2024 NCAA Baseball Tournament: Ranking Every Team 1-64

2. Texas A&M (44-13, 19-11 SEC)

Along with Tennessee, Texas A&M has an argument for the most well-rounded team in the field. During the regular season, it notched series wins over a pair of eventual top-eight national seeds in Georgia and Arkansas on top of a handful of other quality series victories. The Aggies’ 3.97 team ERA ranks seventh nationally, while their 124 home runs rank fifth. A&M is 32-3 at home and will not need to leave the friendly confines of Blue Bell Park until a potential trip to Omaha.

Hitter To Watch: OF Braden Montgomery (.317/.451/.742, 14 2B, 26 HR, 80 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: LHP Ryan Prager (8-1, 2.51 ERA)

3. Kentucky (40-14, 22-8 SEC)

Kentucky is fresh off an incredibly successful regular season in which it won a program-record 22 SEC games and captured its first regular season conference title since 2006. The Wildcats deploy a unique style of play in which they really push the pace on opposing teams. They aren’t afraid to lay down a bunt, run a slash play or steal a base. With 201 total extra-base hits and 109 stolen bases, they can hurt opposing teams in a myriad of ways. Kentucky’s pitching staff is littered with experienced strike-throwers, and the vast majority of its arms have tournament experience.

Hitter To Watch: OF Ryan Waldschmidt (.357/.487/.654, 16 2B, 13 HR, 42 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Mason Moore (8-3, 5.40 ERA)

4. Arkansas (43-14, 20-10 SEC)

Arkansas this season got off to a roaring start and played its way to an eventual No. 1 ranking. It went 5-1 in its first SEC series, but dropped two of its last series to Kentucky and Texas A&M, respectively. If the Razorbacks are able to return to Omaha for the second time in the last three seasons, it will likely be on the back of their pitching staff. Their 3.66 team ERA is the lowest in the country, and they have a bevy of weapons both in the rotation and in the bullpen.

Hitter To Watch: Peyton Stovall (.349/.413/.559, 12 2B, 9 HR, 38 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: Hagen Smith (9-1, 1.48 ERA)

5. North Carolina (42-13, 22-8 ACC)

Throughout the course of the season, it felt as if North Carolina was one of the most underrated teams consistently ranked inside the top-10. Nonetheless, the Tar Heels kept on winning and collected a plethora of notable series victories, culminating in a series win over Duke in the regular-season finale. Their 4.19 team ERA ranks first in the ACC, but they also have a deep lineup with a number of weapons. Carolina has been virtually unbeatable at Boshamer Stadium this season to the tune of a 32-2 record, and has the pieces to return to the “Greatest Show on Dirt” for the first time since 2018.

Hitter To Watch: OF Vance Honeycutt (.319/.419/.699, 12 2B, 22 HR, 58 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Jason DeCaro (5-1, 3.80 ERA)

6. Clemson (41-14, 20-10 ACC)

Following an upset loss in last year’s regional, the Tigers bounced back with an impressive 41-14 campaign in which it notched 20 ACC wins for just the third time since 2006. The two biggest feathers in Clemson’s cap are a hard-fought series win over Duke and an abbreviated series sweep of South Carolina. It features a well-rounded lineup with no shortage of experience, as well as a deep pitching staff. Clemson has not appeared in the College World Series since 2010, though this year it has the pieces to make a return trip.

Hitter To Watch: OF Cam Cannarella (.342/.422/.560, 16 2B, 9 HR, 51 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Aidan Knaak (5-1, 2.96 ERA)

7. Florida State (42-15, 17-12 ACC)

Florida State last year failed to make the tournament for the first time in 44 years, but it has bounced back this season in resounding fashion. On top of taking the season series over rival Florida, the Seminoles’ 17 conference wins are tied for the second-most since 2014. They continued their strong play in the ACC tournament, where they made a run to the championship game. With a lineup that can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the field as well as a true ace on its pitching staff, Florida State is well-positioned to be playing deep into June.

Hitter To Watch: OF James Tibbs III (.377/.491/.814, 17 2B, 25 HR, 84 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: LHP Jamie Arnold (10-3, 2.45 ERA)

8. Georgia (39-15, 17-13 SEC)

Year one of the Coach Wes Johnson Era in Athens has been a resounding success to this point. Georgia’s 39 wins are tied for second-most in a single-season since 2008, while its 17 SEC wins are the most since 2019. In addition to a powerful offense that is led by potential No. 1 overall pick Charlie Condon, the Bulldogs have a number of reliable arms on their pitching staff. Foley Field is a hitter-friendly ballpark, which certainly plays in the ‘Dawgs’ favor. They have not won a regional since 2008–which is also the last time they made the College World Series–but they seem destined this June to break at least one of those droughts.

Hitter To Watch: OF/3B Charlie Condon (.443/.558/1.043, 19 2B, 35 HR, 75 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: Kolten Smith (9-2, 4.40 ERA)

9. Oregon State (42-14, 19-10 Pac-12)

Although the Beavers won neither the Pac-12 regular season title nor the conference tournament, they still did enough to host. They began their season with a strong showing at the Kubota College Baseball Series, and proceeded to collect a handful of quality series wins. Most notably, the Beavers took two of three from eventual Pac-12 champion Arizona. They have a deep lineup led by potential No. 1 overall pick Travis Bazzana, and also have a plethora of weapons on their pitching staff. Oregon State has not appeared in the College World Series since it won the national championship in 2018, but they are again poised for another deep tournament run.

