Very few cities evoke such emotion as Omaha does for college baseball fans. Every year, people flock to the middle of America to the otherwise nondescript city of Omaha, Nebraska. For two weeks, this town erupts with a thirst for glory and triumph like no other. There’s truly nothing like it anywhere in collegiate athletics.
The eight schools that earned the right to play in the College World Series know that it’s a privilege. I’m sure they’re also aware of just how amazing an opportunity it is. In front of every single one of them is the chance for greatness. If they can grab hold of it, then they’ll be remembered forever.
The College World Series starts tomorrow afternoon when Arizona and Coastal Carolina kick off the final stage of this monstrous baseball tournament we’ve been engulfed in for over two weeks. From there, who knows what will happen? Will the titans of the sport continue to prove their worth, or will the little guys rise to the top and slay the giants? Will the SEC continue to have a stranglehold on national titles? And, most importantly, which school’s fanbase will win the Jell-O shot challenge?
It truly feels as if everything is in the air leading up to tomorrow’s games. In my opinion, that’s a fantastic place to be.
As always, my predictions for these things rely on vibes and solely vibes. The time for expert analysis with statistics can come closer to game time. For now, how do these teams make me feel? The answers to that question will determine which school I believe can win this whole darn thing.
Oh, I almost forgot, here’s the bracket just in case you’re unaware and haven’t been initiated into the college baseball zeitgeist.
No. 13 Coastal Carolina vs. Arizona: A rematch of the final series in 2016 in which Coastal Carolina won its first national title in school history, this game presents a lot of different storylines. Arizona got off the mat in the Chapel Hill Super Regional after getting killed in the series’ first game, and now finds itself here in Omaha. Meanwhile, Coastal Carolina steamrolled through the Conway Regional and beat up on an Auburn team that looked unprepared for the moment. While my Big 12 brain is telling me that Arizona is the way to go, my Sun Belt heart is pulling me toward Coastal Carolina. And the heart always gets what it wants.
No. 8 Oregon State vs. Louisville: Remember when Oregon State lost the first game of its regional against Saint Mary’s and appeared as if their storybook season was flaming out in an instant? Yeah, that seems like forever ago. Oh, do you also recall when Louisville took down No. 1 overall seed Vanderbilt en route to winning the Nashville Regional? Yeah, that also seems like it was eons ago. Regardless of the weird concept that time and space are, these two teams converge in Omaha in what’s shaping up to be a battle of titans. These two programs, historically, have been quite successful on the diamond, with Oregon State winning three national titles this century and Louisville being a consistent power player nationally. Despite the story that Louisville is this season, Oregon State’s ability to fight through adversity gives them the edge.
No. 15 UCLA vs. Murray State: This is a no-brainer. Murray State is the ultimate vibes team. The Racers went into Oxford and won that regional over Ole Miss. All-time stuff right there. Then, they traveled up to Durham and laid down an offensive masterclass against Duke. Now, they’re here in the College World Series for the first time in program history. I’m sorry, UCLA, but Murray State is the story of the college baseball season right now, and it’s going to take a miracle for any casual fan to root for the Bruins over the Racers in this one.
No. 3 Arkansas vs. No. 6 LSU: There’s a reason this game is the nightcap on Saturday. The only two SEC schools remaining shoulder a load to capture another national title for the conference, and they’ve received the tough task of playing each other from the jump. LSU had a relatively easy path to Omaha, while Arkansas had to get through Tennessee in the super regionals to advance. Still, both schools are battle-tested and absolutely have what it takes to win it all. For me, it’s the Hogs all the way. LSU had its chance in the sun back in 2023 when Paul Skenes, Dylan Crews, and Tommy White took over the world. It’s Arkansas’ opportunity now.
That’s how I believe the opening games shake out. But what about the rest of the tournament? After all, winning the first game is no guarantee that it’s a cakewalk to the title.
In the top bracket that consists of Coastal Carolina, Arizona, Oregon State, and Louisville, I believe that it’ll be Coastal and Oregon State battling it out in the end, with the Beavers ultimately winning and advancing to the finals. On the other side of the bracket, Arkansas and LSU will start it, and I think they’ll also end it, with the Razorbacks advancing.
That’d set up a rematch of the 2018 College World Series Finals between Oregon State and Arkansas. If you don’t remember how that one played out, just read my story from a week ago. Trust me, it was dramatic.
Back to Normal in Fayetteville
Everybody can breathe a sigh of relief because, after two years of complete disappointment, the Arkansas baseball team is back to winning regionals.
It should be a great week of baseball in Omaha. Even if the games don’t turn out to be classics like we all hope they will, the experience of witnessing the atmosphere of the College World Series is a gift nonetheless.
Finally, make sure to read the rest of my stories about the tournament:
