Way Too Early: Identifying 20 Sleepers to Contend for Omaha in 2026

With the 2025-26 college football season approaching its halfway point, it is approaching the time to begin conversations surrounding the 2026 college baseball season. While I would argue that college baseball is by far the best collegiate sport (and will make any excuse to talk about it), it must be said that year over year the Omaha favorites do not often change. Within this article, we will use a tiered approach towards discussing potential contenders for the 2026 College World Series title. Admittedly, some of the information provided may not seem as though it is revolutionary; however, it is important to remember that (just as in college football) some dynasties are tough to bring down. 

As always, the tier one group represents a series of teams deep into a historic run of success. We will be delving into a number of teams in this post, so we wanted to go ahead and identify our tier levels, and the teams that are a part of them (20 in total).

Tier One (Odds-on Favorites):

• LSU Tigers:

The reigning 2025 National Champions enter the season with a roster retooled for another title run. While the draft claimed 10 former Tigers, including first-round arms Kade Anderson and Chase Shores, Tigers Head Coach Jay Johnson has built a well-oiled machine in Baton Rouge. The team's foundation is a core of battle-tested sophomores who played pivotal roles as freshmen. Outfielder Derek Curiel, who is shifting to center field to anchor the defense, joins presumed shortstop Steven Milam, catcher Cade Arrambide, and right-handed pitcher Casan Evans as the new leaders of the clubhouse. They are complemented by veteran outfielder Chris Stanfield, providing senior leadership. The 20-player newcomer class is a balanced mix of high-impact transfers and elite freshmen, highlighted by Kansas right-hander Cooper Moore, who brings a proven track record from the Big 12 with a 3.96 ERA. 

Johnson's program has become a model of professional-style roster management. The loss of 10 players to the MLB draft would cripple most programs, but for LSU, it is simply another challenge. This necessitates a massive annual influx of talent (both from the high school and transfer portal ranks), with the 2026 roster featuring a nearly half of their roster overhauled through 11 transfers and 9 freshmen. The result of this constant turnover is a high-pressure environment where sustained success hinges on Johnson's ability to scout like a general manager and rapidly integrate new personalities, while continuing to innovate his player development processes. Having won two national titles in his first four seasons, his ability to get stars to consistently buy in remains his defining trait and will be the key if LSU is to defend their title.

• Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Wake Forest continues its run as a national power, returning a roster that, while younger, remains exceptionally dangerous. Despite losing shortstop Marek Houston and outfielder Ethan Conrad as first-round picks, the offense is expected to be a primary strength.The lineup is built around All-American candidate Kade Lewis, who hit a team-high .377 in 2025, and formidable power-hitting infielder Dalton Wentz. The battery returns intact with catchers Jimmy Keenan and Matt Conte, providing crucial stability. On the mound, the Demon Deacons are led by co-ace Blake Morningstar, who was the lone Deacon on the USA collegiate national roster, and promising sophomore Chris Levonas, who started 11 games as a freshman. 

The program's identity revolves around their as pitching development, and will face a significant test in 2026. After an unprecedented run of producing multiple first-round arms in three consecutive drafts, the Deacs must now elevate a talented but less-proven group to fill the void left by draft departures like Logan Lunceford. The development of the rotation behind Morningstar will reveal whether their analytical, data-driven system (which we will dive into at a later date) is truly plug-and-play or if it was buoyed by a generational run of talent. To that end, the transfer class was targeted, bringing in UNC Wilmington right-hander Cam Bagwell, a lanky weekend starter who excelled as a freshman, to compete for a rotation spot immediately. Head Coach Tom Walter, now in his 16th season, also retooled his staff, adding assistant Matt Morales to focus on infield defense, signaling a renewed commitment to the fundamentals. The central question is whether this next wave of talent, which gained valuable experience in 2025, has matured enough to carry the program back to Omaha.

• Arkansas Razorbacks

The 2026 season in Fayetteville will be the ultimate test for Head Coach Dave Van Horn and his staff. The Razorbacks absorbed devastating losses, with 17 players departing via the draft or transfer portal, including Golden Spikes Award winner Wehiwa Aloy and first-round arm Gage Wood. Yet, a strong foundation remains. The team will be built around junior catcher Ryder Helfrick, a potential first-round pick himself, and a versatile, experienced infield featuring Nolan Souza and Cam Kozeal. On the mound, the staff will be led by right-hander Gabe Gaeckle, the frontrunner for the Friday night job, and left-hander Colin Fisher. 

