A first look at the 2025 Wolfpack baseball season
The 2025 college baseball season will be here before we know it. Let’s get to know this year’s NC State squad and find out if this group can make it four trips to the College World Series in a dozen years. Here’s how we’ll try to do this:
- Part I took a look back at the 2024 season and the players who are no longer with the program.
- Part II looked at the returnees from that 2024 team.
- Part III was a look at the newcomers for 2025.
- Part IV will look at the non-conference schedule.
- Part V will look at ACC opponents.
Let’s go!
Non-Conference Opponents
(For a look at the complete schedule, head on over to GoPack.com)
The non-conference slate consists of 17 home games, 4 neutral site games, and only 3 away games. NC State’s first game as the visiting team at their opponent’s home field will be the March 4th game at UNC Greensboro, the Wolfpack’s 12th game of the year. The Jax Classic will mark the only non-conference games outside of the state of North Carolina.
Fordham
Conference: Atlantic 10
Game Dates: February 14, 15, 16 (home)
2024 Record: 19-33 (10-14) | 2024 RPI: 198
Key Returnees: SO IF/OF Daniel Bucciero (.310/.393/.527, 15 2B, 9 HR, 9.0 BB%, 15.4 K%, 17-21 SB), SR OF Ryan Thiesse (.317/.400/.381, 11 2B, 0 HR, 9.0 BB%, 20.2 K%, 12-18 SB), JR C Tommy McAndrews (.224/.325/.339, 11 2B, 3 HR, 6.9 BB%, 25.5 K%, 1-4 SB), JR OF/LHP Cian Sahler (.323/.394/.390, 6 2B, 1 HR, 10.9 BB%, 10.4 K%, 6-11 SB), SR RHP Declan Lavelle (6-6, 5.11 ERA, 86.1 IP, 6.2 BB%, 16.2 K%), JR RHP Aric Berg (5-6, 5 SV, 6.00 ERA, 48.0 IP, 11.6 BB%, 23.2 K%), SO RHP Aidan Dowd (1-3, 3.77 ERA, 45.1 IP, 11.0 BB%, 23.3 K%) , SR RHP Robbie Stewart (2-1, 6.34 ERA, 32.2 IP, 13.7 BB%, 21.6 K%).
Key Transfers: SR INF Jack Brennan (DIII Bates, .324/.468/.426, 9 2B, 0 HR, 16.3 BB%, 15.6 K%, 15-19 SB), SR INF/OF Reid Lapekas (DIII Vassar, .394/.455/.512, 11 2B, 0 HR, 4.6 BB%, 8.6 K%, 6-6 SB), SR RHP Mike Rabayda (DIII Haverford, 7-2, 3.41 ERA, 66.0 IP, 6.1 BB%, 26.9 K%), SR LHP Ameer Hasan (DIII Skidmore, 3-3, 3.28 ERA, 57.2 IP, 6.0 BB%, 17.7 K%)
Key Freshmen: FR INF/OF Taylor Kirk, FR LHP Beau Elson, FR INF Tim Ford, FR LHP A.J. Pino, FR RHP Chase Hanawalt, FR RHP Diego Reilly-Bell, FR RHP Carson Swaim, FR INF Anthony Grabau,
It’s been since 2021 that Fordham has put together a winning season, but this could be the year that they get back to even. Three key bats return and should be bolstered by a pair of very good defensive and on-base infielders from the DIII level. There are a few promising freshmen, too, led by Taylor Kirk. The lineup won’t hit for much power, but they should get on base at a solid enough clip to make opposing pitchers work.
Declan Lavelle and Aric Berg should form a solid 1-2 at in the weekend rotation while transfer Mike Rabayda is an interesting add to the mix if his production can play up to the DI level. There are several promising freshmen arms, too, and if they can provide some solid innings for this group then the team will take another step forward.
It should still be a relatively tough year, but not as tough as it’s been the last three. Any NCAA Regional hopes hinge on the team’s ability to come together during the season and make a run in the A10 conference tournament.
NCAA Tournament Bound?: No
Liberty
Conference: C-USA
Game Dates: February 18 (home)
2024 Record: 24-34 (11-13) | 2024 RPI: 123
Key Returnees: SO INF Tanner Marsh (.272/.380/.418, 17 2B, 4 HR, 13.0 BB%, 21.3 K%, 4-6 SB), JR INF John Simmons (.294/.405/.559, 5 2B, 6 HR, 12.3 BB%, 27.0 K%, 2-2 SB), SR OF Camden Troyer (.243/.346/.452, 12 2B, 7 HR, 11.2 BB%, 14.4 K%, 4-6 SB), SO RHP Ben Blair (4-4, 3 SV, 3.51 ERA, 48.2 IP, 10.7 BB%, 19.5 K%), SR RHP Garrett McLaughlin (1-1, 4.50 ERA, 28.0 IP, 13.5 BB%, 15.9 K%), JR RHP Dylan Mathiesen (2-3, 6.38 ERA, 24.0 IP, 15.4 BB%, 24.8 K%)
Key Transfers: rJR OF Michael Robertson (Florida), JR INF Jaxon Sorenson (Gonzaga), SO INF/OF Riley DeCandido (Maryland), JR INF Easton Swofford (JUCO), JR C Seth Christmas (JUCO), JR OF Peter Johnson (JUCO), JR RHP Josh McCusker (JUCO), rSO C/OF Tucker Moore (Missouri)
Key Freshmen: FR C/OF Charlie Brinkman, FR RHP Jack Frankel, FR RHP Cooper Harrington, FR RHP/INF Landon Scilley
The Flames will be undergoing a significant rebuild in 2025 after former coach Scott Jackson, who led Liberty to NCAA Regional appearances in 2021 and 2022, stepped down to return to UNC as an assistant coach. New head coach and longtime Clemson assistant Bradley LeCroy, who spent the last two years as VCU head coach (and led the Rams to an NCAA Regional in 2024) brought in 17 transfers and 9 true freshmen to overhaul the roster.
Those transfers are going to be huge considering the lineup returns only three players who registered more than 17 plate appearances last year. Getting SS Tanner Marsh back is a nice building block. One-time Clemson player Camden Troyer is also set for a big step forward in his senior year. Florida transfer CF Michael Robertson (.256/.319/.361, 12 2B, 2 HR, 6.3 BB%, 24.0 K%, 5-5 SB) is the biggest addition among the position players from an all-around standpoint. Expect for a huge jump in his numbers, especially those stolen base figures.
