Month: June 2025

Categories
College Football

2025 cbhsports Arkansas Football Preview: Ole Miss, Tennessee

Image Courtesy: Yahoo Sports

Saturday, September 13
@ Ole Miss
6/6:45 PM CT, ESPN/SECN
Projected Score:
Arkansas’ tough September slate continues with its first SEC game in Oxford, Mississippi, against the Ole Miss Rebels. Lane Kiffin’s Rebels hold a narrow 3-2 edge over Sam Pittman’s Razorbacks since both coaches took over ahead of the 2020 season. The first four matchups between the two programs were tightly contested, but Ole Miss exploded offensively in Fayetteville last fall, cruising to a dominant 63-37 victory.

Adding insult to injury for Pittman’s squad, three of his top players transferred from Fayetteville to Oxford via the portal last winter. After two seasons each at Arkansas, offensive lineman Patrick Kutas, tight end Luke Hasz, and defensive back Jaylon Braxton now suit up for Kiffin. This marks the second straight offseason in which a Razorback has transferred to Ole Miss, following linebacker Chris Paul’s departure after the 2023 campaign. Pittman did manage to land one of Kiffin’s former players in return—offensive lineman Bubba Craig. These roster moves have only intensified the chatter on social media, and the recent on-field battles have elevated this series into a full-fledged rivalry.

After three years as the Rebels’ starting quarterback, Jaxson Dart will be playing in the NFL for the New York Giants in 2025. That opens the door for redshirt sophomore Austin Simmons, who has shown promise in limited opportunities under Lane Kiffin. Only two projected offensive starters return for Ole Miss: senior left tackle Diego Pounds and junior wide receiver Cayden Lee. While Simmons will be working with a largely new receiving corps, Kiffin brought in two talented transfers for the 2025 roster—former Penn State wideout Harrison Wallace II and former Oklahoma State receiver De’Zhaun Stribling. Arkansas transfer Luke Hasz joins senior Dae’Quan Wright to form a dynamic tight end duo.

Kiffin has expressed less confidence in his current running back group compared to the 2023 squad, especially after star rusher Quinshon Judkins transferred to Ohio State. It will now be up to Logan Diggs and Kewan Lacy to elevate the ground game and support their new quarterback.

Defensively, replacing standouts like Walter Nolen, JJ Pegues, and Princely Umanmielen will be a major challenge. However, defensive coordinator Pete Golding has steadily improved this Rebel defense each year since arriving from Alabama. Just two defensive starters return: linebackers Suntarine Perkins and TJ Dudley, who will anchor a front seven filled with new faces. The secondary also suffered a big loss with the departure of lockdown corner Trey Amos, among others, and will rely on a deep rotation to fill the void.

Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green and his revamped group of playmakers must capitalize on these defensive losses. On the other side, the Razorbacks’ defensive line will need to contain Simmons’ dual-threat ability. In what has been a competitive series over the past decade, that matchup could be the difference. Expect a closer-than-expected Ole Miss victory.

Projected Score: Ole Miss 42, Arkansas 31

Saturday, October 11
@ Tennessee
2:30-3:30 PM or 5-7 PM CT
Arkansas will take an almost month-long break from SEC play after their trip to Ole Miss when they head to Rocky Top to face Tennessee. Last fall, the Razorbacks upset the Volunteers, handing them one of their few blemishes on the way to their first College Football Playoff appearance. That win marked Sam Pittman’s second victory over Tennessee and the fourth consecutive win for Arkansas in the series (2011, 2015, 2020, and 2024).

When early enrollee quarterback Madden Iamaleava followed his brother, former Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava, to UCLA during the spring transfer window, social media erupted. Nico’s departure was one of the biggest stories in sports during the offseason, and when Madden followed suit, Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek pushed for him to repay the NIL money he would have earned in the fall after leaving Fayetteville without playing a snap in the 2025 season. This year, the Volunteers will host the Razorbacks for the first time since 2015 as they look to snap a four-game losing streak in the series.

