Today marks the beginning of the Men’s College World Series in Omaha, featuring the last eight teams in the NCAA Baseball Tournament.
Out of sixty-four original teams, only eight remain: West Virginia, Troy, North Carolina, Ole Miss, Alabama, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Texas. The competition kicks off Friday at 2:00 PM ET and continues throughout the weekend, from the first pitch all the way to the championship game.
These teams each have compelling stories, especially the players who are expected to find their spots in Major League Baseball next month. Here’s a look at eight key players, one from each team, who could make a significant impact in Omaha.
West Virginia: Armani Guzman
After a tough loss to Kentucky, West Virginia’s head coach Steve Sabins decided to move Armani Guzman to a lead-off position. Guzman initially started as No. 3 in the line-up but slipped a bit earlier in the season.
This change proved beneficial; Guzman played a crucial role by getting a hit and an RBI in a must-win against Wake Forest, and then went 2-for-4 with two RBIs in a rematch with Kentucky. In fact, he delivered the game-winning hit in an intense overtime match against the Wildcats, sparking a celebration that echoed “Country Roads” all over the place.
During the Super Regional, he demonstrated his talent with four hits and three RBIs in ten at-bats, establishing himself as a key player for West Virginia’s journey to the Men’s College World Series.
Now, transitioning to the Trojans, Jabe Boroff is someone to keep an eye on.
Initially a designated hitter, Boroff struggled midway through the season, which was tough for him. But since returning to the starting lineup on May 9, he has been on fire, earning the Gainesville Area Player of the Year title with an impressive showing in the NCAA tournament—10 hits, five home runs, and twelve RBIs in just twenty at-bats.
In a two-game sweep against Little Rock, he went 2-for-6 with home runs in the first game. He could really shake things up if he keeps this up.
North Carolina: Owen Hull
For North Carolina, Owen Hull stood out during a crucial Game 3 against USC, hitting a decisive ball in the bottom of the ninth that sent the Tar Heels to the MCWS.
Hull ended the regular season with a .390 batting average and, following a strong showing against Virginia Tech, boasts a nine-game hitting streak.
His performance has been impressive so far: Hull leads the team with a slash line of .390/.505/.589 and an OPS of 1.094, making him one of the toughest players to get out in North Carolina’s lineup.
For Ole Miss, there are a few standout players, but Judd Utermark has consistently shined. After a two-game sweep against Auburn, he leads the team in several offensive metrics, hitting .312/.426/.645 with a team-best OPS of 1.071. His two-run double was pivotal in keeping the momentum going during the Auburn series.
As for Alabama, Justin LeBron is someone scouts have been watching closely. His recent performance in the Super Regionals against St. John’s only bolstered his reputation. With a strong showing of three hits, a double, and two RBIs in Game 1, he’s proving to be a key player for Alabama’s chances moving forward.
When Oklahoma faced Georgia Tech, outfielder Dathan Harris was instrumental, going 3-for-5 and contributing significantly in the next game against Kansas, continuing to lead the offense with a batting average of .362.
Georgia: Michael O’Shaughnessy
Georgia, like many teams in Omaha, has several key players. Notably, Michael O’Shaughnessy helped spark a resurgence for the Bulldogs, hitting multiple home runs and leading the team through the Super Regionals.
He had a standout second game against Mississippi State, going 2-for-5 with two homers and five RBIs, while also making contributions in subsequent games to secure victories.
Additionally, sophomore shortstop Adrian Rodriguez has been a significant force, going from a .277 average to .306 as the tournament progressed, helping Texas make it to Omaha with crucial hits and consistent performance throughout both the Regionals and Super Regionals.
Overall, Rodriguez’s impressive stats, including 11 hits and nine RBIs since the start of the tournament, are a big reason why Texas is headed to Omaha, adding depth to an already strong lineup.