Overall, there are enough pieces brought in that the lineup should be a strength in time, but pitching has a lot of question marks after Ben Blair. There are several high risk, high reward arms, but very little in the way of returnees and sure-fire impact guys. Relying on pitchers to overcome control issues is no way to guarantee success, and even if a few pan out, the likelihood that enough will to see a dramatic improvement over last year is minimal.
NCAA Tournament Bound?: No
Ohio State
Conference: Big Ten
Game Dates: February 21 (Jacksonville, FL)
2024 Record: 29-26 (12-12) | 2024 RPI: 67
Key Returnees: SR INF Tyler Pettorini (.309/.383/.500, 9 2B, 9 HR, 9.5 BB%, 15.4 K%, 9-14 SB), SR OF Nick Giamarusti (.287/.426/.535, 5 2B, 4 HR, 12.3 BB%, 22.3 K%, 15-17 SB), JR C Matthew Graveline (.281/.409/.447, 14 2B, 5 HR, 16.2 BB%, 19.4 K%, 13-16 SB), SR OF Trey Lipsey (.268/.388/.439, 10 2B, 6 HR, 14.0 BB%, 21.4 K%, 10-16 SB), SR 1B Ryan Miller (.254/.426/.535, 5 2B, 5 HR, 18.1 BB%, 33.0 K%, 1-1 SB), SO RHP Chase Herrell (3-1, 4.50 ERA, 40.0 IP, 12.2 BB%, 17.0 K%), JR RHP Blaine Wynk (2-1, 2 SV, 3.38 ERA, 40.0 IP, 5.3 BB%, 22.4 K%)
Key Transfers: JR OF Reggie Bussey (Oakland, .336/.465/.423, 11 2B, 0 HR, 16.3 BB%, 18.1 K%, 31-37 SB), SO INF Lee Ellis (South Carolina, .273/.467/.364, 2 2B, 0 HR, 23.3 BB%, 40.0 K%, 1-2 SB), JR INF Marc Stephens (JUCO), SR RHP Ryan Butler (Liberty, 0-1, 4.66 ERA, 19.1 IP, 7.9 BB%, 18.0 K%), SR LHP Luke Carrell (JUCO), JR RHP Charlie Giese (JUCO), SO RHP Drew Erdmann (Cincinnati, 0-1, 8.36 ERA, 14.0 IP, 19.0 BB%, 19.0 K%), SO RHP Simon Bargo (Campbell, 1-0, 1 SV, 8.88 ERA, 25.1 IP, 23.0 BB%, 16.5 K%), rFR RHP Nik Copenhaver (Vanderbilt)
Key Freshmen: FR INF Ty Fox, FR RHP Noah LaFine
Similar to Liberty’s head coaching situation in the offseason, Ohio State’s head coach left the position to be an assistant coach at a bigger program. After two years leading the Buckeyes, Bill Mosiello departed for an assistant gig at TCU, a program he had spent nine years at before taking the OSU job.
Insert Campbell head coach Justin Haire who immediately went to work building the type of roster you’d expect him to build. The lineup loses some key pieces, but does return five starters and is being supplemented with speedy players, both from the DI and JUCO ranks. Reggie Bussey is the biggest addition to a lineup that could have six or more players with double-digit stolen base numbers this year.
The pitching staff is going to be the real question, just as it was last year. Blaine Wynk and Chase Herrell should give the Buckeyes a nice 1-2 punch in the rotation, but finding that third starter and the relief arms is going to be tricky. Haire and crew – which includes former Wolfpack assistant Joey Holcomb – followed a similar path with which they found success at Campbell: bring in a bunch of JUCO arms and some guys with big stuff, even if it comes with control issues. Similar to Liberty again, it’s a bold move to try and build a pitching staff this way. Unlike the Flames, the Wynk-Herrell combo provides the Buckeyes a buffer to make this work.
NCAA Tournament Bound?: No
Alabama
Conference: SEC
Game Dates: February 22 (Jacksonville, FL)
2024 Record: 33-24 (13-17) | 2024 RPI: 28
Key Returnees: SO SS Justin Lebron (.338/.429/.546, 9 2B, 12 HR, 7.9 BB%, 20.9 K%, 7-7 SB), SR INF/OF Will Hodo (.263/.393/.490, 12 2B, 11 HR, 13.9 BB%, 19.7 K%, 2-2 SB), rSO OF/LHP Kade Snell (.324/.389/.507, 9 2B, 6 HR, 9.0 BB%, 10.8 K%, 0-0 SB; 1-0, 6.08 ERA, 23.2 IP, 6.4 BB%, 20.9 K%), SO LHP Zane Adams (4-5, 5.37 ERA, 58.2 IP, 10.1 BB%, 17.5 K%), rSR RHP Bobby Alcock (2023 Gardner-Webb: 7-3, 2.51 ERA, 89.2 IP, 10.7 BB%, 28.3 K%), rSO RHP Tyler Fay (1-2, 1 SV, 7.94 ERA, 34.0 IP, 9.6 BB%, 19.3 K%), SR RHP Aidan Moza (3-3, 1 SV, 9.77 ERA, 31.1 IP, 12.0 BB%, 25.3 K%), SR RHP Braylon Myers (2-1, 3 SV, 2.73 ERA, 33.0 IP, 7.6 BB%, 22.1 K%), SO LHP Matthew Heiberger (2-0, 1 SV, 5.24 ERA, 22.1 IP, 6.7 BB%, 21.2 K%), rSO RHP Austin Morris (2-0, 4.74 ERA, 24.2 IP, 8.2 BB%, 19.1 K%), rSO Riley Quick (career: 2-1, 2 SV, 3.24 ERA, 25.0 IP, 18.2 BB%, 25.6 K%), rJR Hagan Banks (career: 1-3, 3.76 ERA, 52.2 IP, 7.2 BB%, 26.8 K%)
Key Transfers: rSR 3B/2B Garrett Staton (Samford, .319/.390/.633, 19 2B, 19 HR, 8.7 BB%, 17.7 K%, 7-11 SB), SR 2B/3B Brennen Norton (Jacksonville State, .327/.419/.574, 9 2B, 13 HR, 8.9 BB%, 14.5 K%, 8-12 SB), rJR OF Bryce Fowler (JUCO), JR OF Richie Bonomolo (JUCO), JR C/OF Brady Neal (LSU, .276/.409/.578, 8 2B, 9 HR, 14.1 BB%, 24.6 K%, 0-1 SB), JR 1B/3B Jason Torres (Miami, .331/.385/.529, 7 2B, 8 HR, 5.7 BB%, 26.4 K%, 0-0 SB), SR RHP Carson Ozmer (Penn, career: 4-3, 10 SV, 2.98 ERA, 87.2 IP, 8.5 BB%, 24.3 K%), rSR Danny Heintz (Penn, career: 2-2, 7.45 ERA, 38.2 IP, 16.4 BB%, 29.1 K%), SR RHP Aeden Finateri (Georgia Tech, 6-4, 6.24 ERA, 75.0 IP, 6.4 BB%, 23.3 K%), SR RHP Packy Bradley-Cooney (Campbell, 2-0, 6 SV, 6.00 ERA, 39.0 IP, 15.6 BB%, 29.4 K%), JR LHP Beau Bryans (JUCO), JR RHP J.T. Blackwood (JUCO)
Key Freshmen: FR INF/RHP Andre Modugno, FR RHP Ashton Alston, FR RHP Nash Wagner, FR RHP Anthony Pesci, FR RHP Jack Ketchum, FR LHP Connor Lehman
The Crimson Tide are poised to take a huge leap forward in their second season under Rob Vaughn, a young coach who previously led Maryland to back-t-back Big Ten titles and NCAA Regional appearances in each of his last three years there. Alabama made an NCAA Regional last year, but this year they look like a potential Regional host.
The lineup lost a lot from last year, but preseason All-American Justin Lebron is a great piece to build around. Two other key cogs of the offense return, but it’s the transfer class that’s exciting. The rest of the infield around Lebron is rebuilt from experienced and productive D1 transfers, while the outfield welcomes a pair of super talented JUCO players.
Pitching was the weak link of last year’s team, and getting Bobby Alcock, Riley Quick, and Hagan Banks back healthy will be huge in shoring that up. Alcock and Quick are potential options for the starting rotation, joining Zane Adams. Tyler Fay is another option who could find a starting gig, as could JUCO transfer Beau Bryans. There’s a lot to like about the arms they brought in via the transfer market.
The freshman class lost INF Carter Johnson to the draft (2nd round, Miami), but getting top 30 national recruit Andre Modugno to campus was huge. With the transfers dominating the lineup, it’s most likely that the freshman class will make their impact on the mound, and there are plenty of options there to do just that. Anthony Pesci was one name that stood out in Alabama’s fall camp.
NCAA Tournament Bound?: Yes
Coastal Carolina
Conference: Sun Belt
Game Dates: February 23 (Jacksonville, FL)
2024 Record: 36-25 (16-14) | 2024 RPI: 34
Key Returnees: JR 2B Blake Barthol (.310/.444/.597, 20 2B, 15 HR, 13.3 BB%, 22.5 K%, 7-8 SB), JR C Caden Bodine (.328/.411/.523, 20 2B, 9 HR, 10.9 BB%, 8.1 K%, 3-3 SB), JR INF/OF Jake Books (.292/.416/.549, 11 2B, 8 HR, 16.9 BB%, 26.4 K%, 2-3 SB), rSR OF Chad Born (2023: .297/.406/.459, 10 2B, 6 HR, 11.3 BB%, 17.8 K%, 2-3 SB, JR INF/OF Dean Mihos (.275/.403/.379, 7 2B, 3 HR, 9.8 BB%, 22.3 K%, 7-12 SB), SO LHP Dominick Carbone (5-1, 5.06 ERA, 37.1 IP, 9.6 BB%, 21.1 K%), rSR RHP Riley Eikhoff (6-1, 5.00 ERA, 75.2 IP, 4.6 BB%, 17.1 K%), SO RHP Oliver Ellison (3-1, 4.46 ERA, 38.1 IP, 5.6 BB%, 11.9 K%), SO RHP Cameron Flukey (3-3, 1 SV, 5.73 ERA, 55.0 IP, 10.9 BB%, 33.6 K%), SO LHP Hayden Johnson (3-2, 1 SV, 6.54 ERA, 31.2 IP, 13.6 BB%, 20.8 K%), rSO RHP Jacob Morrison (2023: 6-1, 6.55 ERA, 57.2 IP, 8.0 BB%, 26.0 K%), rJR RHP Matthew Potok (2023: 3-3, 6.75 ERA, 44.0 IP, 7.0 BB%, 24.5 K%), rJR RHP Darin Horn (2023: 3-2, 1 SV, 5.60 ERA, 64.1 IP, 9.8 BB%, 28.8 K%)
Key Transfers: rSO 1B/OF Colby Thorndyke (JUCO), JR INF Freddy Rodriguez (DII Barry, .378/.454/.577, 17 2B, 6 HR, 12.2 BB%, 8.3 K%, 19-23 SB), SO OF Blagen Pado (Longwood, .258/.354/.432, 7 2B, 4 HR, 9.9 BB%, 23.0 K%, 11-14 SB), JR 1B/OF Kaleb Huffman (JUCO), SR OF Wells Sykes (Citadel, .333/.382/.492, 10 2B, 3 HR, 4.2 BB%, 17.6 K%, 7-11 SB), JR RHP Cullen McKay (Virginia, 2-1, 8.45 ERA, 33.0 IP, 16.8 BB%, 23.4 K%), SO RHP Chance Mako (NC State, 0-0, 27.00 ERA, 1.1 IP, 25.0 BB%, 12.5 K%)
Key Freshmen: FR RHP Scott Doran, FR RHP Luke Jones, FR RHP Jaxon Appelman, FR RHP Calvin Junek, FR C Domenico Tozzi
With Gary Gilmore off to retirement, longtime Gilmore assistant Kevin Schnall takes the reigns of the Chanticleers program. The team should be expected to compete for the Sun Belt title until proven otherwise – and Schnall assembled a very good coaching staff to support him – but the lineup is going to need to be rebuilt, even with a couple key returning pieces.
Caden Bodine is one of the country’s best catchers and Blake Barthol is a productive middle infielder, but everything else is up in the air. There are a few others that have starting experience, but the Coastal to keep the pace of last year, they’ll need those guys to take a huge step forward. Chad Born returning to his 2023 form would be a huge help. There are some talented transfers, including 2024 JUCO Player-of-the-Year Colby Thorndyke, but even if they all click, the bench will be shallow. Don’t expect much in the way of production in the lineup from the freshman class.
The starting rotation will include strike-pounder Riley Eikhoff as well as strikeout machine Cameron Flukey. The third rotation spot will likely come down to one of four arms. Both Jacob Morrison and Matthew Potok put together solid 2023 campaigns and have starting experience, as does Virginia transfer Cullen McKay. Freshman Scott Doran had a huge fall for Coastal, so he should also be in that starter discussion. NC State transfer Chance Mako may be the most talented arm on the roster, so if things click, he could play a huge role, although it’s doubtful he’d be in the weekend rotation unless injuries hit. The bullpen should be solid, again bolstered by the return of an arm (Darin Horn) that missed all of last year due to injury.