Van Horn's response to the turnover was surgical. His approach is not about simply collecting the top-rated talent but identifying players with specific, proven skill sets to fill immediate needs. He added Texas Tech infielder TJ Pompey, an athlete whose versatility addresses the infield instability that forced players out of position in 2025. To rebuild the pitching staff, he brought in high-octane Vanderbilt left-hander Ethan McElvain, whose immense upside is paired with a need for improved command. This surgical approach demonstrates a mature, strategic use of the portal, suggesting Van Horn's system is so well-defined that he can identify players from other programs who will fit perfectly into pre-existing roles. The success of the 2026 Razorbacks will serve as a direct response to this retooling, and will be an interesting case study in the NIL and transfer portal area.

Tier Two (Serious Contenders):

• Tennessee Volunteers

Following a disappointing end to their 2025 title defense, the Volunteers underwent one of the most significant roster overhauls in the country. A historic nine players were selected in the MLB draft, including a program-record four first-round picks, gutting the weekend rotation and the heart of the Volunteer lineup. In response, Head Coach Tony Vitello made good on his promise to be more aggressive in the portal, landing the nation's No. 6 transfer class. The offense will be built around returning outfielder Reese Chapman, whose 53 RBIs are the most among returning players, and a group of sophomores including infielder Manny Marin and utility player Levi Clark (10 HR as a freshman) who are now thrust into leadership roles. The transfer class is headlined by Virginia power bat Henry Ford (28 HR in two seasons) and bolstered by proven hitters like Rice's Blaine Brown and Bowling Green's Garrett Wright. The pitching staff was rebuilt with key arms like Virginia left-hander Evan Blanco and Rutgers right-hander Landon Mack. The primary storyline is whether this newly assembled roster can forge an identity and build chemistry quickly enough to survive the brutal SEC schedule and make another deep postseason run. Historically speaking, I doubt that this will be an issue for the every-fiery Vols.

• Vanderbilt Commodores

Vanderbilt enters 2026 at a crossroads. Despite winning the SEC Tournament and earning the No. 1 overall seed in 2025, the Commodores were stunningly eliminated in their own regional, marking the fourth consecutive season the program has failed to advance to a Super. The lineup returns a veteran core, including shortstop Jonathan Vastine and infielder Mike Mancini. The Commodores also received a massive boost when versatile All-American RJ Austin opted to return to school despite being a third-round draft pick. However, the pitching staff is a major question mark after losing ace JD Thompson to the draft. In a notable shift from his traditional approach, legendary coach Tim Corbin was more active in the portal, adding players like Washington State outfielder Logan Johnstone and Georgia pitcher Nate Taylor to fill immediate needs. This, combined with the addition of new hitting coach Jayson King, signals an acknowledgment that the program must adapt to the modern landscape of college baseball to break through its postseason struggles.

• Florida Gators

The 2026 Florida Gators are built around what is arguably the best one-two punch of any weekend rotation in the country. Right-hander Liam Peterson is projected by many as the top college pitcher available for the 2026 MLB Draft (despite some struggles last year), and is paired with 2025 Freshman All-American right-hander Aidan King. This dominant duo will lead a pitching staff that returns a wealth of experience. Major question marks for the Gators lie with their lineup, which returns five starters, including second baseman Cade Kurland, but must replace its two leading hitters from 2025. To do so, the staff aggressively pursued proven bats in the transfer portal, landing 2025 Ivy League Player of the Year shortstop Sam Miller from Columbia, All-Big 12 catcher Karson Bowen from TCU, and dynamic Jacksonville outfielder Jaden Bastian, who stole 36 bases last season. The season's success will hinge on whether this rebuilt offense can provide enough support for its elite pitching staff. Adding a minor wrinkle, Head Coach Kevin O'Sullivan will serve a three-game suspension to start the season for his actions in the 2025 Conway Regional. 