Heupel’s offense ran through 2024 SEC Offensive Player of the Year Dylan Sampson, who carried the load while Iamaleava struggled to push the ball downfield to his receivers and tight ends. Tennessee’s receiving and tight end group hasn’t been elite since 2022, when the Vols briefly reached No. 1 in the College Football Playoff rankings before falling to Georgia. Returning starter Chris Brazzell II, along with Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley, will be tasked with helping restore what is known as Heupel’s high-powered offense—now with Aguilar at the helm.

Despite Heupel’s offensive reputation, it was Tennessee’s defense that led the way to their first College Football Playoff appearance. Seven of eleven defensive starters return to Knoxville, forming what should again be one of the SEC’s top units. The defensive line is loaded with experienced seniors, including Joshua Josephs, Dominic Bailey, Bryson Eason, and Jaxson Moi. Both starting linebackers—Jeremiah Telander and Arion Carter—and both starting cornerbacks—Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson III—are also back for another season.

The Volunteer defense will test what should be an improved, though newly assembled, Arkansas offensive line in a hostile road environment. The strength of Tennessee’s defensive front means Arkansas running backs Braylen Russell, Mike Washington Jr., and Rodney Hill must be effective to open up the passing game for quarterback Taylen Green—just as they did in last year’s upset win over Tennessee in Fayetteville. But this year, the game is on Rocky Top, and the Volunteers are poised to snap their losing streak to the Razorbacks with a win.

Projected Score: Tennessee 21, Arkansas 17

Projected Record: 3-3 (0-2) SEC

Categories
College Baseball

Arkansas’ Wehiwa Aloy wins 2025 Golden Spikes Award

Image Courtesy: Whole Hog Sports

Arkansas shortstop Wehiwa Aloy won the 2025 Golden Spikes Award on Saturday night in Omaha, Nebraska, recognizing him as the top amateur baseball player in the country. Aloy is the third Razorback ever to win college baseball’s most prestigious award, joining outfielder Andrew Benintendi (2015) and pitcher Kevin Kopps (2021).

Aloy’s selection may have surprised some on the national stage after a late-game decision in the Men’s College World Series semifinal against No. 6 LSU. Instead of turning a potential game-ending double play, he opted to throw to third base. The next play allowed LSU to capitalize, and Arkansas ultimately lost, ending their season.

Still, Aloy earned the award due to his outstanding season. The SEC Player of the Year started all 65 games at shortstop for Arkansas and led the team in nearly every major offensive category, including slugging percentage (.673), OPS (1.107), hits (93), runs scored (81), doubles (19), triples (2), home runs (21), extra-base hits (42), multi-hit games (30), and total bases (179).

Despite another tough ending to the season, Aloy helped lead the Razorbacks to 50 wins and a return trip to the semifinals of the Men’s College World Series in Omaha. He delivered a career-best performance against Creighton on May 31 in the NCAA Fayetteville Regional, matching personal highs with two home runs and five RBIs in a single game. On June 17, he also became the first Arkansas shortstop to homer in the Men’s College World Series, doing so against UCLA.

Wehiwa Aloy is projected by many outlets to be a first-round pick in the upcoming 2025 MLB Draft, scheduled for July 13–14 in Atlanta.

Categories
College Football

2025 cbhsports Arkansas Football Preview: Nonconference Slate

Image Courtesy: Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Saturday, August 30
Alabama A&M
3:15 PM CT, SEC Network
If Arkansas wins any football games this fall, it better be their season opener in Fayetteville. The Razorbacks face perhaps their toughest schedule since the 10-game SEC slate in 2020, with matchups against both Memphis (11 wins in 2024) and Notre Dame (the national championship runner-up). Still, they must take it one game at a time, starting with the Bulldogs. Alabama A&M went 6–6 overall and 4–4 in the SWAC in 2024. In-state foe Auburn dominated the Bulldogs 73–3 to open the 2024 campaign, but Alabama A&M’s offense bounced back with four performances of 45 or more points over the rest of the season.

