Who Are Some “Sneaky Good” Teams to Watch in the 2026 College Baseball Season?

While it’s expected each year that the reigning Men’s College World Series Champion will be the team to watch in the upcoming season, there’s always a bit of mystery in the air as to who else will come out in the D1 Baseball and NCAA Top 25. The dynasty that is LSU baseball will no doubt be the team that has the most eyes on it in the 2026 season. However, there are a few other teams that may not have made it all the way to Omaha but should be on every college baseball fan’s radar heading into the 2026 season. Teams that came out successful in the transfer portal, young teams that were sneaky good against SEC powerhouses, are looking to 2026 to show the NCAA that they deserve a spot in the Top 25.

The East Carolina Pirates are notorious for making it to the postseason but never making it to Omaha. Every single year, fans expect it. The 2025 season was no different; the Pirates made a postseason run and were shut down in the Round of 64 by Coastal Carolina. Despite this tragic end to their season, this very young ECU team showed that, though unranked, they could keep up. Like many young, struggling teams, the Pirates need to improve their bullpen and their hitting. If this most recent postseason was any indication, the Pirates are a team looking to head into 2026 with their foot on the gas. 

Another team in purple to keep an eye on in the upcoming season also saw its season come to an end right before they reached Omaha. The Horned Frogs of TCU finished their season one win away from 40 total wins on the season. Dominant on their home field, they only took seven losses at home. Not just winning a series but being able to sweep a series will be the difference maker for this team in this upcoming season. Seeing how their younger players perform during fall ball will also determine whether or not they have the potential many “Way too early” power rankings say they do to make it far into the 2026 season.