NCAA Tournament Bound?: Yes
Richmond
Conference: Atlantic 10
Game Dates: February 25 (home)
2024 Record: 27-32 (13-11) | 2024 RPI: 216
Key Returnees: SO C Jack Arcamone (.294/.382/.458, 9 2B, 6 HR, 12.1 BB%, 22.8 K%, 0-0 SB), SR OF Phil Bernstein (.330/.428/.448, 17 2B, 3 HR, 12.3 BB%, 9.7 K%, 9-13 SB), JR INF Jordan Jaffe (.317/.418/.546, 12 2B, 10 HR, 12.7 BB%, 23.1 K%, 2-2 SB), SR INF Connor Larson (.265/.365/.420, 9 2B, 5 HR, 7.0 BB%, 11.6 K%, 6-11 SB), rSO INF Aidan O’Keefe (.309/.391/.456, 5 2B, 5 HR, 9.6 BB%, 19.7 K%, 2-3 SB), SR OF Aaron Whitley (.367/.474/.633, 12 2B, 10 HR, 9.8 BB%, 14.0 K%, 18-19 SB), SR RHP Esteban Rodriguez (5-2, 4.50 ERA, 76.0 IP, 11.0 BB%, 25.9 K%), SO RHP Jackson Hinchliffe (1-1, 4.50 ERA, 32.0 IP, 9.3 BB%, 12.9 K%), SR LHP Brian Reinke (3-5, 6.59 ERA, 57.1 IP, 6.8 BB%, 23.7 K%), JR RHP Chase Topolski (1-0, 2 SV, 5.01 ERA, 23.1 IP, 9.9 BB%, 19.8 K%), SR RHP Josh Willitts (career: 3-3, 2 SV, 5.63 ERA, 72.0 IP, 11.7 BB%, 24.0 K%)
Key Transfers: SR C Cole Palmeri (DIII Colby, .425/.528/.885, 15 2B, 11 HR, 16.8 BB%, 10.5 K%, 8-8 SB), SR INF Brady O’Brien (DIII Colby, .328/.454/.522, 18 2B, 2 HR, 17.4 BB%, 12.2 K%, 5-6 SB), SR RHP Mauricio Rodriguez (Rice, 1-1, 8.07 ERA, 35.2 IP, 7.1 BB%, 29.5 K%), JR RHP Ryan Bilka (Wagner, 4-3, 1 SV, 3.19 ERA, 67.2 IP, 11.6 BB%, 22.1 K%)
Key Freshmen: FR OF Trevor Dosenbach, FR INF James Fagnant, FR RHP Glenn Smith
Former Boston College head coach Mik Aoki heads into his second season at the helm of the Richmond program, having taken over the gig from former NC State player Tracy Woodson. Six productive veteran players return to the lineup to form what should be another another group that can light up the scoreboard. Aaron Whitley and Phil Bernstein are a formidable pair in the outfield
Aoki and crew went heavy on the DIII transfer route and a pair of Colby College newcomers should impact the lineup this year. Cole Palmeri especially destroyed at the lower level, so seeing if his game can translate to the DI level will be interesting. Trevor Dosenbach is another speedy outfielder who could start alongside Whitley and Bernstein.
Two of three weekend rotation jobs should be locked up with Esteban Rodriguez and Brian Reinke holding those down. The real question is what they can get aside from those two. A healthy return of Josh Willitts would be huge, but he’s missed almost all of the last two seasons due to injury. Mauricio Rodriguez and Ryan Bilka are a pair of intriguing transfers, while there will also be some more DIII arms making the move up.
NCAA Tournament Bound?: No
Canisius
Conference: MAAC
Game Dates: February 28, March 1, 2 (home)
2024 Record: 18-30 (11-13) | 2024 RPI: 254
Key Returnees: SR INF Trent Rumley (.270/.371/.402, 12 2B, 3 HR, 10.3 BB%, 11.3 K%, 9-12 SB), JR C Tommy Sheridan (.314/.359/.535, 10 2B, 3 HR, 2.2 BB%, 30.4 K%, 1-3 SB), SR RHP Peyton Consigli (2-7, 4.98 ERA, 68.2 IP, 9.2 BB%, 22.5 K%), JR LHP Felix Morin (4-3, 5.60 ERA, 62.2 IP, 6.8 BB%, 18.3 K%)
Key Transfers: JR INF Kadin Miller (JUCO), JR OF Owen Silliman (JUCO), JR INF Connor Waiting (JUCO), rSO OF Ronan Glassford (JUCO)
Key Freshmen: FR C Ryan Jones, FR INF Zander Condeelis, FR INF/OF Bennett Cox, FR RHP Noah Albano, FR RHP Brian Smith
It’s gonna be a rough year for Canisius. A team that wasn’t very good last year returns very little tot he lineup. There are four JUCO reinforcements, but that’s always a mixed bag, so if two of them pan out then that’s a plus. The freshman class is pretty much in the same boat, but there are some promising players there.
For the pitching staff, things start off well with two-thirds of the weekend rotation returning, with Peyton Consigli in line to the be the ace. Finding enough arms to field a competent bullpen will be a challenge, and it may come down to a bunch of freshmen stepping up.
