All eight teams that qualified for the College World Series made it last year, so predicting the 2025 Division I NCAA baseball champion feels like a challenge. This marks the first time since the tournament expanded in 1999 that no previous champions are returning.
The CWS operates as a double-elimination tournament, giving every team a breather day to recover and strategize for the title. In 2023, LSU dropped their second game against Wake Forest but rallied to win three consecutive games and ultimately triumphed over Florida in the finals.
Each team fought hard to reach Omaha, defeating tough opponents in regional and super regional rounds. Only one team will walk away with the title, but all have a shot at it.
Here’s a look at why each CWS qualifier could bring home the 2025 championship:
Arizona: Finishing Power
With a record of 44-19, Arizona is making its 19th College World Series appearance. They had to rally to beat North Carolina twice in the Super Regionals, and once they secured a lead, they really had no intention of giving it up.
Arizona is undefeated when leading after the eighth inning, sporting a 38-0 record. They also hold a strong 32-0 when leading after the sixth or seventh innings. Interestingly, during one game against UNC, they even lost the lead in the seventh before bouncing back.
This success is largely due to an impressive bullpen, highlighted by junior Tony Pluta, who set a school record with 14 saves this season. Remarkably, he hasn’t allowed a run since April 1 and has yet to give up a home run in 59 career appearances.
Arkansas: Strong Program and Coach
The Razorbacks (48-13) are making their twelfth appearance at the College World Series, with longtime coach Dave Van Horn leading them for the 23rd season. Under his guidance, they’ve seen substantial success, even finishing as runner-ups twice, the last time being in 2018.
Though they’ve faced tough competition, they’ve come through in the postseason, aiming to secure a title that eluded them during past seasons. Rumors about Van Horn’s potential retirement only add to the urgency for this seasoned coach to nab a championship before stepping away.
Coastal Carolina: Stellar Pitching
The Chanticleers (53-11) enter Omaha on a massive 23-game winning streak, with their last loss dating back to April 22. Their pitching staff has been outstanding, earning them a team ERA of 3.21, significantly better than both LSU and Arkansas.
Coastal Carolina is making its first CWS appearance since 2016, when they won the national title. If history repeats itself and they win their opening game against Arizona, they might just maintain that momentum.
Louisville: Speed on the Bases
The Cardinals (40-22) excel on the base paths, racking up 155 stolen bases, the most in Omaha. They’ve often tested opposing catchers, with standout players like Lucas Moore stealing 51 bases out of 52 attempts.
During the postseason, they’ve continued to put pressure on defenses, successfully stealing nine bases in just 12 attempts.
LSU: Championship Experience
While the 2025 CWS field looks different from last year’s, LSU (48-15) seeks to capitalize on their championship experience after winning their fifth title in 2023. Though many star players have moved on to the big leagues, a handful remain, contributing valuable experience to this year’s squad.
Seniors and emerging stars continue to deliver strong performances, with Coach Jay Johnson, who led Arizona to a CWS championship, now steering this talented roster.
Murray State: The Underdog Role
Murray State (43-15) earned their place in the CWS for the first time by defeating Ole Miss and later Duke. Their journey has been remarkable, especially given their small stadium and limited resources.
Coach Dan Skulka’s dedication to the program highlights their underdog story, but now that they’ve made it this far, who knows how much further they can go?
Oregon: Taking Risks
After the Pac-12 conference experienced significant changes last summer, Oregon (47-14-1) opted for an independent schedule, which surprisingly paid off, earning them the eighth overall seed. They’ve had plenty of road games, including several neutral site games, which has prepared them well for their postseason challenge.
UCLA: A Fresh Start
The Bruins (47-16) are back at the College World Series for the first time since their 2013 championship victory. Despite several ups and downs since then, they’ve rallied to make a strong showing this year. Their upset in the Big Ten Conference Tournament showcased their potential, though playing in Nebraska’s home territory might be an uphill battle.