Hitter To Watch: 2B Travis Bazzana (.418/.581/.939, 16 2B, 26 HR, 62 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Aiden May (6-0, 2.72 ERA)

10. NC State (33-20, 18-11 ACC)

While on paper the Wolfpack’s record might not stand out, it has arguably the most impressive collection of series wins of any team in the tournament. It has key series wins over Duke, Clemson, North Carolina, Virginia and a series split with Florida State. The ‘Pack this season have had the tendency to play to the level of their opponent, which has been both a blessing and a curse. In what has become a recent trend in Raleigh, this year’s NC State team again boasts a high-powered offense. However, it also has an underrated amount of depth on its pitching staff.

Hitter To Watch: 3B Alec Makarewicz (.376/.438/.724, 20 2B, 19 HR, 71 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Sam Highfill (5-2, 5.56 ERA)

11. Oklahoma (37-19, 23-7 Big 12)

The Sooners this season stormed through the Big 12 en route to their first regular season conference championship since 1995, and their 23 conference wins are the most in program history. While they won all but four of their series this year, the Sooners also have impressive standalone wins over top-seeded Tennessee and No. 25 Nebraska. OU is a streaky team with weapons on both sides of the baseball and when it is at its best, it can play with any team in the country.

Hitter To Watch: C Easton Carmichael (.362/.406/.560, 18 2B, 6 HR, 61 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: LHP Braden Davis (9-3, 4.31 ERA)

12. Duke (39-18, 16-14 ACC)

Duke this year hit the ground running, sweeping its way through the Baseball at the Beach field on opening weekend. It most notably beat then-No. 1 Wake Forest, but lost its final three ACC series in the lead up to the ACC tournament. The Blue Devils went 4-0 in Charlotte, culminating in a 16-4 win over Florida State in the championship game. In addition to a deep lineup, Duke has perhaps the best closer in the country in Charlie Beilenson (7-3, 1.98 ERA) and plenty of reliable options on its pitching staff.

Hitter To Watch: 1B Ben Miller (.375/.453/.676, 18 2B, 15 HR, 49 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: LHP Jonathan Santucci (6-1, 3.54 ERA)

13. UC Santa Barbara (42-12, 26-4 Big West)

UC Santa Barbara came into the season with plenty of buzz and was tabbed by many–including myself–as a potential Omaha sleeper. The Gauchos exceeded my already-high expectations and cruised to their second Big West title in the last three seasons. They are hosting a regional at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium for the first time in program history, where they are a remarkable 25-0. The Gaucho pitching staff is one of the best in the country, and its 3.96 ERA ranks first in the Big West and sixth nationally.

Hitter To Watch: C Aaron Parker (.374/.459/.632, 12 2B, 11 HR, 50 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Tyler Bremner (11-0, 2.63 ERA)

14. Oklahoma State (40-17, 19-9 Big 12)

Oklahoma State had a slow start to its season and was sitting at a modest 11-8 through its first 19 games. The Cowboys then flipped a switch and went 29-9 the rest of the way, notching series wins over West Virginia, rival Oklahoma and Texas Tech in the process. They rode that momentum into the Big 12 tournament, where they captured their first tournament title since 2019 with a convincing win over the Sooners. Oklahoma State is typically an offensive-oriented club–and this year’s team has a few big bats–but it also boasts a dynamic one-two punch in the rotation and a lights-out closer.

Hitter To Watch: OF Nolan Schubart (.355/.510/.833, 9 2B, 20 HR, 63 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Brian Holiday (6-3, 3.12 ERA)

15. East Carolina (43-15, 19-8 AAC)

It was business as usual this season in Greenville, and ECU captured its fifth-straight regular season AAC title. The Pirates again fell short in the conference tournament, though in the regular season they won their series against North Carolina and won both of their midweek matchups against NC State and UNCW. ECU has never made it to Omaha, but it boasts tons of depth on both sides of the baseball and can go toe-to-toe with every team in the field.

Hitter To Watch: 1B Carter Cunningham (.371/.468/.642, 16 2B, 14 HR, 60 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Trey Yesavage (11-1, 2.09 ERA)

16. Virginia (41-15, 18-12 ACC)

2024 has been another successful season in Charlottesville, and the Cavaliers are hosting a regional for the second-straight year. They are an extremely offensive team and their .341 team average ranks second nationally, while their 113 home runs rank ninth. The pitching staff has struggled and times, and should Virginia make their third trip to Omaha in the last four seasons it will almost certainly slug its way there.

Hitter To Watch: 1B Henry Ford (.342/.423/.640, 13 2B, 17 HR, 64 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: LHP Evan Blanco (7-3, 3.50 ERA)

17. Arizona (36-21, 20-10 Pac-12)

The Wildcats made the most of the Pac-12’s final season, as they captured both the regular season and conference tournament titles. They came into this season without much fanfare, but took many by surprise as they continued to stack series victories. In the Pac-12 tournament, they lost the second game before picking up wins over Stanford and Southern California, respectively. The ‘Cats’ pitching staff–particularly the starting rotation–has been the team’s biggest strength, and their 4.33 ERA is the lowest in the Pac-12. It was a bit of a surprise when Arizona was announced as a host, but it has the ingredients to make a run to the College World Series.