NCAA Tournament Bound?: No
UNC Greensboro
Conference: Southern
Game Dates: March 4 (away), April 1 (home)
2024 Record: 33-21 (15-6) | 2024 RPI: 65
Key Returnees: JR OF Luke Holland (.343/.459/.657, 3 2B, 8 HR, 9.8 BB%, 26.0 K%, 10-11 SB), SR OF Trey Truitt (.252/.347/.417, 7 2B, 4 HR, 10.7 BB%, 29.9 K%, 8-9 SB), JR INF Jeremy Wolf (.250/.369/.341, 10 2B, 0 HR, 10.8 BB%, 23.4 K%, 18-20 SB), SR OF Zachary Walsh (.239/.307/.341, 4 2B, 2 HR, 7.6 BB%, 24.8 K%, 13-14 SB), SR Danny Thompson (5-3, 4 SV, 4.50 ERA, 38.0 IP, 10.7 BB%, 30.4 K%), SR RHP Sam Murchison (0-0, 1 SV, 4.82 ERA, 18.2 IP, 4.0 BB%, 26.7 K%), SR RHP Rob Ready (3-1, 3.95 ERA, 66.0 IP, 7.4 BB%, 13.7 K%), SR RHP Hunter Shuey (6-2, 4.10 ERA, 52.2 IP, 9.3 BB%, 17.3 K%), JR RHP Brandon Hudson (4-1, 2 SV, 6.15 ERA, 33.2 IP, 9.8 BB%, 15.0 K%), JR RHP Jay Miller (1-4, 6.38 ERA, 42.1 IP, 7.7 BB%, 17.5 K%), SO LHP Noah Chapman (3-3, 1 SV, 5.72 ERA, 45.2 IP, 12.6 BB%, 17.2 K%), JR RHP Grant Aycock (3-1, 2 SV, 4.59 ERA, 33.1 IP, 13.5 BB%, 25.7 K%), JR RHP Luke Thomas (2-1, 3 SV, 6.97 ERA, 20.2 IP, 12.6 BB%, 15.8 K%)
Key Transfers: SR C Case Kermode (DII Mount Olive, .266/.403/.569, 6 2B, 9 HR, 14.9 BB%, 19.4 K%, 3-3 SB), SR INF Jose Perez (DII Rollins, .318/.380/.490, 8 2B, 6 HR, 8.6 BB%, 14.9 K%, 10-13 SB), JR INF Branton Jernigan (JUCO), JR LHP Hazen Lancaster (JUCO), JR INF Jack Pokorak (JUCO), JR RHP Greyson Wild (JUCO), SO RHP Jonathan Sendziak (JUCO)
Key Freshmen: FR RHP Eddie Rogers, FR RHP Jake Colucci, FR INF Parker Wight, FR INF Bubba Sawyer
The Spartans got hot last year under interim coach Cody Ellis, so much so that Ellis had the interim tag removed in May, winning the SoCon regular season title. The biggest difference with that squad was the pitching staff under first-year pitching coach Seth Maness. The vast majority of that pitching staff returns and it should again be the strength of the team with plenty of options to choose from for the starting rotation (Sam Murchison, Rob Ready, Hunter Shuey, Jay Miller, Grant Aycock) as well a stud closer at the ready (Danny Thompson). There are experienced bullpen pieces already in place, too, which should give a grace period for the offense to find its footing.
That lineup is going to have to replace a ton of production, and while it does return four starters, there’s a lot to be desired. There are three transfers who should be able to step in and provide some level of help, but expecting guys to make the jump flawlessly from the DII and JUCO ranks is risky. Help will have to be found from the more inexperienced returnees, and likely from the freshman class also, with Parker Wight looking like the most impactful freshman bat.
UNCG should again compete for the SoCon title, but that conference is usually a one-bid league for NCAA Regional purposes. Thankfully for the Spartans, that pitching staff should give them the opportunity to make a run at gaining that title.
NCAA Tournament Bound?: Maybe
Campbell
Conference: CAA
Game Dates: March 5 (home)
2024 Record: 31-22 (12-15) | 2024 RPI: 85
Key Returnees: SO INF Charlie Meglio (.275/.399/.475, 5 2B, 9 HR, 10.1 BB%, 18.2 K%, 3-4 SB), rSO C Andrew Schuldt (.303/.435/.513, 11 2B, 7 HR, 16.4 BB%, 14.4 K%, 1-3 SB), SR OF Dalen Thompson (.313/.396/.554, 13 2B, 10 HR, 12.9 BB%, 18.0 K%, 20-22 SB), SO RHP Cooper Clark (4-1, 7.71 ERA, 51.1 IP, 6.2 BB%, 19.4 K%), JR RHP Jackson Roberts (6-4, 2 SV, 5.36 ERA, 45.1 IP, 9.3 BB%, 21.5 K%), rJR RHP Zach Sabers (6-0, 5.04 ERA, 64.1 IP, 11.1 BB%, 17.2 K%), rSO RHP Drew Siegner (3-2, 7.18 ERA, 26.1 IP, 8.7 BB%, 17.5 K%), SR LHP Jake Murray (career: 5-1, 4.50 ERA, 42.0 IP, 13.5 BB%, 22.9 K%)
Key Transfers: SO INF Darnell Parker (Wichita State), rJR INF Logen Sutton (JUCO), rSO C Jarrett Martin (JUCO), rSO INF Wilson Woodcox (JUCO), SO OF Seth Farni (Ole Miss), SO LHP Lleyton Grubich (JUCO), JR RHP Parker Webb (JUCO), rSO LHP Nick Biasi (JUCO), rSO OF Lukas Schramm (Kentucky), SR LHP Will Gnibus (JUCO), rSO INF Ben Karpowicz (JUCO)
Key Freshmen: FR INF Davis Albert, FR RHP Dalton Hazlett, FR C Andrew Keller, FR LHP Jett Music
What do you get when you mix together a program that historically hits the JUCO market hard, the transfer portal, and a coaching change? Nineteen transfers on a roster of 40. Heck, the freshman class is only four players, so why even whittle that down… they all get listed above as being key guys.
New head coach Chris Marx enter his first ever head coaching gig at a familiar spot. He was a Campbell assistant coach under former coach Justin Haire from 2015-2019 before spending the last five seasons at Purdue under former Campbell head coach Greg Goff.
Gotta give it to Marx for putting together a national championship level name team… Cy Cox, Will Gnibus, Lleyton Grubich, Jett Music, Kale Scruggs, Drew Siegner, Wilson Woodcox. Anyways, I digress…
The lineup returns only three key pieces, but they should form a solid group. A big win for Marx was flipping Dalen Thompson back to Campbell after a brief commitment to NC State. There are obviously a bunch of transfer options to choose from to fill out the rest of the lineup, but there are no clear immediate answers.
Jackson Roberts is back to lead the pitching staff, but it’ll be interesting to see what role the talented righty falls in. Zach Sabers and Cooper Clark started 23 games combined last year, so Marx at least has that level to fall back on, and could use Roberts in a closer/stopper role. Again, there are a lot of transfer options here to fill out the rest of the lineup, but how that comes together is going to be a work in progress until/if it does.
A first-time first-year head coach is always an iffy proposition. In a strong CAA conference, that’ll be tough to get this team back to a Regional after the Camels streak of five straight was broken last year.
