Arkansas Baseball Ranked Preseason No. 5 by NCBWA

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The Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team has been ranked No. 5 in the preseason poll by the National College Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA), making them a consensus Top 10 preseason team for the first time since 2024. The Razorbacks, coming off a College World Series semifinal appearance last year, open the 2026 season on February 13 against Oklahoma State at the Shriners Children's College Showdown in Arlington, Texas.

Why it matters

Arkansas baseball has been a powerhouse program in recent years, making the College World Series in 2025 and consistently ranking among the nation's elite teams. This preseason Top 5 ranking cements their status as one of the top contenders for the national championship in 2026.

The details

The Diamond Hogs were ranked No. 5 by the NCBWA, adding to their preseason Top 10 rankings from Perfect Game (No. 4), D1Baseball (No. 7), USA Today (No. 5), and Baseball America (No. 10). Arkansas is coming off a 50-15 overall record and 20-10 mark in SEC play last season, reaching the College World Series semifinals under head coach Dave Van Horn.

• The Razorbacks open the 2026 season on Friday, February 13 at 7 p.m. against Oklahoma State in the Shriners Children's College Showdown at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

What’s next

The Razorbacks will look to build on their preseason Top 5 ranking when they take the field for their season opener against Oklahoma State on February 13.