This season, the Bulldogs are under new leadership with head coach Sam Shade taking over the program. Chris Shelling returns as defensive coordinator, a role he previously held from 2018 to 2022. The team’s identity will likely be shaped by Shelling’s defense, but offensively, it will be former UAPB quarterback Mekhi Hagens leading the way. Hagens faced Arkansas to open the 2024 season in a game the Razorbacks won 70–0. He’ll look to rewrite that narrative with a better performance this fall.

Hagens’ top targets include wide receiver Duke Miller and tight end Travaunta Abner, both of whom will play key roles in stretching the field. Defensively, Shelling’s unit must find a way to slow down Bobby Petrino’s high-powered Arkansas offense. This should be a game where the Razorbacks work out early-season kinks with new weapons such as O’Mega Blake and Raylen Sharpe, along with returning running back Braylon Russell.

On the other side of the ball, defensive coordinator Travis Williams and the Arkansas defense must prove they can contain Alabama A&M’s offense to establish the dominance they’re expected to show in this matchup.

Projected Score: Arkansas 59, Alabama A&M 14

Saturday, September 6
Arkansas State (Little Rock)
4 PM CT, ESPN+/SECN+
Arkansas will face in-state foe Arkansas State for the first time in program history in Week 2. Historically, the Razorbacks do not play against other instate opponents. This is because longtime head football coach and later athletic director Frank Broyles did not want to play these teams because if the Razorbacks lost it would help players instate go to play for A-State or another program instate. The two programs will meet at Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium with a lot on the line. The Red Wolves turned in an impressive 8-5 record, losing by only ten points to Michigan but getting blown out by Iowa State. They finished the season with five Sun Belt conference wins before going to Mobile, Alabama to defeat Bowling Green in the 68 Ventures Bowl.

Athlon Sports has predicted the Red Wolves to finish fourth in the Sun Belt West. They return five expected starters—four on offense and just one on defense. Notably, quarterback Jaylen Reagor, tailback Ja’Quez Cross, top receiver Corey Rucker, and Reagor’s blindside protector, left tackle Noah Smith, all return to Jonesboro to anchor the offense. Reagor was outstanding in an MVP performance during the 68 Ventures Bowl win over Bowling Green. Cross racked up 1,341 all-purpose yards as a junior, while Rucker, the program’s all-time leader in receiving yards (3,037), continues to lead the way on the outside. Smith will be tasked with anchoring an offensive line that replaces four starters.

On defense, senior defensive end Bryan Whitehead leads a unit now under the direction of new coordinator Griff McCarley. The Red Wolves will shift to a 4-2-5 scheme and feature a veteran-heavy lineup that includes ten juniors or seniors and just one sophomore. However, because many of these players haven’t held consistent starting roles, it may take a few weeks for the defense to gel.

Arkansas’ offense should capitalize on a defense returning just one starter, especially in the familiar surroundings of their home-away-from-home in Little Rock. The Razorbacks’ revamped defensive line, led by Cam Ball, should be able to pressure Jaylen Reagor and disrupt his ability to connect with Rucker, Hunter Summers, and Chauncy Cobb downfield.

A loss to the Red Wolves could put head coach Sam Pittman’s job in immediate jeopardy. Still, I expect Arkansas to pull away in the second half and defeat their in-state opponent.

Projected Score: Arkansas 42, Arkansas State 21

Saturday, September 20
@ Memphis
TBA, TBA
Arkansas will continue its road trip to Memphis after facing Ole Miss the previous Saturday in Oxford. As mentioned in the Alabama A&M preview, the Tigers won 11 games last fall. They upset Florida State in what turned out to be a disappointing season for the Seminoles, who finished with just two wins. Memphis went on to win six games in the American Athletic Conference and finished ranked in both the AP and Coaches Polls after defeating West Virginia in a high-scoring Frisco Bowl, 42–37.

