As the crack of the bat and the smell of fresh-cut grass signal the start of a new season, the anticipation is palpable. The 2025 MLB season is on the horizon, and with it, a fresh slate of possibilities. The offseason’s wheeling and dealing has reshaped the league’s landscape, leaving fans and pundits alike wondering which teams will rise to the top and claim the coveted Commissioner’s Trophy.
College Baseball’s Top Contenders
Conference play is underway in nearly every league, which means college baseball’s most captivating drama has arrived. Week 5 delivered eight ranked matchups, including two between top-six teams. It also unsurprisingly produced the lowest Top 25 win percentage of the season to date (70.2%). Seven teams—Tennessee, LSU, Texas, Oregon State, Wake Forest, Alabama and Stanford—posted perfect weeks and the Volunteers remain the nation’s only undefeated team. Three teams—preseason No. 1 Texas A&M (10-9; 0-3 SEC), Mississippi State (13-7; 0-3 SEC) and UC Santa Barbara (15-4; 4-2 Big West)—fell out of the Top 25. No. 17 Auburn and No. 25 West Virginia enter the rankings for the first time, while No. 23 Arizona returns for the first time since the preseason. You can find our full College Baseball Top 25 rankings below.
Tennessee
Tony Vitello’s juggernaut entered Week 5 as one of two remaining undefeated Division I teams and emerged as the only one left despite hosting then-No. 6 Florida to open SEC play. The Volunteers experienced their closest brush with defeat in midweek action when they hosted West Georgia, but returned to their purely dominant form over the weekend with a sweep. Center fielder Hunter Ensley delivered a clutch double on Friday night and righty Marcus Phillips delivered seven masterful shutout innings on Saturday while touching 100 mph with his fastball. This marks Tennessee’s third consecutive week atop the rankings, a streak that will face its biggest test yet with a weekend series at No. 10 Alabama.
LSU
LSU ran its winning streak up to 15 games in Week five with a midweek rout of Xavier and weekend sweep of Missouri, which was one of just three unranked SEC teams. LSU lefty Kade Anderson punched out 11 over 6.1 innings to notch his third quality start of the season while designated hitter and outfielder Jake Brown recorded six RBIs over the weekend. The Tigers rank among the top-20 teams nationally in runs scored and ERA through five weeks, which has allowed them to comfortably hold onto their No. 2 position in the rankings. This week they’ll face a massive test, though, with a road series at No. 5 Texas after a midweek meeting with New Orleans.
Arkansas
Arkansas’ first SEC weekend got off to a rocky start as the third-ranked Razorbacks lost 10-6 to then-No. 15 Ole Miss. But head coach Dave Van Horn’s squad quickly stabilized with back-to-back victories and a ranked series win. Shortstop Wehiwa Aloy (4-for-10 with three home runs and six RBIs) led Arkansas’ surge to close out the weekend. None of Arkansas’ starting pitchers put together particularly impressive performance throughout the weekend, leaving room for No. 3 Arkansas to improve. The Razorbacks are set to take on Oral Roberts.
2025 MLB Predictions
About a month after Tennessee beat Texas A&M to win the 2024 College World Series, a lot has happened to shape college baseball in 2025. The coaching carousel has just about stopped spinning, the transfer portal has slowed significantly and the MLB draft has concluded. There’s still time for surprises on all three fronts, but we now have a pretty good idea of what next season will look like. So, it’s time to take a first stab at a 2025 Top 25. Records indicated are from 2024.
LSU
The Tigers this spring had to really hustle down the stretch to secure an NCAA Tournament berth, but by the time the season ended, they were playing just about as well as anyone. Coach Jay Johnson took some lessons from that experience and has relentlessly hit the recruiting trail this summer, landing an exceptional haul of both traditional recruits and transfers. LSU has a lot to replace. All-American slugger Tommy White is gone, as is the 1-2 punch in the rotation of Gage Jump and Luke Holman, plus relief ace Griffin Herring. The Tigers return six players from their starting lineup at the end of the season, including shortstop Michael Braswell, first baseman Jared Jones and Freshman All-American Steven Milam. Righthander Chase Shores, a projected first-round pick, should be healthy after missing 2024 due to Tommy John surgery. The Tigers also landed elite portal commitments from second baseman Daniel Dickinson (Utah Valley) and righthander Anthony Eyanson—who both played for Team USA—and a slew of others, including outfielder Chris Stanfield (Auburn) and righthander Zac Cowan (Wofford). William Schmidt, the top prep righthander in the draft class, opted to come to school, giving LSU the highest ranked pitcher to make it to campus since Jack Leiter. LSU has as much pure talent as anyone. Now it will be up to Johnson to manage that roster, and he’s proven to be very adept at that part of the job over the last two years.