Hitter To Watch: SS Mason White (.303/.393/.602, 8 2B, 19 HR, 65 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Cam Walty (8-1, 2.81 ERA)

18. Mississippi State (38-21, 17-13 SEC)

Following a two-year postseason drought since winning the national championship in 2021, Mississippi State makes its long-awaited–at least in Starkville–return to the tournament. The Bulldogs began SEC play with a statement series win over then-No. 2 LSU, and then collected additional marquee series wins over Georgia, Vanderbilt and Alabama. They have a quartet of weapons on offense, but their pitching staff is without a doubt the team’s biggest strength.

Hitter To Watch: OF Dakota Jordan (.339/.452/.643, 14 2B, 17 HR, 63 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: BHP Jurrangelo Cijntje (8-2, 3.55 ERA)

19. Wake Forest (38-20, 15-15 ACC)

After making its first College World Series appearance since 1955 last season, it was a bit of an up-and-down year in “Deactown.” The preseason No. 1 team started 11-1 before dropping consecutive series to Duke and Virginia, respectively. Following an alarming sweep to North Carolina on Easter weekend, the Deacs flipped a switch and won four of their next five conference series. They proceeded to have a strong showing in the ACC tournament, winning a pair of games before an eventual semifinal loss to Florida State. Wake Forest is not as deep as it was last season, but it still has starpower on both sides of the baseball.

Hitter To Watch: 1B Nick Kurtz (.313/.538/.789, 11 2B, 22 HR, 55 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Chase Burns (10-1, 2.46 ERA)

20. UC Irvine (43-12, 22-8 Big West)

UC Irvine totaled 43 wins this year, its most in a single-season since 2007. While it is typically hard for teams in non-power five conferences to build a strong resume, the Anteaters were able to do exactly that. On top of a sweep of the Dodgers Stadium College Baseball Classic that included wins over San Diego, Michigan and UCLA, the Anteaters secured a big-time series win over Big West Champion UC Santa Barbara. They are as dangerous as any two-seed in the field and have the ingredients to capture its first regional championship in 2014.

Hitter To Watch: OF Myles Smith (.405/.529/.625, 13 2B, 8 HR, 43 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: LHP Nick Pinto (9-2, 3.44 ERA)

21. Southern Mississippi (41-18, 20-10 Sun Belt)

The Golden Eagles didn’t miss a beat in head coach Christian Ostrander’s first season at the helm and captured their second-straight Sun Belt Conference Tournament championship. Their 41 wins mark the nation-leading eighth-straight season in which they have won at least 40 games. On top of its SBC title, Southern Miss also picked up series wins over three different tournament teams.

Hitter To Watch: OF Slade Wilks (.329/.407/.602, 19 2B, 14 HR, 65 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Billy Oldham (7-2, 3.97 ERA)

22. LSU (40-21, 13-17 SEC)

Up until the last weekend of the regular season, LSU was squarely on the bubble–and maybe on the outside looking in–as it pertained to earning at-large bid. Since then, the Tigers not only swept Ole Miss and won four games in Hoover to advance to the SEC Tournament championship game. They are hitting their stride at the perfect time, and head into the tournament as a team that nobody wants to face.

Hitter To Watch: 3B Tommy White (.337/.412/.675, 12 2B, 24 HR, 69 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Luke Holman (9-3, 2.54 ERA)

23. Dallas Baptist (44-13, 17-7 Conference USA)

For the eighth time in the last nine full seasons, DBU won at least 40 games en route to its 10th-straight tournament berth. The Patriots also went 4-0 in the Conference USA tournament, resulting in their first-ever C-USA tournament championship. Their offense leads the C-USA in every major statistical category, but there are also a handful of quality arms on their pitching staff. DBU is one of the strongest two-seeds in the field, and they have the necessary pieces to make a run toward its first-ever College World Series.

Hitter To Watch: 1B Chayton Krauss (.352/.411/.631, 15 2B, 16 HR, 64 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Ryan Johnson (11-2, 1.98 ERA)

24. Louisiana (40-18, 23-7 Sun Belt)

The Ragin’ Cajuns wreaked havoc on the Sun Belt and won their first regular season conference championship since 2016. Their most notable series win this year came on the last weekend of April, as they took two of three from Southern Mississippi to position themselves atop the conference standings for good. Louisiana is arguably the most well-rounded team in the conference, and its .299 team average ranks second in the SBC while its 4.32 ERA ranks first. It will have its hands full in College Station, but they have the talent to potentially pull off a massive upset.

Hitter To Watch: SS Kyle DeBarge (.361/.429/.723, 17 2B, 21 HR, 67 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP LP Langevin (6-1, 3.75 ERA)

25. Indiana State (42-13, 22-5 Missouri Valley)

For the second season in a row, Indiana State won 40+ games and took home the Missouri Valley regular season championship. The Sycamores played a stacked non-conference schedule that included matchups against five eventual tournament teams. They steamrolled through their MVC slate and did not drop a single conference series. Indiana State’s 4.61 team ERA is the lowest in the MVC by more than a run, but it has a powerful middle of the order that has accounted for 76 of the team’s 101 home runs. The ‘Sycs will have their work cut out for them in Lexington, but they will play fearless as they hope to pull off a big-time upset.

