Texas - March 28-30
As one of the SEC's two newest members, this will mark only the second meeting between the Longhorns and Tigers since 2020. The teams last faced off during the 2023 College Baseball Showdown in Arlington, Texas, which kicked off that season.
Following the conclusion of the 2024 season, which ended with Texas A&M’s loss in the finals, Longhorns head coach Jim Schlossnagle made a significant move to Austin. Now leading Texas, Schlossnagle will aim to guide the Longhorns, who finished the 2024 season with a 36-24 record (20-10 in conference play), to their first College World Series championship since 2009.
Offensively, Texas’ lineup is expected to look similar to last season’s, as the Longhorns retained most of their roster despite some notable departures. Of the players who appeared in at least 50 games in 2024, five were underclassmen. While they lost their top hitter and three prospects to the MLB Draft, along with two players to graduation, the team has kept the core of its lineup intact.
Key players for the Longhorns include graduate Kimble Schuessler, who hit over .340 with 25 extra-base hits; junior Jalin Flores, who tied for the team lead in home runs (18) while leading in RBIs (56) and doubles (22); and junior Max Belyeu, who matched Flores in home runs and finished second on the team in on-base percentage (.423). These players headline a strong returning group from the 2024 roster.
To complement their returning talent, the Longhorns brought in a highly touted freshman class and a few transfers to fill the gaps left by departing players. Freshmen such as Samuel Richardson, Carson Luna, and Matthew Scott II are among those looking to make an immediate impact on a program known for giving younger players opportunities to shine.
On the pitching side, Texas’ staff will have a different look in 2025 following the loss of two starters to the MLB Draft and several other arms to graduation, transfers, or professional signings. However, the Longhorns retained two key starters from last season, both of whom are expected to step back into their roles.
Junior Max Grubbs, who had the second-most starts on the team in 2024, returns after posting a 3.67 ERA and allowing fewer than 20 extra-base hits. Senior Ace Whitehead, despite finishing with an ERA over 4.00, held opposing hitters to a .237 batting average against (BAA) and is poised for a strong season.
The bullpen remains largely intact, with most of its core arms returning. Redshirt senior Andre Duplantier II, who led the team with 29 appearances, recorded a 3.09 ERA and an impressive .192 BAA. Sophomore Easton Tumis also returns, though he looks to improve on his 5.08 ERA and 1.45 WHIP from 21 appearances (including one start). Other returning contributors like Cade O’Hara (13 appearances), Hudson Hamilton (11 appearances), and Luke Harrison (13 appearances) are expected to take on expanded roles this season.
To address the losses and bolster the pitching staff, the Longhorns brought in an impressive haul of newcomers, including some of the best freshman arms in the country and nine transfers. Key additions include Will Mercer (Notre Dame), Jared Spencer (Indiana State), Connor McCreery (South Carolina), and Aiden Moffett (LSU), all of whom are expected to contribute immediately. Freshmen such as Drew Rerick, Jason Flores, and Dylan Volantis will also be called upon to fill innings and provide depth. The combination of returning talent and new faces positions Texas to remain competitive on the mound in 2025.
Players to look out for:
- Jack O'Dowd
- Casey Borba
- Drew Rerick