loaded once again next spring, and should be among college baseball's preseason title favorites led by returning names Dylan Volantis, Sam Cozart, and Anthony Pack Jr., the latter of which was the 2026 SEC Freshman of the Year.
*************************
Where did Auburn baseball land in the final USA TODAY Coaches Poll?
By Taylor Jones
Auburn Wire
Auburn baseball's season came to a disappointing end in the NCAA Super Regional when SEC rival Ole Miss swept the Tigers at Plainsman Park to advance to the College World Series.
Now that the College World Series has officially ended, the final USA TODAY Coaches Poll of the season has been released. The Auburn Tigers will end the season in the top 10, being the first team outside of this year's College World Series field at No. 9.
Oklahoma takes home the No. 1 slot this season after defeating North Carolina in the College World Series final, after receiving votes in the final regular season poll of the season released on May 25. Georgia grabs No. 3, with Texas, Alabama, and Ole Miss following suit at No. 5, No. 6, and No. 7, respectively.
Four SEC teams follow Auburn in the top 25. Fellow Super Regional participant Mississippi State finished No. 13, with Texas A&M (No. 16), Florida (No. 19), and Arkansas (No. 21) next in line. Kentucky and Tennessee each received votes in the final poll.
Here is a look at the final USA TODAY Coaches Poll for the 2026 baseball season.
Rank Team Record PTS 1st Prev Chg Hi/Lo
1 Oklahoma Sooners 43-23 750 30 NR 28 1/NR
2 North Carolina Tar Heels 54-14 720 0 4 2 2/14
3 Georgia Bulldogs 53-14 682 0 3 - 3/13
4 West Virginia Mountaineers 47-17 633 0 11 7 4/NR
5 Texas Longhorns 46-15 629 0 5 - 2/5
6 Alabama Crimson Tide 42-21 510 0 16 10 6/NR
7 Ole Miss Rebels 41-23 508 0 20 13 7/NR
8 Troy Trojans 39-32 487 0 NR - 8/NR
9 Auburn Tigers 42-22 471 0 6 3 4/12
10 UCLA Bruins 52-8 455 0 1 9 1/10
11 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 50-11 452 0 2 9 2/11
12 Kansas Jayhawks 45-18 390 0 15 3 9/NR
13 Mississippi State Bulldogs 43-19 369 0 17 4 3/17
14 Oregon Ducks 43-18 362 0 12 2 10/NR
15 USC Trojans 48-18 350 0 19 4 8/NR
16 Texas A&M Aggies 41-16 256 0 10 6 7/NR
17 Southern Miss Golden Eagles 44-17 238 0 7 10 7/20
18 Florida State Seminoles 40-19 231 0 9 9 6/18
19 Florida Gators 41-21 222 0 14 5 8/25
20 Oregon State Beavers 45-14 215 0 8 12 6/20
21 Arkansas Razorbacks 41-22 176 0 13 8 5/24
22 Nebraska Cornhuskers 43-17 151 0 18 4 16/NR
23 Cal Poly Mustangs 39-24 95 0 NR - 23/NR
24 St. John's Red Storm 36-26 87 0 NR - 24/NR
25 Little Rock Trojans 39-28 70 0 NR - 25/NR
Schools Dropped Out
No. 21 Oklahoma State; No. 22 Arizona State; No. 23 Jacksonville State; No. 24 Cincinnati; No. 25 Tennessee;
Others Receiving Votes
Arizona State 66; Oklahoma State 53; Jacksonville State 37; UC Santa Barbara 20; Kentucky 10; Liberty 9; Cincinnati 9; Tennessee 8; Wake Forest 6; Miami (FL) 6; Mercer 5; East Carolina 4; Coastal Carolina 4; Louisiana 3; North Carolina State 1
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