NCAA Tournament Bound?: No
Wright State
Conference: Horizon
Game Dates: March 7, 8, 9 (home)
2024 Record: 32-24 (20-10) | 2024 RPI: 141
Key Returnees: JR INF, Patrick Fultz (.320/.424/.479, 13 2B, 4 HR, 14.6 BB%, 23.4 K%, 3-8 SB), SO INF Gus Gregory (.315/.445/.414, 5 2B, 2 HR, 16.5 BB%, 17.3 K%, 8-13 SB), SR C/OF Boston Smith (.307/.403/.698, 10 2B, 19 HR, 12.8 BB%, 18.5 K%, 7-9 SB), SO C Nate Manley (.436/.563/.823, 3 2B, 7 HR, 16.3 BB%, 15.0 K%, 4-4 SB), JR INF Carson Clark (.220/.338/.303, 5 2B, 2 HR, 13.8 BB%, 15.0 K%, 5-7 SB), SR LHP Garrett Peters (5-0, 3 SV, 4.76 ERA, 39.2 IP, 11.0 BB%, 28.2 K%), SO LHP Chet Lax (4-1, 6.23 ERA, 56.1 IP, 6.8 BB%, 17.0 K%), SO RHP Cam Allen (1-1, 3 SV, 4.97 ERA, 25.1 IP, 9.6 BB%, 25.2 K%), SO LHP Griffen Paige (2-0, 5.18 ERA, 24.1 IP, 11.9 BB%, 23.7 K%)
Key Transfers: JR INF/OF Will Cook (JUCO), SR RHP Jarrett Heilman (DII Mercyhurst, career: 13-3, 2.20 ERA, 131.0 IP, 8.2 BB%, 27.6 K%), SR RHP Max Whitesell (DII Ohio Dominican, 5-1, 2 SV, 3.10 ERA, 29.0 IP, 9.8 BB%, 20.3 K%), SR RHP Noah Williamson (Ohio State, 0-0, 14.85 ERA, 6.2 IP, 2.4 BB%, 14.3 K%), SO RHP Parker Thomas (East Carolina, 0-0, 1 SV, 0.00 ERA, 1.2 IP, 16.7 BB%, 16.7 K%)
Key Freshmen: FR RHP Coy Angel, FR RHP Abe Crall, FR RHP Malachi Paplanus, FR OF/LHP J.J. Thompson
NC State alum Alex Sogard has been very successful in his time at Wright State. After graduating from State in 2010 and being drafted by the Astros, he spent the next six years playing professional ball, topping out at the AAA level. He spent just two years as an assistant at Wright State under now-Indiana head coach Jeff Mercer before taking over the Raiders program in 2019.
All he’s done since then in five full seasons in win five regular season Horizon Conference titles, three conference tournament titles, and three NCAA Regional appearances.
This year will be a bit of a challenge as the Raiders have to replace five significantly productive bats from their lineup. Patrick Fultz and Boston Smith provide a pair of solid options to build around, while the expectation is that Gus Gregory, Nate Manley, and Carson Clark can take big steps forward to backfill some of the lost production.
You can look at the rotation in one of two lights. On one hand, 43 of 56 starts from last year are gone, as is the leader in saves. On the other hand, pitching really wasn’t a strength last year and the group returns their top three strikeout guys, as well as one of their top strike throwers. That’s arguably a better starting spot than a bunch of innings eaters who couldn’t miss bats.
Sogard and company were very selective with their transfer additions, and while not any surefire home runs (pun!), there are some high end adds here. Will Cook is a big lefty power bat who spent his freshman year at Louisville, played in the Cape Cod League that following summer, then destroyed JUCO ball last year. There are strikeout concerns, but also a very high ceiling. Jarrett Heilman is a potentially huge addition if he can regain his 2023 form. He missed all of 2024 due to injury, but he’s a workhorse when healthy who could be a solid weekend rotation member. Parker Thomas just really started focusing on pitching last year at ECU. He’s athletic and could bloom at Wright State.
NCAA Tournament Bound?: Maybe
NC A&T
Conference: CAA
Game Dates: March 11 (home)
2024 Record: 25-28 (9-17) | 2024 RPI: 166
Key Returnees: SR INF Enrique Wood (.222/.281/.341, 7 2B, 4 HR, 4.5 BB%, 17.8 K%, 10-11 SB), SR RHP Angel Ortiz (3-4, 1 SV, 5.66 ERA, 49.1 IP, 8.9 BB%, 22.0 K%), SR RHP Diego Barrett (1-4, 8.12 ERA, 54.1 IP, 10.6 BB%, 17.9 K%), rJR RHP Evan Hart (3-1, 3.41 ERA, 29.0 IP, 11.7 BB%, 14.1 K%)
Key Transfers: JR OF Andrew Tinsley (JUCO), JR OF Nick DiCarlo (JUCO)JR C Luis Gomez (JUCO), rSO Jason Campo (Stony Brook, 2023: .250/.294/.438, 4 2B, 0 HR, 2.9 BB%, 41.2 K%, 1-1 SB), JR RHP Matt Murtagh (JUCO), JR RHP Sean Duke (JUCO), JR RHP A.J. Walton (JUCO), SR RHP Jacob Halford (NC State, career: 0-1, 17.36 ERA, 9.1 IP, 27.6 BB%, 20.7 K%), JR RHP Grayson King (JUCO), JR RHP Gavin Sentell (JUCO)
Key Freshmen: FR C Tyler Smith, FR OF Bruce Wyche, FR RHP Jordan Bright, FR LHP Cody Callahan, FR RHP Braxton Davis, FR RHP Mekai Griffin, FR LHP Solomon McKinney
Man, talk about a rough place to start. A&T returns just one player who had 75 or more plate appearances last year, and that guy didn’t exactly light it up. Five JUCO bats and five true freshman position players were brought in to try and shore things up with the three returning position players, but it’s going to be a tall task. Of those newcomers, Andrew Tinsley and Nick DiCarlo are the most likely impact players as they crushed last year it at Murray State College and Louisburg College, respectively.
On the pitching side of things, Angel Ortiz, Diego Barrett, and Evan Hart combined for 22 starts last year and it wouldn’t be surprising to see those three as the weekend rotation. Behind them, though, is going to be mystery. Matt Murtagh is a nice addition from the JUCO ranks, and the Aggies welcome NC State transfer Jacob Halford who will finally get a chance to prove himself at the collegiate level. Six freshman arms will have a chance to make an impact this year, as well.
