The 2025 college baseball season is right around the corner, and the Missouri Tigers are prepared to continue taking steps in the right direction. In their first year under coach Kerrick Jackson in 2024, the team finished with a 23-32 (9-21) record.
When the '25 schedule was released, it was announced that Mizzou would compete in the Puerto Rico Classic to get its season started. Here's a breakdown of all three matchups.
Penn State - February 14
The season will get started in the hometown of senior shortstop Justin Colon, with the Puerto Rico Challenge. The first opponent of the season for the Tigers is the Penn State Nittany Lions. Under second year head coach Mike Gambino, the Nittany Lions went 29-24 (12-12) in 2024, marking their first winning season since 2016.
The biggest attribute that Penn State possess heading into 2024 is its experience, with 12 players on the team that are either seniors or graduate students.
Their offense last season was spearheaded by catcher JT Marr, who was a graduate student in 2024. Along with Marr, the Nittany Lions also lost its OPS leader in 2024, outfielder Adam Cecere, after he exhausted his final year of eligibility. In total, they had five guys who played at least 45 games and hit over .300. The one thing lacking last season was power; as the 71 homers as a team put them in the bottom 100 for all of Division I.
On the pitching side, it's more of the same. The only starters on the team to start more than 10 games for them were both seniors. Jaden Henline was a pitcher who kept the ball in the zone and Travis Luensmann was far superior with his off speed. Following those two will be Mason Butash, who gave up just 11 XBH in 33 innings and had a 1:1 K/BB, along with Frankie Sanchez, who batters hit a mere .303 off last season. The bullpen seems to be wild, with eight players rotating in and out, but all of them seem to struggle with command. As a staff, they tallied 38 wild pitches and 72 HBP.
Guys to look out for:
- Bryce Molinaro
- Bobby Marsh
- Joe Jaconski
- Ethan Bauerschmidt
- Connor Thorneberry
UConn - February 15
The next opponent for the Tigers in PR will be one of the strongest non-conference teams they’ll face all season: the UConn Huskies. Under head coach Jim Penders, UConn made it to the Super Regionals in 2024, despite going 0-2 in the Big East Tournament. This year, the Huskies return with much of last season’s core intact, as many players still have years of eligibility remaining, making them a formidable challenge.
The Huskies' offense in 2024 didn’t rely on a single standout player but instead thrived on collective contributions. While outfielder Korey Morton, a senior, led statistically, their success came from a balanced lineup where players consistently performed their roles.
A key strength for UConn in 2024 was their ability to get on base. Ten players posted on-base percentages above .350, with two surpassing .400—though both were graduate students. Additionally, the Huskies showcased speed on the bases, swiping over 80 bags while being caught fewer than 30 times, making them a dynamic and efficient offensive unit.
Pitching was the backbone of UConn’s success toward the end of last season, particularly in the Regionals, where they allowed just one run in three of their four games. Their bullpen was anchored by Brady Afthim and Braden Quinn, who both finished their junior seasons in 2024 and are expected to return to lead the Huskies’ relief efforts.
In the starting rotation, four pitchers made at least 10 starts in 2024, but three were seniors or older. The lone returning starter is Ian Cooke, who delivered a strong season, relying on his strikeout ability and limiting opponents to a .222 batting average. Behind Cooke, the Huskies are likely to turn to arms with starting experience, such as Ben Schild and Joe Carrea, or potentially some incoming freshmen, as they look to retool their rotation.
Guys to look for:
- Tyler Minick
- Maddix Dalena
- Thomas Ellisen
Stetson - February 16
The final team the Tigers will face in Puerto Rico is the Stetson Hatters, who are coming off an impressive 41-22 (20-10) season. The Hatters captured the ASUN Tournament title and made it to the Tallahassee Regionals before being eliminated. Led by ninth-year head coach Steve Trimper, Stetson enters the 2025 season aiming to build on their recent success and continue their strong performances.
The Hatters' offense in 2024 was led by ASUN Freshman of the Year Kyle Jones, who announced his transfer to Florida on June 20. Sophomore Isaiah Barkett was the only other player to post an on-base percentage above .400, recording 60 hits in 50 games.
Stetson’s offense was young in 2024, with only three players lost to graduation. Two of their next top bats are freshman Logan Hughes and sophomore Lorenzo Meola, both poised to take on bigger roles in 2025. With a team batting average of .289 last season, the Hatters were aggressive at the plate and frequently found ways to get on base, a trend that’s likely to continue this year.
While Stetson’s offense remains youthful and promising, their pitching staff was significantly impacted by graduation. Of the four pitchers who started at least 10 games in 2024, three graduated, leaving senior Dylan Jacobs as the likely leader of the rotation. Jacobs is known for limiting walks but is prone to giving up hits, as opponents batted over .300 against him last season.
The bullpen faces similar challenges, with three of its top arms lost to graduation. However, some key contributors are returning. Zane Coppersmith, who posted a stellar 1.82 ERA across 24 appearances and allowed just six extra-base hits, is expected to be a standout. Brandon Smith, one of six players to record a save last season, is also poised to play a crucial role in the bullpen for 2025.
Guys to look for:
- Landon Moran
- Even Griffis
- Ty Van Dyke
- Matthrew Hyle
As we continue approaching the season, expect more previews for every opponent on the Missouri Tigers' 2025 schedule.