Florida
The Gators undeniably had a down season for much of 2024, as they flirted with a losing record. And, yet, Florida ended the season as one of the last four teams playing. It took some big losses from that team, as All-American Jac Caglianone and closer Brandon Neely moved on to pro ball. But Florida is set to have another elite roster in 2025. Shortstop Colby Shelton, catcher/first baseman Luke Heyman and outfielder Ty Evans are all back after being draft eligible in 2024. Second baseman Cade Kurland returns, as do catcher Brody Donay and Tanner Garrison. The Gators have to rebuild their pitching staff a bit, but righthander Liam Peterson is back after spending his entire freshman year in the rotation. Lefthander Pierce Coppola should be closer to full strength after returning in mid-season, while righthander Jake Clemente looks ready to make a jump. Florida also has an exciting group of newcomers, led by outfielders Blake Cyr (Miami) and Kyle Jones (Stetson).
Florida State
The Seminoles this spring authored a tremendous turnaround, going from last place in the ACC in 2023 to one of the last four teams standing in 2024. Despite losing a pair of first-rounders in outfielder James Tibbs III and third baseman Cam Smith, they’ll enter 2025 with weighty expectations. Florida State could boast the top 1-2 pitching punch in the country with All-American lefthander Jamie Arnold and righthander Cam Leiter, the latter of whom was their Opening Day starter but missed the second half of the season due to injury. The Seminoles must replace five starters in their lineup, but with the double-play combination of Drew Farout and Alex Lodise returning, as well as catcher Jaxon West and center fielder Max Williams, they will be strong up the middle. Look for sophomore Cal Fisher and freshmen Hunter Carns and Myles Bailey to step up.
Clemson
Clemson is coming off a super regional appearance and will be looking to build on that momentum in 2025. The Tigers return a strong core of pitchers, led by All-American righty Davis Sharpe and lefty closer Sam Weatherly. The lineup will be bolstered by the return of shortstop Max Wagner and outfielder Matt Savino, both of whom were draft eligible in 2024. Clemson also landed a pair of high-upside transfers in outfielder Jalen Guyton (Texas Tech) and righthander Bryce Elder (Georgia Tech). With a strong core of players returning and a talented group of newcomers, Clemson is poised to make another deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
Top 25 Preview
As the college baseball season progresses, Unionjournalism provides an early look at the top teams poised to make a significant impact in 2025. The SEC is expected to be a powerhouse conference, with LSU, Florida, and Florida State leading the charge. These teams have shown remarkable consistency and depth, making them favorites to dominate the national landscape.
LSU Tigers
LSU enters the 2025 season with high expectations, thanks to a blend of returning talent and key additions through the transfer portal. The Tigers return six players from their starting lineup at the end of the 2024 season, including standouts like shortstop Michael Braswell, first baseman Jared Jones, and Freshman All-American Steven Milam. The addition of elite portal commitments such as second baseman Daniel Dickinson (Utah Valley) and righthander Anthony Eyanson, both of whom played for Team USA, further strengthens their roster. The Tigers also secured the top prep righthander in the draft class, William Schmidt, who opted to come to school. Coach Jay Johnson’s ability to manage this talented roster will be crucial to LSU’s success.
Florida Gators
The Florida Gators, despite a challenging 2024 season, are poised for a comeback in 2025. Key returning players include shortstop Colby Shelton, catcher/first baseman Luke Heyman, and outfielder Ty Evans. The Gators also have an exciting group of newcomers, led by outfielders Blake Cyr (Miami) and Kyle Jones (Stetson). Florida’s pitching staff will need some rebuilding, but with righthander Liam Peterson back and lefthander Pierce Coppola close to full strength, they have a solid foundation to build upon.
Florida State Seminoles
Florida State enters 2025 with high expectations after a remarkable turnaround in 2024. The Seminoles have one of the top 1-2 pitching punches in the country with All-American lefthander Jamie Arnold and righthander Cam Leiter. Despite losing key players like outfielder James Tibbs III and third baseman Cam Smith, Florida State returns a strong lineup with the double-play combination of Drew Farout and Alex Lodise, along with catcher Jaxon West and center fielder Max Williams. The Seminoles will look to sophomore Cal Fisher and freshmen Hunter Carns and Myles Bailey to step up and fill any voids left by departing players.
Coaching Carousel Impact
The coaching carousel has significantly influenced the landscape of college baseball for the 2025 season. Key coaching changes can reshape a team’s dynamics, strategy, and overall performance. Here’s how some notable changes might impact the upcoming season.