Hitter To Watch: C Luis Hernandez (.369/.427/.708, 13 2B, 22 HR, 75 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Luke Hayden (7-2, 3.67 ERA)

26. San Diego (40-13, 20-4 WCC)

The Toreros are in the midst of one their best seasons in program history. Their 40 wins are tied for the most in a single-season since 2008, while their 20 conference wins are tied for the second most in program history. Their best series win of the season came against No. 13 seed Arizona and outside of two small hiccups against St. Mary’s and Portland, they rolled through conference play. San Diego won its last four conference series before going 3-0 in the WCC tournament to capture its second conference tournament title in the last three seasons. The Santa Barbara Regional figures to be one of the most competitive pods in the tournament, and San Diego has what it takes to come out on top.

Hitter To Watch: 1B/OF Jakob Christian (.355/.452/.801, 14 2B, 23 HR, 60 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Josh Randall (4-2, 3.74 ERA)

27. Nebraska (39-20, 16-8 Big Ten)

Following a solid 2023 campaign, Nebraska this season took a major step in the right direction as it won the Big 10 tournament for the first time since 2005 and won its second most games in a single season since 2007. The Cornhuskers picked up a pair of key early season series wins over Grand Canyon and College of Charleston, respectively, and also won a big conference series over Indiana. Their team ERA of 4.40 is lowest in the Big 10, and staff ace Brett Sears’ 2.00 ERA ranks fourth among all Division-I pitchers. The Cornhuskers head to Stillwater where they will look to avenge their heartbreaking 2019 tournament loss to the Cowboys. 

Hitter To Watch: C Josh Caron (.321/.400/.598, 15 2B, 15 HR, 64 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Brett Sears (9-0, 2.00 ERA)

28. Louisiana Tech (45-17, 18-6 Conference USA)

In what has become the norm in Ruston, Louisiana Tech has had yet another incredibly successful season in which it has notched 45 wins. Its 45 victories are the second-most in program history, and there is a very real chance the Bulldogs are able to notch two more victories to set a new program record. Although they fell short in the conference championship game, their regular season conference championship was their first since 1987. Tech’s most notable series win this season came over eventual conference tournament champion, Dallas Baptist.

Hitter To Watch: OF Cole McConnell (.380/.462/.682, 17 2B, 18 HR, 71 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Sam Brodersen (8-1, 2.47 ERA)

29. South Carolina (36-23, 13-17 SEC)

South Carolina started a bit slow this year, losing three of its first four SEC series, but enjoyed a strong four week stretch–that included series wins over Florida and Kentucky as well as a midweek win over North Carolina–to secure an at-large berth. The Gamecocks most recently had a strong showing in the SEC tournament in which it notched a trio of quality wins over Alabama, Arkansas and Kentucky. The key for South Carolina as it enters the postseason is for its offense to carry over its hot hitting from the SEC tournament. The Gamecocks have pieces, but their levels of production have been inconsistent.

Hitter To Watch: C Cole Messina (.330/.465/.707, 19 2B, 20 HR, 69 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: LHP Garrett Gainey (1-4, 3.75 ERA)

30. Vanderbilt (38-20, 13-17 SEC)

Until the Commodores won their final game of the regular season and won their opening game in the SEC Tournament, there was serious doubt surrounding whether or not the Commodores would make the field of 64. However when all was said and done, Vanderbilt extended its streak of making the tournament to 18 seasons. This year’s team is not as loaded as some of the Vanderbilt teams in the mid-2010s, but it is never wise to bet against a Tim Corbin-led group. Like LSU, Duke, Mississippi State and others, Vanderbilt is a fear-inducing opponent for any No. 1 seed.

Hitter To Watch: OF RJ Austin (.322/.393/.464, 14 2B, 5 HR, 51 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Bryce Cunningham (7-4, 4.20 ERA)

31. UNC-Wilmington (39-19, 20-7 CAA)

Head coach Randy Hood’s team continued to assert its dominance this season in the CAA and took home their second-straight conference tournament championship en route to their third tournament appearance in the last five seasons. Wilmington in the regular season picked up two midweek wins over NC State, knocked off Coastal Carolina and took a key series from Northeastern. In the CAA tournament, the Seahawks won their first game before beating regular season champion Charleston twice in as many days. Having to go on the road to Foley Field is no easy task, but the Seahawks have the personnel to potentially emerge victorious.

Hitter To Watch: 1B Tanner Thach (.330/.413/.725, 9 2B, 27 HR, 72 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP RJ Sales (9-3, 3.37 ERA)

32. Alabama (33-22, 13-17 SEC)

The Crimson Tide this season got off to a fast start with series wins over Tennessee and South Carolina in two of the first three weekends of SEC play, before picking up two additional marquee series victories over Arkansas and LSU, respectively. Although it dropped the final series of the regular season and went one-and-done in the SEC Tournament, Alabama had done enough to secure its second-straight tournament berth. The Tide have a powerful lineup, though its lack of pitching depth is worrisome as they head into regionals.

Hitter To Watch: 3B Gage Miller (381/.475/.714, 12 2B, 18 HR, 56 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Ben Hess (5-4, 5.98 ERA)

33. Texas (35-20, 20-10 Big 12)

Texas put together an impressive season after enduring a rough two-week stretch in early March in which it was swept at the Astros Foundation College Classic and lost a home series to Washington. In addition to series wins over Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, the Longhorns this year also took a series from San Diego and won against St. John’s in emphatic fashion. Their top-half of the lineup is as formidable a group as you will find in the Big 12, but the lack of firepower on the mound combined with the fact they’re headed to College Station isn’t necessarily a recipe for success.