NCAA Tournament Bound?: No
Davidson
Conference: Atlantic 10
Game Dates: March 18 (Kannapolis, NC)
2024 Record: 24-28 (10-14) | 2024 RPI: 229
Key Returnees: rJR SS Eli Putnam (.352/.456/.679, 16 2B, 16 HR, 11.0 BB%, 21.9 K%, 4-4 SB), SO OF/C Cider Canon (.314/.416/.570, 6 2B, 7 HR, 15.4 BB%, 25.5 K%, 4-7 SB), SR C/UT Noah Jouras (.329/.403/.518, 8 2B, 5 HR, 8.0 BB%, 17.6 K%, 9-11 SB), JR 3B Michael O’Shaughnessy (.315/.451/.569, 7 2B, 8 HR, 14.6 BB%, 23.2 K%, 1-1 SB), SO LHP Jason Ban (2-1, 2 SV, 4.26 ERA, 25.1 IP, 12.8 BB%, 25.7 K%), SO LHP Cooper Cavanaugh (1-6, 5.64 ERA, 52.2 IP, 12.8 BB%, 24.4 K%), SR LHP Isaac Fix (2-4, 1 SV, 5.96 ERA, 51.1 IP, 18.8 BB%, 21.5 K%), rJR RHP Wilson Perkins (6-4, 5.31 ERA, 84.2 IP, 4.3 BB%, 20.3 K%), rJR LHP Matt Weber (4-1, 4 SV, 4.50 ERA, 42.0 IP, 6.3 BB%, 22.6 K%)
Key Transfers: SO OF/LHP Forrest Lietz (DIII Birmingham-Southern, .313/.437/.417, 4 2B, 2 HR, 16.8 BB%, 15.1 K%, 5-5 SB), JR OF Scotty Edwards (JUCO), JR INF/RHP Ivan Hoyt (Dartmouth, 2023: .158/.213/.263, 3 2B, 1 HR, 6.6 BB%, 39.3 K%, 2-3 SB)
Key Freshmen: FR C/INF Will Brooks, FR INF Cooper Collins, FR OF Jamie Daly, FR RHP Parker Jones, FR INF/RHP Jacob Vokal
Davidson won’t be as strong as they were back in 2022 when the Wildcats put together an RPI of 70, but they should be back to competing for the Atlantic 10 title this year after a downer of a 2024 campaign.
Eli Putnam is a legit star, and someone to keep an eye on in the transfer market next year if he doesn’t head to pro ball thanks to him having two years of eligibility remaining but Davidson not having a graduate school with which he could continue his educational endeavors. Three other starters return, including All-Name Team candidate Cider Canon.
Forrest Lietz joins the Davidson lineup from Birmingham-Southern, where he was part of that crazy story from last year where the baseball program was playing in the DIII College World Series, representing a school that no longer existed.
Wilson Perkins will lead the rotation again, and his peripherals indicate a potential breakout season. The 6’2, 235 lbs righty is another one worth keeping an eye on for next year’s transfer market. Cooper Cavanaugh should take another step forward in his second season in the starting rotation and Matt Weber returns in his closer role, if he doesn’t bump up to the rotation. Finding the arms around them to form a solid pitching staff will be the key to the season, though.
The freshman class may be key here on filling in the gaps – both in the lineup and on the bump – if the Wildcats want to reach their second ever NCAA Regional.
NCAA Tournament Bound?: No
USC Upstate
Conference: Big South
Game Dates: March 25 (home)
2024 Record: 36-24 (16-8) | 2024 RPI: 95
Key Returnees: SO INF Vance Sheahan (.330/.410/.416, 10 2B, 2 HR, 7.0 BB%, 14.6 K%, 6-8 SB), rJR INF Jake Armsey (.252/.424/.425, 5 2B, 5 HR, 18.7 BB%, 13.9 K%, 4-4 SB), JR RHP Braden Consaul (1-1, 1 SV, 4.82 ERA, 37.1 IP, 11.0 BB%, 22.6 K%), SO RHP Cooper Ellingworth (5-4, 4 SV, 6.95 ERA, 45.1 IP, 13.7 BB%, 19.4 K%), SO RHP Darin Kuskie (1-4, 1 SV, 8.67 ERA, 27.0 IP, 20.8 BB%, 22.9 K%)
Key Transfers: JrSO RHP Amp Phillips (JUCO), JR RHP Landon Sexton (JUCO), JR UTIL Wylie Waters (JUCO), JR C Carter Jagiela (St. Joseph’s, .250/.356/.290, 3 2B, 0 HR, 7.7 BB%, 17.6 K%, 0-0 SB), rSO RHP Max Bianchini (JUCO), JR OF Cayden Wotipka, JR RHP Juan Reyes (JUCO), rJR INF Alex Ritzer (JUCO), JR LHP Alex Sanderson (JUCO), SO LHP Chris Torres (DIII Eastern Connecticut State, 2-5, 3 SV, 5.36 ERA, 43.2 IP, 6.8 BB%, 22.0 K%), rJR OF/RHP Scott Campbell (Charleston Southern), JR RHP Jay Leonard (JUCO), JR RHP Reece Hemmerling (JUCO)
Key Freshmen: FR RHP Cayden Mackey, FR LHP Max Kaplan, FR RHP Maddux Scherer, FR RHP Thayer Tavormina
Mike McGuire took over the Spartans program in 2020 and quickly turned them into a Big South behemoth, but he left for conference foe Winthrop and new head coach Kane Sweeney, a USC-Upstate assistant coach the last six years, will have his work cut out for him this year.
Only two starters return to the lineup, so it’ll be an almost wholesale change there. Vance Sheahan had a huge freshman year and the team will look to build the lineup around him and on-base machine Jake Armsey. Getting the head coach’s younger brother, Johnny, back healthy and in the lineup would go a long ways towards helping that cause.
The pitching staff starts with a pair of second-year players (Cooper Ellingworth, Darin Kuskie) and a third-year arm (Braden Consaul) who the team needs to take big steps forward this year. The rest of the pitching staff will be made of newcomers.
To that theme, twenty-two transfers take their turn to try to turn the tide. Alliteration aside (for real this time), that’s a lot of new faces – there are also four freshmen in the mix, all pitchers – to break in. Expecting that group to gel and become another Big South competitor is asking too much. This will be a building year to 2026.
