LSU, UCLA lead 2026 Preseason Coaches Top-25 Poll

On February 3, the USA Today/coaches’ preseason poll for the 2026 Division I college baseball season was released. These polls mean something — and nothing at the same time. After all, Texas A&M started 2025 as the top-ranked school before what was a tough season for the Aggies. But heading into 2026, LSU — in a close vote — will head into the year as the top-ranked school.

First coaches poll for 2026

Defending champion LSU is on top, as the Tigers come into 2026 with a deep roster on paper.

Draft-eligible sophomore Derek Curiel, one of the top contact hitters in all of Division I, is back for this year as he looks to jump his MLB Draft stock. He’ll be part of a strong lineup on paper, one that’s set to include newcomers Trent Caraway, Zach Yorke, and Brayden Simpson.

The UCLA Bruins, led by Roch Cholowsky, are ranked #2. UCLA made the College World Series last June and is a heavy favorite to do so again, thanks to a deep group of returning hitters, plus some newcomers.

It was, by the way, a close vote. LSU received 733 points, while the Bruins clocked in at 724.

Georgia Tech is ranked #4. The Yellow Jackets had one of the best lineups in Division I last season, and that group could be better in 2026. Drew Burress is back for his junior season, as he headlines a returning group of hitters that also includes Vahn Lackey. Additionally, California transfer Jarren Advincula will look to deepen an already strong Georgia Tech lineup.

SEC powers Texas and Arkansas are in the top five, making it three schools from the conference.

Outside of the top five, most of the schools are from the ACC and SEC, the two major conferences in college baseball. However, there are two Big 12 schools (TCU and Arizona), plus Big 10 powerhouse, Oregon.

Coastal Carolina, the runner-up in the 2025 College World Series, begins the year at #7. The Chanticleers are one of two Sun Belt schools in the top-25, alongside Southern Miss.

De facto independent Oregon State slotted in at #12.

Here’s a look at the preseason top 25:

1. LSU
2. UCLA
3. Texas
4. Georgia Tech
5. Arkansas
6. Mississippi State
7. Coastal Carolina
8. North Carolina
9. Auburn
10. TCU
11. Louisville
12. Oregon State
13. Georgia
14. Florida State
15. Tennessee
16. Florida
17. Clemson
18. Vanderbilt
19. NC State
20. Southern Miss
21. Miami (FL)
22. Virginia
23. Oregon
24. Arizona
25. Wake Forest