Seven College Baseball Teams to Watch in 2026

FanGraphs’ preview of the 2026 college baseball season highlights seven programs worth watching as the NCAA regionals approach. Coaching changes, transfer portal moves, and returning stars all look set to shape College World Series hopes and early draft chatter.

The piece acts as a kind of roadmap for scouts and fans. It’s a way to track run production, pitching ceilings, and roster depth as 2026 unfolds.

Seven Programs Poised for Impact in 2026

Coaches are reloading across the country. Transfers keep shaking up rosters, and veteran leaders are back to anchor lineups.

The teams below stand out for more than just their NCAA regional chances. Their 2026 stories could nudge early draft boards and maybe even change the regional TV narrative.

Coastal Carolina: A Mid-Major Powerhouse Reenergized

FanGraphs points to Coastal Carolina as a perennial mid-major threat ready to surge again with new leadership. After a 56-13 run and a national title game appearance in 2025, the Chanticleers bring back an ace pitcher and a bullpen that can lock down games late.

• Cameron Flukey — ace RHP and the rotation’s anchor
• Deep bullpen that can protect leads and shorten games
• 2025’s national title-game run still fueling confidence
• Under new coach Kevin Schnall, there’s a more strategic approach to development
• Draft watchers eye pitching upside and durability here

Georgia Tech: Explosive Offense Meets Strategic Coaching

Georgia Tech, under James Ramsey, brings back a thunderous offense led by top prospects. Drew Burress roams the outfield, and a group of high-ranked infielders gives the Yellow Jackets speed and consistency.

• Drew Burress — outfielder and big bat in the draft mix
• Returning infielders provide stability up the middle
• Coaching continuity with James Ramsey at the top
• Transfer portal additions add depth and flexibility
• Scouts are curious if this offense can deliver runs when it matters most

UCLA: Star Power Retained, World-Series Experience

UCLA heads into 2026 with most of its roster intact after winning a Big Ten co-title and making the College World Series. Few players left for the draft, so the Bruins look set to keep winning at a high clip.

• Roch Cholowsky — shortstop and likely top draft pick
• Core group sticks together, avoiding draft disruption
• Recent World Series experience gives them an edge
• Draft outlook focuses on Cholowsky and other key returnees

LSU: Championship Pedigree Meets Transfer-Portal Talent

LSU keeps reloading under Jay Johnson, mixing championship experience with new transfers. Derek Curiel and the flashy Steven Milam join a roster that blends old culture with new talent.

• Derek Curiel and Steven Milam add offense and defensive versatility
• Transfers boost depth and overall potential
• Championship pedigree raises expectations
• Draft-wise, everyone’s watching how the transfers adjust to the LSU spotlight

Mississippi State: A Legendary Coach Returns to Elevate the Program

Mississippi State brought in Brian O’Connor, a coaching legend, to revive a program with big resources and even bigger expectations. Transfers like outfielder Aidan Teel point to a push for national relevance and another shot at regionals.

• Aidan Teel — outfielder expected to make an instant impact
• Smart use of transfers to get competitive fast
• Winning culture with a new spark
• Scouts will watch how the mix of veterans and newcomers gels

UConn: Cold-Weather Scheduling Challenge Meets Resilience

UConn faces a tough schedule thanks to the weather. Still, they think Tyler Minick and veteran coach Jim Penders can push them past last year’s near-miss.

The Huskies want to show they belong among the region’s best.

• Tyler Minick — slugger with game-changing power
• Steady leadership from Jim Penders
• Regional ambition powered by returning arms and disciplined pitching
• Draft focus: Minick’s power and plate discipline are under the microscope

East Carolina: Consistency, Depth, and a Track Record of Regionals

East Carolina keeps showing up as a reliable mid-major, always in the mix for regionals with Cliff Godwin at the helm. The Pirates mix steady pitching with clutch offense, so you can’t ever count them out as a tournament dark horse.

• Cliff Godwin has built a real track record of regional success
• They’ve got depth and can adapt thanks to a flexible roster
• Some younger players could break out, even with a strong veteran core
• Draft-wise, ECU’s style often translates well to the pros

 
Here is the source article for this story: The Seven College Baseball Teams You Need To Know in 2026