Hitter To Watch: OF Jared Thomas (.355/.444/.645, 15 2B, 15 HR, 45 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP LeBarron Johnson Jr. (3-4, 5.88 ERA)

34. West Virginia (33-22, 19-11 Big 12)

It was a little bit of a surprise yesterday to see West Virginia as a three-seed instead of a two-seed, but the Mountaineers head into the postseason ready to make noise in head coach Randy Mazey’s final season at the helm. The Mountaineers this season took two of three from Oklahoma on the road and also swept Kansas and Central Florida, respectively. The offense has struggled at times to score runs, but there is enough depth on the pitching staff to come out on top in what feels like a wide-open Tucson regional.

Hitter To Watch: SS JJ Wetherholt (.356/.500/.664, 8 2B, 8 HR, 30 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: LHP Derek Clark (7-2, 3.05 ERA)

35. Oregon (37-18, 19-11 Pac-12)

After coming within just two outs of its first College World Series appearance since 1954 last season, Oregon has had another strong year and was in the hunt for the regular season Pac-12 championship until the final weekend of the season. In fact, the Ducks took two of three from double champion Arizona in late March. Their series win over the Wildcats was certainly their most impressive, but they also notched a series win over Southern California, split the season series with arch-rival Oregon State and beat Oklahoma on opening day. Oregon can pitch it, and there is no shortage of reliable arms in its rotation and bullpen, but the key this weekend is whether or not their lineup can produce enough.

Hitter To Watch: 3B Drew Smith (.308/.419/.438, 15 2B, 3 HR, 26 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: LHP Grayson Grinsell (6-2, 4.21 ERA)

36. Georgia Tech (31-23, 15-15 ACC)

Georgia Tech entered selection Monday as a bubble team, and even though it went 0-2 last week in the ACC Tournament, its three big-time series wins over NC State, Virginia and Duke were enough to put it over the edge. There is no doubt that the Yellow Jackets are an offense-first team. They rank inside the top-50 nationally in runs per game (8.3), home runs (90), average (.311) and on-base percentage (.425). Where they really struggle is on the mound, and their 6.55 ERA ranks 211th nationally. The only path to a Georgia Tech upset in Athens is if each game becomes a slugfest.

Hitter To Watch: OF Drew Burress (.379/.506/.801, 14 2B, 23 HR, 65 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Aeden Finateri (5-4, 6.52 ERA)

37. Kansas State (32-24, 15-15 Big 12)

Selection Monday last year was a somber day in Manhattan, as the Wildcats were one of the first four teams left out of the tournament field. However yesterday was the exact opposite, as they deservedly heard their name called. They played a tough schedule, highlighted by non-conference games against Tennessee and Clemson, before beginning conference play. Kansas State finished the year with a modest Big 12 record of 15-15, but it did pick up a huge series win over eventual Big 12 champion Oklahoma State. Being sent to Fayetteville is a tough blow, especially given the fact its offense this season has had difficulty scoring runs.

Hitter To Watch: SS Kaelen Culpepper (.318/.413/.544, 12 2B, 9 HR, 48 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Jackson Wentworth (4-4, 3.61 ERA)

38. Florida (28-27, 13-17 SEC)

Until Florida won its final regular season at Georgia, there was serious concern as to whether or not the Gators would even qualify for an at-large bid. One of the pre-requisites is a record over .500, which is something the Gators could only achieve with a series win over the Bulldogs. They did just that and, well, the rest is history. While many people will scoff at the optics of Florida’s record and question whether or not it belongs in the field, it played the hardest schedule of any team in America and has a quartet of high-end series wins over Texas A&M, LSU, Mississippi State and Georgia. The Gators have their flaws on both sides of the baseball, but the 2023 national runner-ups are a formidable three-seed.

Hitter To Watch: 1B/LHP Jac Caglianone (.415/.525/.844, 4 2B, 29 HR, 58 RBI, 5-1, 4.35 ERA)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Brandon Neely (2-4, 6.55 ERA)

39. Coastal Carolina (34-23, 16-14 Sun Belt)

Coastal Carolina was one of the bubbliest teams on selection Monday, but it snuck into the field of 64 by the skin of its teeth and was one of the last four teams in the tournament. It was a bit of a down year in Conway, but the Chants a trio of important wins over UNCW, Illinois and Wake Forest, respectively, before notching a potentially difference-making series victory over James Madison. Coastal can swing it a little bit, especially in the top-half of the lineup, but just like in years past it has struggled to find consistency on the mound.

Hitter To Watch: C Caden Bodine (.320/.402/.498, 18 2B, 7 HR, 65 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Cameron Flukey (3-2, 5.92 ERA)

40. Illinois (34-19, 18-6 Big Ten)

2024 has been the most successful season in quite some time for Illinois, as it took home its first regular season Big 10 Championship since 2015. Everyone beat up on each other in the Big 10, though the Fighting Illini have arguably the most impressive collection of series wins of any team in the conference as they took down Indiana, Iowa and Purdue. Their 103 home runs were the most in the conference, and they will need to continue their hot hitting if they want any hope of pulling off a seismic upset. Illinois opens up tournament play with a matchup against Indiana State, who they run-ruled back in late April.