NCAA Tournament Bound?: No
East Carolina
Conference: American
Game Dates: April 8 (away), 22 (home)
2024 Record: 46-17 (19-8) | 2024 RPI: 24
Key Returnees: SR CF Ryley Johnson (.339/.461/.476, 9 2B, 4 HR, 14.9 BB%, 13.5 K%, 23-26 SB), JR INF Dixon Williams (.308/.406/.490, 11 2B, 9 HR, 10.0 BB%, 11.2 K%, 5-7 SB), SO INF/RHP Colby Wallace (.261/.363/.304, 1 2B, 0 HR, 12.3 BB%, 21.0 K%, 0-0 SB; 2-0, 4.50 ERA, 6.0 IP, 14.3 BB%, 14.3 K%), SO LHP Ethan Norby (4-0, 2 SV, 3.79 ERA, 59.1 IP, 9.5 BB%, 24.0 K%), SR RHP Jake Hunter (3-2, 1 SV, 4.05 ERA, 40.0 IP, 9.7 BB%, 22.4 K%), SO RHP Jackson DiLorenzo (2-2, 4.62 ERA, 25.1 IP, 9.0 BB%, 23.4 K%), rJR RHP Jaden Winter (2-2, 7.96 ERA, 26.0 IP, 15.0 BB%, 23.3 K%)
Key Transfers: SO RHP Brett Antolick (Texas A&M, 0-0, 9.64 ERA, 4.2 IP, 8.0 BB%, 4.0 K%), JR INF Roger Vergara (JUCO), JR INF Alex Bouche (Old Dominion, career: .272/.396/.458, 20 2B, 15 HR, 14.3 BB%, 29.0 K%, 6-6 SB), SO RHP Brad Pruett (Oklahoma, 0-0, 7.71 ERA, 7.0 IP, 11.4 BB%, 25.7 K%), JR LHP Ryan Towers (Loyola Marymount, 1-3, 4.91 ERA, 51.1 IP, 12.4 BB%, 21.4 K%), JR RHP Talor Grubbs (Liberty, 1-0, 1 SV, 6.00 ERA, 27.0 IP, 10.1 BB%, 21.8 K%), SR LHP Nick Moran (Liberty, 4-3, 4.68 ERA, 67.1 IP, 7.6 BB%, 18.8 K%), SR C John Collins (Boston College, .245/.283/.531, 3 2B, 3 HR, 5.7 BB%, 39.6 K%, 0-0 SB)
Key Freshmen: FR RHP Sean Jenkins, FR INF Braxton Tramel, FR OF Alex Peltier, FR INF Austin Irby, FR INF Braden Burress, FR C Michael Kalinich, FR RHP Ian White, FR RHP Bradley Zayac, FR LHP Gabe Beschloss
The Pirates have reeled off four straight AAC regular season titles and have been to NCAA Regionals in eight of nine postseasons under Cliff Godwin, including four Super Regionals. If they’re to extend that streak this year, they’ll have to do so with a lot of new pieces.
Table-setter Ryley Johnson and efficient Dixon Williams return to lead the group, but the rest will be made up of guys either stepping into bigger roles or into the program for the first time. That may include a pair of talented freshmen in Braxton Tramel and Alex Peltier playing significant parts. There’s also a hope that some transfers can contribute more than those transfers have historically for the Pirates.
In a sign of the times, a program that typically doesn’t hit the transfer market all that hard brought in twelve such players. Alex Bouche and Roger Vergara appear to be the most likely to make an impact in the lineup, while Brett Antolick and Brad Pruett are two highly-regarded arms who failed to get much playing time in the SEC last year. Nick Moran and Ryan Towers are at the other end of the transfer spectrum, experienced starters who are stepping up a level in competition. Both should be expected to compete for a weekend rotation gig.
Speaking of the rotation, the arm that has made the most noise so far on this roster is true freshman Sean Jenkins, who should be a high school senior but reclassified up a year and appears to be on track to be ECU’s Friday starter. The top returning arm from last year, Ethan Norby, could join him in the starting rotation or again play a swingman role.
Even with all the turnover, the pitching staff has a bunch of options and should be fine. If the lineup can come together, this team should sit atop the AAC standings yet again. At the worst, this should be another Regional team.
NCAA Tournament Bound?: Yes
UNC Wilmington
Conference: American
Game Dates: April 29 (home), May 6 (away)
2024 Record: 40-21 (20-7) | 2024 RPI: 38
Key Returnees: JR 1B Tanner Thach (.324/.406/.700, 11 2B, 27 HR, 10.4 BB%, 18.7 K%, 4-6 SB), JR OF Aiden Evans (.291/.411/.354, 6 2B, 1 HR, 14.4 BB%, 16.2 K%, 5-5 SB), SR INF Kevin Jones (.269/.348/.383, 11 2B, 3 HR, 8.8 BB%, 19.9 K%, 4-5 SB), JR INF Brock Wills (.268/.411/.420, 4 2B, 3 HR, 12.7 BB%, 20.4 K%, 3-5 SB), rJR OF Alec DeMartino (.288/.409/.452, 12 2B, 8 HR, 14.1 BB%, 28.3 K%, 6-8 SB), SR C Bryan Arendt (.206/.347/.387, 8 2B, 9 HR, 10.9 BB%, 20.2 K%, 4-4 SB), SR RHP Zane Taylor (5-1, 3.99 ERA, 58.2 IP, 8.3 BB%, 22.1 K%), JR RHP Trace Baker (1-0, 3.58 ERA, 32.2 IP, 14.7 BB%, 20.3 K%), JR RHP Connor Kane (1-2, 3 SV, 3.54 ERA, 28.0 IP, 12.9 BB%, 21.0 K%), SO RHP Connor Marshburn (3-0, 1 SV, 5.79 ERA, 23.1 IP, 16.4 BB%, 25.4 K%)
Key Transfers: SR RHP Khristopher Morris (DII West Virginia State, 7-2, 2.41 ERA, 71.0 IP, 10.1 BB%, 28.5 K%), JR LHP Porter Braddy (JUCO), rJR INF Ryker Galaska (North Carolina, 0/.333/0, 0 2B, 0 HR, 33.3 BB%, 33.3 K%, 0-0 SB), SO INF Trevor Lucas (JUCO)
Key Freshmen: FR RHP Cam Bagwell, FR LHP Mason Child, FR INF/RHP Brady Thompson, FR UT/RHP Clay Masonis, FR OF Blake Crawford
UNCW is set up to continue the excellent run they’ve had so far under Randy Hood. Since Hood took over for long-time coach Mark Scalf, his Seahawks squads have captured two regular season CAA titles and two conference tournament titles, making a pair of NCAA Regional appearances the last two years thanks to those CAA tourney championships. This year’s team should be right in line to make that three in a row.
Tanner Thach is an all-everything left-handed hitting machine. He’ll lead an offense that should be close in productivity to last year’s 40-win group. Brock Wills, Aiden Evans, Kevin Jones, and Alec DeMartino also return and should each step forward this year, while Bryan Arendt again returns to manage things behind the dish. Arendt had a down year with the bat last season and is a safe bet for some regression towards the mean in 2025. What help they can get from the transfer and freshmen class could make this into the CAA’s best lineup.
Zane Taylor will be the staff ace, but the team has to find another two arms to fill out the weekend rotation. Connor Marshburn should slot into the closer role if he doesn’t get a look in the rotation. DII transfer Kristopher Morris was a two-way stud at West Virginia State but will focus solely on pitching for UNCW. I’d expect he takes one of those weekend spots.
The lineup will hold it’s own and if the pitching staff comes together, this group could be good enough to snag an at-large NCAA Regional bid even without a CAA title in hand.
NCAA Tournament Bound?: Maybe