• Texas A&M Aggies

No team enters 2026 with a clearer narrative of redemption than Texas A&M. After beginning the 2025 season as the preseason No. 1 team, the Aggies collapsed and missed the NCAA Tournament entirely. The pressure is immense on second-year head coach Michael Earley, who survived the hot seat and now has a roster built to win. The Aggies received a monumental boost with the return of star outfielder Caden Sorrell, a projected top-10 draft pick whose 2025 season was derailed by injuries. A healthy Sorrell anchors a potent lineup that also returns key starters Gavin Grahovac, Terrence Kiel II, and Bear Harrison. The staff was also active in the portal, adding proven talent like Maryland shortstop Chris Hacopian and Baylor outfielder Wesley Jordan to deepen the lineup. With Sorrell back and a roster loaded with experience, the offense has the potential to be one of the nation's best. The future of Coach Earley likely depends on this group erasing the memory of 2025 with a deep postseason run.

• Texas Longhorns

After a dominant inaugural season in the SEC that saw them capture the regular-season conference title, expectations in Austin have soared to "Omaha or Bust" for 2026. The Longhorns return one of the most experienced pitching staffs in the country. The trio of Max Grubbs, Luke Harrison, and Ruger Riojas all opted to return to school despite draft interest, providing a veteran foundation. They are joined by closer Dylan Volantis, who may transition into the Friday night starter role. The offense is led by returning infielders Ethan Mendoza and Casey Borba. Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle supplemented this returning core with the nation's No. 3 transfer class, headlined by Notre Dame catcher Carson Tinney, a finalist for the Buster Posey Award. The class also includes Wake Forest power left-hander Haiden Leffew and proven bats in Stanford shortstop Temo Becerra and LSU outfielder Ashton Larson. With a stable coaching staff, a veteran pitching corps, and an elite influx of talent, anything short of a trip to the College World Series will likely be viewed as a disappointment in Austin.

Tier Three (High Floor Teams):

• East Carolina Pirates

The Pirates enter 2026 with the clear goal of breaking through their Super Regional ceiling and reaching Omaha for the first time in program history. ECU returns the core of its 2025 American Conference Tournament championship squad, led by offensive catalyst Braden Burress, and power bat Austin Irby. The pitching staff is headlined by one of the nation's top left-handers, Ethan Norby, a projected high draft pick who struck out 119 batters in 90 innings last season. Head Coach Cliff Godwin made a major offseason move, hiring former Mississippi State national champion assistant Jake Gautreau as his new hitting coach, a clear signal that the program is investing to elevate its offense to a championship level.

• Clemson Tigers

Fueled by the frustration of a shocking regional exit as the No. 11 national seed in 2025, Clemson enters the new season with much to prove. Head Coach Erik Bakich minced no words about the disappointing finish, and that motivation will drive a talented roster. The Tigers are led by a pair of stars in two-time first-team All-ACC pitcher Aidan Knaak and dynamic infielder Jarren Purify, who hit.298 with 29 stolen bases. The staff reloaded through the portal, adding Sunbelt Freshman of the Year shortstop Tyler Lichtenberger from Appalachian State and former Georgia outfielder Bryce Clavon to bolster the lineup.

• Texas Christian Horned Frogs

The 2026 season represents a clear championship window for TCU. The Horned Frogs return what is expected to be the most talented roster of the Kirk Saarloos era, headlined by a trio of potential first-round draft picks. Outfielder Sawyer Strosnider (.360 AVG) was the Perfect Game National Freshman of the Year, outfielder Chase Brunson emerged as a premier power threat with 12 home runs, and right-hander Tommy LaPour solidified himself as a dominant Friday night ace. With this core of elite, draft-eligible talent, success will depend on finding more consistent offensive production from the rest of the lineup to support its stars.

• Florida State Seminoles

After a disappointing Super Regional exit in 2025, Florida State is poised to break through to Omaha under fourth-year head coach Link Jarrett. The program has become a master of the transfer portal, and this offseason was no exception. To replace 11 players lost to the MLB Draft, FSU brought in a massive and talented transfer class. The haul is headlined by FAU ace left-hander Trey Beard (3.14 ERA, 118 K), Davidson slugger Eli Putnam (19 HR), and a dynamic duo from USC in right-hander Brodie Purcell (2.11 ERA) and outfielder Brayden Dowd (.324 AVG).This group will join a returning core that includes first baseman Myles Bailey, left-handed pitcher Wes Mendes and infielder Cal Fisher, tasked with gelling quickly to navigate a tough ACC schedule.