Hitter To Watch: C Camden Janik (.368/.455/.557, 15 2B, 7 HR, 49 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: LHP Cooper Omans (4-1, 3.73 ERA)

41. Indiana (32-24-1, 15-9 Big 10)

I would be a lot more excited about the Hoosiers’ tournament upside if they were not sent to Nashville, where they are also joined by a formidable two-seed in Southern Mississippi. The Big 10 this season was messy and while it did not pick up a series win on which it could really hang its hat, Indiana has impressive standalone victories over Coastal Carolina, Dallas Baptist and Indiana State. Its offense scores runs at a rather impressive clip, and their 8.1 runs per game ranks 44th nationally. However, the Hoosiers will need to bring their A-game and then some if they want to have any shot of pulling off a miraculous upset.

Hitter To Watch: OF Devin Taylor (.352/.447/.643, 11 2B, 18 HR, 49 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Connor Foley (4-1, 3.71 ERA)

42. Central Florida (35-19, 14-15 Big 12)

UCF’s sub-.500 conference record was cause for concern heading into selection Monday, but the Black Knights were able to breathe a sigh of relief once they heard their name called. Although they faltered down the stretch, they exceeded expectations in their first year in the Big 12. They collected four key series wins over Oklahoma State, Kansas, Texas Tech and Kansas State, and also notched a midweek victory over in-state rival Florida. UCF’s 4.40 team ERA ranks 22nd nationally and second in the Big 12, and its pitching staff this weekend will have its work cut out for them against Alabama and potentially the high-powered lineup of Florida State. 

Hitter To Watch: OF Matt Prevesk (.347/.411/.484, 10 2B, 5 HR, 35 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: LHP Dominic Castellano (6-0, 2.73 ERA)

43. Connecticut (32-23, 17-4 Big East)

Head coach Jim Penders has built UConn into a Northeast powerhouse, and the Huskies have won four-straight regular season Big East conference titles. This year, they powered through a rough 3-9 start and went undefeated in Big East series. The Huskies knocked off eventual Big East tournament champion St. John’s, but also have big wins over Louisville, UC Irvine and Kansas State on their resume. As per usual, UConn is an experienced team who will not be phased by bright lights and a hostile road environment. It has the best pitching staff in the Big East, and its depth plays in its favor.

Hitter To Watch: OF Korey Morton (.318/.365/.523, 15 2B, 10 HR, 42 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Ian Cooke (4-1, 4.20 ERA)

44. Wofford (41-18, 18-9 SoCon)

The Terriers won a remarkable six games in the SoCon tournament to clinch its first conference tournament title and regional berth since 2007. There is an argument to be made that they have the most underrated offense of any team in the field, and their runs per game (10.2) team average (.340), and team on-base percentage (.443) all rank inside the top-five nationally. However, on top of being sent to Chapel Hill, Wofford will also have to contend with red-hot LSU. Like Kentucky, Wofford plays fast, fearless and consistently puts pressure on opposing teams.

Hitter To Watch: OF Marshall Toole (.383/.469/.638, 15 2B, 9 HR, 64 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Zac Cowan (9-2, 3.55 ERA)

45. St. John’s (37-16-1, 14-7 Big East)

The Red Storm were consistent winners all year and dropped just two of their conference series. While their offense is a modest group when it comes to scoring runs, their pitching staff is one of the most underrated in the tournament. It will be a tall task for St. John’s to keep pace with Mississippi State and potentially Virginia, but its pitching has the ability to keep it in every game this weekend. Their 4.26 team ERA ranks 16th nationally, and they allow just 4.8 runs per game.

Hitter To Watch: C Jimmy Keenan (.341/.410/.615, 19 2B, 11 HR, 55 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Mario Pesca (6-1, 2.94 ERA)

46. Nicholls State (38-20, 16-8 Southland)

Nicholls was a bit overshadowed in the regular season by Lamar, but in the second-to-last weekend of the regular season the Colonels took two of three from the Cardinals. They then swept their way through the Southland conference tournament–notching a pair of run-rule victories in the process–to win their second-straight SLC tournament championship. Nicholls is a well-rounded club with depth on both sides of the baseball who is capable of toppling a higher seeded team.

Hitter To Watch: 1B Edgar Alvarez (.411/.518/.680, 21 2B, 12 HR, 63 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Jacob Mayers (5-1, 4.28 ERA)

47. Virginia Commonwealth (37-21, 15-8 Atlantic 10)

Virginia Commonwealth has cemented itself as the class of the A-10, and this year it won its third conference tournament title in the last four seasons. They lost two conference series all season, and their 18 A-10 wins are tied for the second-most in a single season in program history. With ECU as the No. 1 seed and a matchup with Wake Forest on the horizon, the Rams have a mighty difficult path to keep playing past this weekend.

Hitter To Watch: 3B Brandon Eike (.376/.470/.675, 27 2B, 14 HR, 61 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Brian Curley (6-0, 2.51 ERA)

48. James Madison (34-23, 17-13 Sun Belt)

James Madison is in the midst of its most successful season in over a decade, and it is making its first tournament appearance since 2011. The Dukes don’t have a major series win to tout, but they racked up a handful of Sun Belt series victories and won a pair of games in the conference tournament to put themselves on the right side of the bubble. All things considered they actually got a rather favorable draw, but in what profiles as an offense-heavy weekend in Raleigh, their lack of pitching could be their Achilles’ heel.

