The 2025 Men's College World Series (MCWS) field is officially set, showcasing an exciting lineup of teams that have fought hard throughout the season to secure their spots in Omaha. This article provides an in-depth look at each team's journey to the MCWS, highlighting key players and standout performances that defined their seasons.
How the season went: Coastal Carolina has etched the 2025 season into program history, marking it as the second-best campaign ever after reaching the MCWS for the second time. They achieved this remarkable feat by defeating No. 4 Auburn and have been on a remarkable 23-game winning streak. The Chanticleers dominated the Sun Belt Conference and showcased their prowess through regionals and super regionals. Notably, their pitching staff leads the nation, holding the second-best ERA at 3.25 and a WHIP of 1.18. On the offensive front, they have recently surged, scoring 29 runs in three regional games and 11 in two super regional contests.
Who stood out: Junior catcher Caden Bodine, a finalist for the prestigious Buster Posey Award, has been a defensive stalwart and a key contributor offensively with a .332 batting average and 41 RBIs, including three vital home runs in Game 1 of the supers. Redshirt sophomore ace right-hander Jacob Morrison has also made headlines, boasting an impressive 11-0 record with a 2.15 ERA, earning him the NCBWA District 4 Player of the Year title.
How the season went: The Arizona Wildcats are set to make their third appearance in the MCWS since 2016, following an impressive comeback that included back-to-back elimination game victories over No. 5 national seed North Carolina. Despite a rocky finish to the regular season, the Wildcats ignited their momentum by winning the Big 12 tournament in their inaugural season in the conference. They carried an eight-game winning streak into the super regionals, where they stunned UNC after losing Game 1.
Who stood out: Junior shortstop Mason White has been the heart of Arizona's offense, batting .333 with 70 RBIs, significantly outpacing his teammates. His performance earned him the title of Eugene Regional Most Valuable Player, and he hit the decisive two-run RBI in the Chapel Hill Super Regional. On the mound, Tony Pluta has been a critical asset, maintaining a 1.30 ERA with 14 saves and clinching the MCWS spot against the Tar Heels.
How the season went: The Louisville Cardinals are back in Omaha for the first time since 2019, having triumphed over ACC rival Miami in Game 3 of the super regionals. Much like Arizona, Louisville faced challenges down the stretch, losing eight of their last 11 games. Nevertheless, they managed to overcome early tournament adversity, defeating No. 1 national seed Vanderbilt and advancing to the super regionals undefeated.
Who stood out: Senior left fielder Eddie King Jr. has been Louisville's offensive catalyst, boasting a .363 batting average and six hits in three regional games. His performance continued into the supers, where he contributed six more hits, including two home runs and a critical RBI double that secured the team's trip to Omaha. On the mound, Patrick Forbes has been a standout, with 107 strikeouts over 66 innings, solidifying his position as the team’s ace.
How the season went: After finishing 19-33 last season, the UCLA Bruins have made a remarkable turnaround, reaching the MCWS for the first time since their 2013 national championship season. They swept their regional and super regional opponents, culminating in a historic sixth shutout during the postseason. The Bruins made waves in the Big Ten, clinching co-regular season championship honors and finishing as runners-up in the conference tournament.
Who stood out: Sophomore shortstop Roch Cholowsky has emerged as a key player, leading UCLA in several offensive categories and earning accolades as the Big Ten Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. His performance will be crucial as the Bruins head into Omaha, where his talent is expected to shine.
How the season went: The Arkansas Razorbacks have consistently proven their prowess, securing a spot in the MCWS after sweeping the 2024 national champions, Tennessee. As the highest-ranked national seed, Arkansas maintained a strong presence in the national rankings and broke several program records during the rigorous SEC season. With seven players hitting over 10 home runs and six batting above .300, they have showcased both offensive and pitching strength.
Who stood out: Junior shortstop Wehiwa Aloy has been instrumental, leading the team with a .348 batting average and 20 home runs. His consistent performance throughout the season, alongside First Team All-SEC junior left-hander Zach Root, has solidified Arkansas's status as a formidable competitor.
How the season went: Oregon State returns to the MCWS for the first time since their 2018 championship run, marking the program's eighth appearance at this prestigious event. The Beavers faced a unique challenge this season as an independent team, but their resilience paid off, allowing them to host and advance through the regionals and super regionals.
Who stood out: The success of Oregon State can be attributed to the dynamic duo of Aiva Arquette and Gavin Turley. Turley has shattered the career home run record with 52 homers, while Arquette, a transfer from Washington, has made significant contributions with a .348 batting average and 17 home runs, igniting the Beavers' offense.
How the season went: Following last year's national title, LSU aimed for redemption after a disappointing regional round loss in 2024. The Tigers faced some adversity but rallied to secure their spot in the MCWS once again, overcoming a rocky start in the regional round.
Who stood out: The Tigers boast a deep lineup, enhanced by key transfers. Junior right-hand pitcher Anthony Eyanson has been a standout, finishing the season with a 10-2 record and a 2.50 ERA. His postseason performances, including a shutout against Little Rock and a decisive victory over West Virginia, position him as a critical player to watch in Omaha.
How the season went: Murray State has made history by reaching the MCWS for the first time, becoming only the fourth No. 4 seed to do so. Their explosive offense has proven formidable, ranking 13th in the nation for runs scored, and they have maintained this high-scoring trend throughout the NCAA tournament.
Who stood out: The Racers' offensive firepower has overwhelmed opponents, with them scoring eight or more runs in six out of seven tournament games. This offensive dynamism will be crucial as they step onto the field in Omaha, aiming to make a significant impact.
As the excitement builds for the 2025 Men's College World Series, fans can look forward to thrilling matchups and remarkable performances from these outstanding collegiate teams. Each squad has demonstrated resilience and talent, making the upcoming games a must-watch event.
