College World Series preview…read more…

College World Series preview…read more…

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Omaha’s Stage Is Set

The 2025 Men’s College World Series (MCWS) begins June 13–23 at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska, featuring a brand-new field of eight teams—none of which participated in last year’s tournament, a first since the 1999 expansion . Fans can look forward to a double-elimination setup culminating in a best‑of‑three final series on June 21–23 .

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The Contenders

Arkansas Razorbacks

Coached by Dave Van Horn—making his 8th trip to Omaha—the Razorbacks finished the regular season 43–12 and began SEC play strong, even sweeping a #1 Texas squad . They’ve built a balanced roster rich in talent: elite SS Wehiwa Aloy (SEC Player of the Year), LHP Zach Root, RHP Gage Wood, and OF Charles Davalan are all on MLB’s Draft Top 200 . Strong pitching depth combined with powerful offensive contributions makes Arkansas a leading title favorite .

LSU Tigers

Defending champions LSU possess premier pitching talent in LHP Kade Anderson, one of the top three draft prospects nation‑wide, complemented by RHP Anthony Eyanson and other key arms . With championship experience and coach Jay Johnson at the helm, they seek to defend their 2024 crown .

Oregon State Beavers

Anchored by SS Aiva Arquette—arguably the best collegiate position player—they offer elite contact and run production, supported by OF Gavin Turley and a deep pitching staff . Their balanced roster and a bracket free of SEC hegemony give them dark‑horse upside .

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

Riding a remarkable 23‑game win streak into Omaha, Coastal features standout catcher Caden Bodine (.335 avg, minimal errors) and solid arms like Jacob Morrison . They claim momentum—returning to Omaha after their 2016 title run.

Arizona Wildcats

The first arrival in Omaha this week, Arizona brings veteran presence and renewed fire after losing the 2016 CWS final. OF Brendan Summerhill and RHP Owen Kramkowski are key pieces . Their emotionally charged rematch versus Coastal recalls a stirring chapter in their history .

UCLA Bruins

Solid and opportunistic, UCLA has dynamic two‑way athlete Roch Cholowsky and OF A.J. Salgado (12 HR, 14 SB), making them more than dark horses .

Louisville Cardinals

Louisville plays an aggressive game, sparked by RHP Patrick Forbes (100‑mph heater) and baserunner Lucas Moore . They’ll aim to shock higher‑seeded opponents.

Murray State Racers – The Cinderella

With just 9,941 students and an 800‑seat stadium, Murray State is the tournament’s feel‑good story . Their “Cinderella run” was capped off by a stunning upset over Duke in the Super Regionals . Led by coach Dan Skirka’s creed—“I wanted to earn it”—the underdog Racers embody grit and heart .

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Key Storylines to Watch

1. MLB Prospect Showdown

With a cluster of top-50 draft talents—LSU’s Anderson, OSU’s Arquette, Arkansas’s Aloy et al.—Omaha doubles as an MLB scouting showcase .

2. SEC vs. Mid‑Majors

SEC dominance continues with Arkansas and LSU. Meanwhile, Murray State and Coastal charisma frame a new chapter in mid‑major relevance .

3. Pitching Prowess

Expect no‑hit fireworks: Arkansas’s RHP Gage Wood threw the first MCWS no‑hitter in 65 years, logging 19 strikeouts against Murray State on June 16 .

4. Rematches & Revenge

Arizona vs. Coastal is a throwback to ’16. Arkansas seeks redemptive closure after a loss to LSU in Game 4. UCLA looks to avenge its early Super Regional exit from ’24 .

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Outlook

This year’s MCWS is shaping up as a thrilling blend of hardcore talent and human drama. Will corporate-level contenders like Arkansas or LSU outclass everyone? Or will scrappy programs like Coastal or Murray Stage the ultimate upset? One thing’s certain: Omaha will be brimming with unforgettable moments.

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