Hitter To Watch: OF Fenwick Trimble (.371/.455/.638, 17 2B, 14 HR, 61 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: LHP Max Kuhle (5-4, 4.13 ERA)

49. Grand Canyon (34-23, 23-7 WAC)

The ‘Lopes find themselves in the tournament due to a unique set of circumstances. While they went 0-2 in the conference tournament, they still earned the WAC’s automatic bid. This is because Tarleton State–who is in its last year of its transition period to Division I–won the conference tournament and is ineligible for the tournament. In addition to dominating its conference schedule, Grand Canyon collected a pair of big wins over Arizona and took a series from Tarleton State. With plenty of depth on both sides of the baseball, the Antelopes have perhaps the highest upside of any No. 4 seed in the tournament.

Hitter To Watch: OF Tyler Wilson (.381/.436/.693, 16 2B, 16 HR, 63 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Isaac Lyon (6-1, 3.70 ERA)

50. Stetson (40-20, 20-10 Atlantic Sun)

Speaking of four-seeds who have upset potential, Stetson is fresh off its first conference tournament championship since 2018. After losing the first game of the tournament, the Hatters won three-straight–including one over top-seeded Austin Peay–en route to the title. However, their success stretches beyond the conference tournament. In the regular season, Stetson collected a pair of wins over West Virginia and also notched midweek wins over Florida, Central Florida and Florida State. The Hatters will see a different Florida State team than it did in mid-May–especially on the mound–but they will head to Tallahassee unafraid and with the mentality that they can beat anyone. The Seminoles are on upset watch this weekend.

Hitter To Watch: OF Kyle Jones (.352/.461/.449, 14 2B, 3 HR, 30 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Aric McAtee (3-3, 4.48 ERA)

51. Tulane (35-24, 15-12 AAC)

2024 has felt a lot like 2023 for the Green Wave, except they had a lot more regular season success. Just like last year, Tulane made its way down to Clearwater with one path to the NCAA tournament: winning the conference tournament. It did exactly that, going a perfect 4-0 with a thrilling walk-off win in the championship game. On top of winning their second-straight conference tournament championship, the Green Wave this season also swept East Carolina. Tulane opens up tournament play against UC Irvine, who they were swept by earlier this season.

Hitter To Watch: 1B Brady Marget (.340/.438/.536, 12 2B, 10 HR, 57 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Chandler Welch (7-3, 4.24 ERA)

52. Northern Kentucky (35-22, 19-11 Horizon League)

Northern Kentucky will be making its first-ever tournament appearance after winning its first Division-I conference tournament championship in program history. Early this season, the Norse won a road series at Missouri and also lost a pair of one-run games at Georgia. They have a ton of firepower on offense, and as a team they rank inside the top-10 nationally in batting average (.319), on-base percentage (.436) and runs per game (9.51). Lindsey Nelson Stadium is a hitter-friendly environment, but Tennessee will likely be too much to handle when all is said and done.

Hitter To Watch: 1B Liam McFadden-Ackman (.362/.493/.729, 15 2B, 21 HR, 76 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: Tanner Gillis (8-2, 4.60 ERA)

53. Army (31-21, 16-8 Patriot League)

Army might be the only real “dynasty” in college baseball, at least at the conference level. The Black Knights this year won their jaw-dropping sixth-straight conference tournament championship and have long been the class of the Patriot League. The Athens regional is loaded and Georgia plays extremely well at home, but the Black Knights have a talented pitching staff that ranks inside the top-35 nationally in runs allowed per game (5.2), ERA (4.30) and WHIP (1.42 ERA).

Hitter To Watch: OF William Parker (.328/.412/.587, 10 2B, 13 HR, 62 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Justin Lehman (5-3, 2.53 ERA)

54. Evansville (35-23, 17-10 Missouri Valley)

2024 has been a year to remember for the Purple Aces. In addition to returning to the tournament and winning their first conference tournament championship since 2006, their 35 wins are tied for the second most in a single-season since 2001. Furthermore, their 17 conference wins are the most in a single-season also since 2001. Evansville went 3-0 to open up the conference tournament before knocking off top-seeded Indiana State in the championship game. It is a team that has plenty of experience and a formidable middle-of-the-order, and there is no doubt that they will be up for the challenge that awaits them this weekend in Greenville.

55. Bryant (36-19, 17-7 America East)

Following a slow start to the season, Bryant hit its stride as conference play began. The Bulldogs did lose two of their last three series to close out the regular season, but went a perfect 3-0 in the America East tournament to secure its first conference tournament championship–and tournament berth–since 2016. Bryant has a number of reliable arms on its pitching staff, but the fact that this weekend in Raleigh will be offense-oriented does not bode well for the Bulldogs.

Hitter To Watch: OF Gavin Noriega (.338/.479/.692, 12 2B, 18 HR, 58 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Luke Delongchamp (5-2, 2.76 ERA)

56. Fresno State (33-27, 16-14 Mountain West)

Fresno State saved its best baseball for the perfect time, as after a pedestrian regular season it won its first Mountain West conference championship since 2019. In the tournament it snapped a four-game losing streak to top-seeded Air Force before beating San Jose State in what was a slugfest of a championship game. Fresno has a few weapons on offense, and its pitching staff has a track record of throwing strikes and keeping free bases to a minimum. It will need to bring their A-game on both sides of the baseball this weekend.