LSU Tigers
Coach Jay Johnson has been at the helm of LSU’s success, and his strategic acumen will be pivotal in managing the talented roster. Johnson’s ability to blend veteran leadership with young talent will be a key factor in LSU’s performance. The Tigers’ strong recruiting class, including transfers like Daniel Dickinson and Anthony Eyanson, suggests that Johnson is building a formidable team for the future.
Florida Gators
The Gators, under Johnson’s leadership, will aim to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 season. Johnson’s experience and strategic approach will be vital in integrating new talent and rebuilding the pitching staff. The return of key players like Colby Shelton and Luke Heyman provides a solid foundation for the Gators to build upon. Johnson’s ability to motivate his team and adapt to changing circumstances will be crucial in their quest for a return to prominence.
Florida State Seminoles
Florida State, under coach Mike Martin, continues to be a powerhouse in the ACC. Martin’s leadership has been instrumental in the Seminoles’ turnaround, and his strategic vision will be essential in maintaining their competitive edge. The Seminoles’ strong pitching rotation, anchored by Jamie Arnold and Cam Leiter, will be a significant advantage in the 2025 season. Martin’s ability to develop young talent and foster a competitive culture will be key to Florida State’s success.
Transfer Portal Shake-Up
The transfer portal has become a significant factor in shaping college baseball rosters. Teams that effectively leverage the portal can strengthen their depth and address specific weaknesses. Here’s how key transfers are impacting the 2025 season.
LSU Tigers
LSU’s roster has been significantly bolstered by transfers like Daniel Dickinson and Anthony Eyanson. Dickinson’s addition provides a strong presence at second base, while Eyanson’s experience and skill add depth to the pitching rotation. These transfers, along with others like Chris Stanfield and Zac Cowan, have given the Tigers a competitive edge. The addition of top prep righthander William Schmidt further strengthens LSU’s pitching staff, making them a formidable force in the SEC.
Florida Gators
The Gators have also made strategic moves in the transfer portal, adding outfielders Blake Cyr and Kyle Jones. These additions provide much-needed depth and talent in the outfield, complementing the returning players like Colby Shelton and Ty Evans. The Gators’ focus on integrating new talent with returning veterans will be key to their success in 2025. The transfer portal has allowed Florida to rebuild their pitching staff, with Liam Peterson and Pierce Coppola providing a solid foundation.
Florida State Seminoles
Florida State has been strategic in leveraging the transfer portal to maintain their competitive edge. While the Seminoles have focused more on internal development, they have made key additions that address specific needs. The return of Jamie Arnold and the development of young talent like Cal Fisher and Hunter Carns will be crucial to their success. The Seminoles’ strong pitching rotation and balanced lineup make them a top contender in 2025.
Road to the World Series
The NCAA tournament and College World Series are the pinnacles of college baseball. Here’s a detailed look at the strengths and weaknesses of top SEC teams, the importance of pitching depth, and early predictions for the postseason.
SEC Powerhouses
The SEC is expected to be a dominant force in the 2025 season, with Tennessee, LSU, and Florida leading the way. These teams have shown remarkable consistency and depth, making them favorites to dominate the national landscape.
Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee enters the 2025 season as one of the top teams in the country. Under coach Tony Vitello, the Volunteers have built a dominant roster with a blend of returning talent and strategic additions. The team’s strong pitching rotation, anchored by Marcus Phillips, and a potent lineup make them a formidable opponent. Hunter Ensley’s clutch performances and the team’s overall depth make Tennessee a favorite to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
LSU Tigers
LSU has a lot to replace from their 2024 roster, including All-American slugger Tommy White and key pitchers Gage Jump and Luke Holman. However, the Tigers have made strategic moves in the transfer portal, adding talent like Daniel Dickinson and Anthony Eyanson. Coach Jay Johnson’s ability to manage this talented roster will be crucial to LSU’s success. The Tigers’ strong pitching rotation and balanced lineup make them a top contender in the SEC and the NCAA tournament.
Florida Gators
The Gators are poised for a comeback in 2025, thanks to a talented roster and strategic moves in the transfer portal. Key returning players like Colby Shelton and Luke Heyman provide a solid foundation, while newcomers like Blake Cyr and Kyle Jones add depth and talent. Florida’s pitching staff will need some rebuilding, but with Liam Peterson and Pierce Coppola back, they have a solid foundation to build upon. The Gators’ balanced lineup and strong pitching make them a formidable opponent in the SEC and the NCAA tournament.
Pitching Depth
Pitching depth is a critical factor in the success of a college baseball team, especially in the NCAA tournament. Teams with strong pitching rotations have a significant advantage in the postseason. Here’s how the top teams stack up in terms of pitching depth.
Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee’s pitching rotation is one of the strongest in the country, anchored by Marcus Phillips. The Volunteers have a deep rotation with multiple pitchers capable of going deep into games. The team’s pitching depth, combined with a potent lineup, makes them a top contender in the NCAA tournament.
LSU Tigers
LSU’s pitching rotation has been significantly bolstered by the addition of transfers like Anthony Eyanson and Zac Cowan. The Tigers have a strong rotation with multiple pitchers capable of going deep into games. The addition of top prep righthander William Schmidt further strengthens LSU’s pitching staff, making them a formidable opponent in the SEC and the NCAA tournament.
Florida Gators
The Gators’ pitching staff will need some rebuilding, but with Liam Peterson and Pierce Coppola back, they have a solid foundation to build upon. Florida’s pitching depth will be a key factor in their success in the 2025 season. The Gators’ balanced lineup and strong pitching make them a formidable opponent in the SEC and the NCAA tournament.
Postseason Projections
As the 2025 season approaches, Unionjournalism provides early predictions for the NCAA tournament and College World Series outcomes. The SEC is expected to be a dominant force, with Tennessee, LSU, and Florida leading the way. These teams have shown remarkable consistency and depth, making them favorites to dominate the national landscape.
The NCAA tournament will feature a highly competitive field, with multiple teams capable of making a deep run. The SEC is expected to place multiple teams in the College World Series, with Tennessee, LSU, and Florida as top contenders. The SEC’s strong pitching rotations and balanced lineups make them formidable opponents in the postseason.
The College World Series is expected to feature a highly competitive field, with multiple teams capable of making a deep run. The SEC is expected to place multiple teams in the College World Series, with Tennessee, LSU, and Florida as top contenders. The SEC’s strong pitching rotations and balanced lineups make them formidable opponents in the postseason.
The College World Series is expected to be a thrilling event, with multiple teams capable of making a deep run. The SEC is expected to place multiple teams in the College World Series, with Tennessee, LSU, and Florida as top contenders. The SEC’s strong pitching rotations and balanced lineups make them formidable opponents in the postseason.
The College World Series is expected to be a highly competitive event, with multiple teams capable of making a deep run. The SEC is expected to place multiple teams in the College World Series, with Tennessee, LSU, and Florida as top contenders. The SEC’s strong pitching rotations and balanced lineups make them formidable opponents in the postseason.
The College World Series is expected to be a thrilling event, with multiple teams capable of making a deep run. The SEC is expected to place multiple teams in the College World Series, with Tennessee, LSU, and Florida as top contenders. The SEC’s strong pitching rotations and balanced lineups make them formidable opponents in the postseason.
The College World Series is expected to be a highly competitive event, with multiple teams capable of making a deep run. The SEC is expected to place multiple teams in the College World Series, with Tennessee, LSU, and Florida as top contenders. The SEC’s strong pitching rotations and balanced lineups make them formidable opponents in the postseason.
The College World Series is expected to be a thrilling event, with multiple teams capable of making a deep run. The SEC is expected to place multiple teams in the College World Series, with Tennessee, LSU, and Florida as top contenders. The SEC’s strong pitching rotations and balanced lineups make them formidable opponents in the postseason.
The College World Series is expected to be a highly competitive event, with multiple teams capable of making a deep run. The SEC is expected to place multiple teams in the College World Series, with Tennessee, LSU, and Florida as top contenders. The SEC’s strong pitching rotations and balanced lineups make them formidable opponents in the postseason.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our MLB predictions for 2025 have provided a comprehensive outlook on the upcoming season, featuring World Series picks, standings previews, and expert analysis. We’ve delved into the strengths and weaknesses of each team, highlighting the key players, coaching changes, and offseason moves that will shape the course of the season. From the reigning champions to the dark horse contenders, our predictions offer a detailed roadmap for fans to follow as the season unfolds.
The significance of these predictions extends beyond mere speculation, as they offer a glimpse into the ever-evolving landscape of professional baseball. As teams continue to adapt to the shifting dynamics of the game, from the rise of advanced analytics to the increasing importance of bullpen depth, our predictions provide a snapshot of the sport in a state of flux. Moreover, they underscore the importance of staying ahead of the curve, as teams that fail to innovate and adapt risk being left behind in the competitive balance.
As the 2025 season approaches, one thing is certain: the pursuit of October glory will be more intense than ever. With our predictions serving as a guide, fans can prepare themselves for the twists and turns that lie ahead. Ultimately, it is the teams that can best navigate the complexities of the season, combining talent, strategy, and determination, that will emerge victorious. As the crack of the bat and the smell of fresh-cut grass signal the start of a new season, one question will linger: which team will be the last one standing, basking in the glory of a championship won?