The four-day opening weekend of the 2025 NCAA college baseball season for Division I concluded on February 17. It was an interesting weekend, one filled with upsets and standout performances from some of the top players across the landscape. With that said, here’s a look at how the top-25 schools — or 26, thanks to a tie — did during the first weekend.
Here’s a look at the preseason coaches’ poll — the one we use — plus the records of all 26 ranked teams after the first weekend:
- Texas A&M (3-0)
- Tennessee (3-0)
- LSU (3-0)
- Virginia (2-1)
- Arkansas (4-0)
- Florida State (3-0)
- Oregon State (4-0)
- North Carolina (3-0)
- Georgia (3-1)
- Florida (3-0)
- Clemson (2-1)
- Duke (1-2)
- Texas (2-1)
- Oregon (3-1)
- Wake Forest (4-0)
- NC State (3-0)
- Oklahoma State (1-2)
- Vanderbilt (2-1)
- Mississippi State (3-0)
- Arizona (0-3)
- Dallas Baptist (3-0)
- UC Santa Barbara (3-0)
- TCU (4-0)
- Kentucky (1-1)
- Troy (3-0)/Oklahoma (3-0)
The SEC schools did relatively well during opening weekend, despite some hiccups.
The Arkansas Razorbacks nearly lost on Opening Day, struggling to get offense until getting enough to pick up an extra-innings win against Washington State. Arkansas proceeded to take the next three, sweeping WSU.
Arkansas’ offense got its act together after a sluggish performance on the 14th. Aussie Brent Iredale blasted two home runs and picked up nine RBI, while the Aloy brothers had themselves a weekend. Kuhio Aloy batted .429 in his first weekend with the team, while Wehiwa Aloy drove in four.
As for their pitching, OSU transfer Landon Beidelschies, ECU transfer Zach Root, and Gabe Gaeckle all posted 7+ strikeout performances.
Tennessee pounded Hofstra over the weekend, highlighted by an 11-strikeout performance from Liam Doyle. The Vols start the season 3-0.
Meanwhile, the NCAA runner-ups had a tough time dealing with Elon pitcher and 2025 MLB Draft pitching prospect Justin Mitrovich. Nonetheless, the Aggies were able to get the sweep against the Phoenix. Jace LaViolette, likely the best 2025 MLB Draft college prospect, had three home runs in the opening series.
The ACC had a good weekend, as well — for the most part.
It started ominously, as #4 Virginia lost on Opening Day to the Michigan Wolverines. However, UVA got two victories to round out the weekend in Puerto Rico, highlighted by a 10-strikeout performance from freshman Tomas Valincius (we’ll get into that in more detail later in the week).
Duke, meanwhile, lost two of three in Durham to Big 12 school Cincinnati. It’s a big blow, especially since UNC swept another Big 12 school, Texas Tech, in Chapel Hill. Jason DeCaro, who may very well be the best pitcher available in 2026, struck out six over five scoreless frames.
Likely 2026 MLB Draft 1st-round pick Jason DeCaro is off to a hot start with UNC. The Tar Heels’ ace threw five scoreless against Texas Tech with 6 K’s. pic.twitter.com/bnTJ029zV9
— New Baseball Media (@NewBBMedia) February 14, 2025
But perhaps the most notable performance out of the ACC was from Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons beat NEC champion LIU and Marist twice, giving Wake Forest a 4-0 start.
Wake Forest’s pitching has been the highlight of their team the last two years. Their pitching staff lost key pieces over the last two seasons, however, and doesn’t have the star power. The offense, though, is quite good.
Marek Houston, an interesting prospect thanks to his pop, but also long swing, had 20 total bases over the four games. That total was good for third-most in the NCAA. Butler transfer Kade Lewis also had a loud weekend, batting .583/.706/.750 (1.456 OPS).
The one power conference that had a rough weekend was the Big 12. While TCU swept San Diego and ASU beat Ohio State in three straight, Oklahoma State lost two of three. And in Tuscon, Arizona lost all of their weekend games.
The Wildcats played arguably the hardest weekend of the bunch, playing Louisville, Clemson, and Ole Miss in the Shriners’ Children Classic. Arizona lost 2-1 to Ole Miss but proceeded to have lopsided losses to the other two. Their contest against Louisville ended via mercy, a 13-1 loss in eight frames.
Oklahoma State also participated in the Shriners event and lost to Clemson and Texas. The good news for the Cowboys was that their offense showed up. Avery Ortiz picked up 10 total bases, while Nolan Schubart batted .400.
As for the technical independent, Oregon State went 4-0 in the College Baseball Classic. The Beavers beat Xavier twice, and won UNLV and Indiana along the way. Oregon State’s bats were en fuego, while freshman Dax Whitney struck out eight over five strong innings.
Their in-state rival, Oregon, went 3-1 against Toledo.
Make sure to check out more of our college baseball coverage.