Hitter To Watch: 1B Tommy Hopfe (.357/.450/.546, 18 2B, 7 HR, 45 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Jake Riding (5-5, 4.54 ERA)

57. Western Michigan (32-21, 19-11 MAC)

After a strong regular season in which it finished second in the MAC, Western Michigan won its second conference championship in program history en route to its first tournament appearance since 2016. The Broncos this year won their season series against in-state rival Michigan and also earned a series victory over MAC regular season champion Bowling Green. Their offense is the team’s biggest strength, and their .316 cumulative average not only led the MAC but also ranks 12th nationally.

Hitter To Watch: 1B Cade Sullivan (.397/.487/.617, 15 2B, 10 HR, 52 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Nolan Vicek (5-3, 4.15 ERA)

58. Southeast Missouri (34-25, 18-9 Ohio Valley)

It has been yet another season filled with success for the Red Hawks, as they last weekend secured their third conference tournament championship in the last four seasons. Their offense is a powerful bunch, and their 100 home runs rank 31st nationally. However, SEMO this weekend goes up against the buzzsaw that is Arkansas’ loaded pitching staff.

Hitter To Watch: OF Michael Mugan (.322/.405/.515, 6 2B, 12 HR, 47 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Payton Lawrence (2-1, 4.17 ERA)

59. Pennsylvania (24-23, 11-10 Ivy League)

While the Quakers did not enjoy the same regular season dominance as they did last year, they flipped a switch in the conference tournament and took home their second-straight Ivy League Tournament title. They have more talent on their pitching staff than their 6.40 team ERA suggests and their 173 extra-base hits were the second highest total this season in the Ivy League. Penn has plenty of returners from last year’s team that made it to the regional final, and they will be well-prepared for the environment that awaits them.

Hitter To Watch: 3B Wyatt Henseler (.372/.474/.785, 9 2B, 22 HR, 55 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Cole Zaffiro (5-4, 4.98 ERA)

60. Niagara (38-15, 20-4 MAAC)

The Purple Eagles are an intriguing four-seed. 2024 has been the best season in program history, and on top of winning their first-ever conference tournament championship and making their first-ever NCAA tournament appearance, the Purple Eagles’ 38 overall wins and 20 conference wins are both new single-season records. Being sent to Stillwater is maybe as favorable a draw as Niagara could have gotten. As mentioned, Oklahoma State’s ballpark is hitter-friendly and the Purple Eagles have a deep lineup. The lack of depth within their rotation might do them in, but they won’t be a pushover for Oklahoma State.

Hitter To Watch: 1B Eric Rataczak (.402/.488/.701, 14 2B, 16 HR, 67 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Zach Cameron (8-1, 2.95 ERA)

61. High Point (34-25, 17-7 Big South)

It has been an historical season for the Panthers, as last weekend they won their first-ever conference tournament championship to clinch their first NCAA tournament appearance in program history. This year, they played Wake Forest tough twice and kept it close with Tennessee while also notching a number of Big South series victories. Their .294 team average and 90 total home runs both rank second in the conference, and each hitter in the middle of their lineup is a threat to leave the yard.

Hitter To Watch: 3B Cael Chatham (.314/.449/.623, 15 2B, 17 HR, 54 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Gus Hughes (6-4, 3.86 ERA)

62. Long Island (33-23, 24-9 NEC)

For the second time in three seasons, Long Island won the NEC conference tournament after winning a program-record 24 conference games. The Sharks navigated through their conference slate with relative ease, winning six of their last seven regular season series. They also won a hard-fought midweek game over Patriot League champion Army and won a game early in the season at Miami. LIU is a gritty, competitive team who will be ready to play this weekend.

Hitter To Watch: OF Jake Mastillo (.305/.373/.592, 14 2B, 16 HR, 67 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Garrett Yawn (6-3, 4.08 ERA)

63. Oral Roberts (27-30-1, 13-15-1 Summit League)

After making a Cinderella run to the College World Series last year, Oral Roberts returns to the tournament after an emphatic 3-0 run in the Summit League tournament – in which it outscored its opponents by a combined margin of 36-7 – to win its third-straight conference tournament title. Although they are not as deep as last year’s team was, the Golden Eagles are once again an experienced bunch. In the regular season, they beat No. 9 overall seed Oklahoma and also played a competitive game on the road at No. 5 overall seed Arkansas. They return to Norman this weekend and will look to re-capture some of the magic they had in 2023.

Hitter To Watch: 3B Holden Breeze (.353/.438/.525, 9 2B, 9 HR, 48 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Jakob Hall (10-2, 3.71 ERA)

64. Grambling (26-26, 18-8 SWAC)

Grambling this season won at least 18 games in conference play for the third-straight season and won its first SWAC conference tournament championship since 2010. The Tigers have seen plenty of success under third-year head coach Davin Pierce, compiling a total SWAC record of 59-25. They have a bevy of reliable hitters in their lineup, and their .312 team average is the 17th-best mark in the country.

Hitter To Watch: 2B Kyle Walker (.394/.516/.627, 10 2B, 11 HR, 41 RBI)

Pitcher To Watch: RHP Mason Martinez (12-2, 4.33 ERA)