Kansas - April 29, May 6
For the final two non-conference games of the year, it's the Border War. After splitting the series last season, Mizzou looks to take control in 2025, this time with the advantage of playing Kansas in Columbia instead of a neutral site like in 2024. In his second season as head coach, Dan Fitzgerald led the Jayhawks to a 31-23 (15-15) record, reaching the semifinals as a No. 7 seed before falling to the top seed. This year, he hopes to build on that success.
Offensively, Fitzgerald faces an early challenge as he looks to replace his top four hitters from last season, two of whom graduated and two who were drafted. The most experienced returning bats are redshirt seniors Mike Koszewski, who hit .300 in 31 starts, and Michael Brooks, who batted .331 with 22 extra-base hits and 38 RBIs in 37 games. Beyond them, the lineup will look significantly different. Only six other players appeared in more than 30 games last season, meaning the Jayhawks had a relatively stable lineup—but that will change in 2025.
To address those losses, Kansas focused heavily on recruiting. The Jayhawks added just one freshman bat but brought in 12 transfers, overhauling their roster. Some of these newcomers could make an immediate impact, including Brady Counsell, Tommy Barth, and TJ Williams, who arrive from other programs and could help stabilize the lineup.
The pitching staff is facing even greater challenges than the offense. Six pitchers from the 2024 squad moved on to the pros, and they were among the team’s most relied-upon arms. However, Kansas did retain its most important piece: sophomore Dominic Voegele. The 2024 Big 12 Freshman of the Year enters this season as the clear ace after posting a 7-2 record with a 3.89 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 81 innings. He is the only returning starter from last season’s rotation.
The bullpen situation is similarly depleted. Sophomore Dylen Moore is one of the few reliable arms returning from the 2024 squad, with most of the other key relievers either graduating or getting drafted. To replenish their pitching depth, Kansas followed the same strategy as with its lineup—heavily utilizing the transfer portal. The Jayhawks brought in just two freshmen pitchers but added 14 transfers to reshape their staff. Some key names to watch include Connor Maggi, Alex Breckheimer, and Jake Cubbler, who could emerge as impact arms in 2025.
Guys to look for:
- Gavin Brasosky
- Max Soliz Jr.
- Derek Cerda