• NC State Wolfpack

Under the steady hand of 29-year head coach Elliott Avent, NC State is a model of consistency. The Wolfpack returns from a 35-win season and an NCAA Tournament appearance with a solid veteran core. The offense will be anchored by first baseman Chris McHugh, who earned All-ACC honors after hitting.365 with 48 RBIs, and returning catcher Drew Lanphere. The lineup received a major boost from the transfer portal with the addition of Dalton Bargo, a utility player who hit.312 in SEC play for Tennessee and brings proven power to the middle of the order. The key will be supporting a pitching staff that must replace its ace, Dominic Fritton.

Tier Four (Championship Hopefuls):

• Duke Blue Devils

A new era begins in Durham as Corey Muscara, one of the nation's top pitching minds, takes over as head coach following the departure of the highly successful Chris Pollard. Muscara inherits an offense with key returning pieces like Tyler Albright and Jeff Lougee but must completely rebuild a pitching staff decimated by the MLB Draft. He attacked the portal aggressively, bringing in a haul of position players like Vanderbilt outfielder RJ Hamilton and a host of arms, including Wake Forest's Nate Brittain, to fill the void. The season's success hinges on Muscara's ability to quickly develop a new weekend rotation, something he know doubt is adept in doing.

• Oklahoma State Cowboys

After a down year, Head Coach Josh Holliday has reloaded the Oklahoma State roster with a massive class of 26 newcomers, including a top-10 recruiting class and several high-impact transfers. Key additions include Ole Miss catcher Campbell Smithwick, Clemson two-way talent TP Wentworth, and UC Santa Barbara left-hander Hudson Barrett, a former All-American recovering from injury. They join a veteran infield led by senior Aidan Meola. The talent is undeniable, but the central question is whether this new-look roster can find the elite starting pitching required to contend for a Big 12 title in a league loaded with dominant offenses.

• Mississippi State Bulldogs

No program underwent a more dramatic or significant offseason transformation than Mississippi State. After missing the NCAA tournament, the Bulldogs made a monumental splash by hiring legendary Virginia coach Brian O'Connor. O'Connor immediately reshaped the roster, bringing in the nation's No. 2 transfer class with 18 players, including several of his former Virginia standouts like pitchers Tomas Valincius and William Kirk. With 15 returning players joining the massive transfer class and eight freshmen, the storyline in Starkville is simple: how quickly can a Hall of Fame coach mold a roster built almost entirely in one offseason into a national contender?

• Dallas Baptist Patriots

The Patriots have been a model of mid-major excellence under Head Coach Dan Heefner, with 10 consecutive NCAA Regional appearances. The 2026 season marks a new chapter, as it will be their final campaign before joining the Pac-12 as an affiliate member in 2027. Despite losing five players to the MLB Draft, including their ace and all-time home run leader Grant Jay, DBU returns key bats like Chayton Krauss and has reloaded with transfers like Mississippi State infielder Dylan Cupp. This season is their last chance to make an Omaha run before stepping into a power conference and associated uptick in competition.

• Arizona Wildcats

Riding the momentum of a surprise run to the 2025 College World Series, Arizona is hungry to prove it was no fluke. The Wildcats received a massive boost with the return of 2025 NCBWA Stopper of the Year Tony Pluta, who posted a 1.46 ERA with 14 saves. He anchors a pitching staff that also brings back starters Smith Bailey and Owen Kramkowski. Coach Chip Hale hit the portal to replace offensive production lost to the draft, adding eight transfers, including Milwaukee infielder Tyler Bickers (.369 AVG) and Oregon State outfielder Carson McEntire.

• Southern Miss Golden Eagles

Southern Miss faces the task of replacing several cornerstone players from its 2025 squad. Head Coach Christian Ostrander, entering his third season, has turned to the transfer portal to reload. The Golden Eagles added proven bats from conference rivals in South Alabama's Kyle Morrison (9 HR) and Louisiana's Caleb Stelly (.302 AVG), along with a high-upside arm in Tennessee right-hander Thomas Crabtree. They will join a returning core led by veterans like Davis Gillespie, aiming to maintain the program's status as a top team in the Sun Belt Conference.

• Michigan Wolverines

The Wolverines return 25 players for 2026, looking to build on a strong finish to a difficult 2025 season. The team's strength lies in its pitching staff, which is headlined by 2024 All-Big Ten selection Kurt Barr and 2025 Freshman All-American Tate Carey, who went a perfect 9-0 with a 3.63 ERA. Under third-year head coach Tracy Smith, Michigan will rely on this veteran staff and an experienced lineup to climb back to the top of the Big Ten and return to the NCAA Tournament.