The expectation is that former Colorado and Nevada quarterback Brendon Lewis will replace Seth Henigan after his impressive run as the Tigers’ starter. Only two of Lewis’ offensive linemen—senior left tackle Chris Adams and sophomore right guard Malachi Breland—return from last season’s starting group. Running back Sutton Smith is back after a knee injury cut short his 2024 season. The backfield will be critical for Memphis, especially with an inexperienced receiving corps that includes transfers CJ Smith (Purdue), Ger-Cari Caldwell (North Carolina A&T), and Jadon Thompson (Louisville).

Defensive end William Whitlow is the lone returning starter from last year’s successful defense. However, the Tigers bolstered their unit through the transfer portal, adding key players like linebacker Everett Roussaw Jr. from conference rival UAB. Senior safety Kourtlan Marsh will lead a veteran secondary.

Like Arkansas State, Memphis lacks returning production, and the Razorbacks must take advantage. The key difference is that this game is outside the state of Arkansas. While technically a road game, the Razorbacks are familiar with Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, having played there twice in the last three seasons—earning wins over Big 12 opponents Kansas and Texas Tech in the Liberty Bowl.

This time, however, the environment will be different, with blue and white filling the stands in support of the hometown Tigers. With only one returning starter on the defensive line for Memphis, Arkansas’ depth at running back—featuring Braylen Russell, Mike Washington Jr., and Rodney Hill—needs to shine. If the Razorbacks can secure a win in Memphis, they’ll be well-positioned to face a talented Notre Dame team in Fayetteville the following Saturday.

Projected Score: Arkansas 31, Memphis 28

Saturday, September 27
Notre Dame (Hall of Honor Weekend)
11 AM CT, ABC
For the first time in over a decade, Arkansas will face a new opponent on the last Saturday in September, following the end of its longstanding contract with Texas A&M at AT&T Stadium. Notre Dame comes to Fayetteville after a season that saw the Fighting Irish reach the College Football Playoff National Championship, where they ultimately fell short in a 34–23 loss to Ohio State.

Athlon Sports has predicted the Fighting Irish to make the 12-team College Football Playoff for the second consecutive season. Can they make another run to the national title game? In my opinion, it will come down to whether one of the nation’s top running backs, Jeremiyah Love, can help guide new quarterback CJ Carr through his freshman season.

Jaden Greathouse was a key target for quarterback Riley Leonard during Notre Dame’s playoff run last year, and senior tight end Eli Raridon will look to join the elite lineage of tight ends to come through the program. He’ll line up alongside an offensive line that returns every starter except at right guard.

While the offense returns six starters, the defense brings back fewer. New defensive coordinator Chris Ash takes over for the highly respected Al Golden, who left to join the Cincinnati Bengals. Ash inherits a talented secondary, led by cornerbacks Christian Gray and Leonard Moore, along with safety Adon Shuler. Linebacker Drayk Bowen and defensive end Joshua Burnham are the only returning starters in the front seven.

There’s no doubt this will be Arkansas’ toughest nonconference game, especially after it was announced the game will kick off at 11 a.m. local time rather than in the afternoon or evening. Quarterback Taylen Green must trust new receivers O’Mega Blake, Raylen Sharpe, and others to make plays against Notre Dame’s elite defensive backfield. Meanwhile, Arkansas’ front seven will need to be at its best to contain Jeremiyah Love, the Irish’s top offensive weapon.

The Razorbacks will need to keep the game close into the second half to have a chance at an upset, but I don’t see them knocking off Notre Dame this September.

Projected Score: Notre Dame 38, Arkansas 27

Projected Record: 3-1 (0-0) SEC

Categories
College Basketball

What could Coach K’s proposed ACC-Big East merger look like?

Image Courtesy: The Courier-Journal

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has clearly fallen behind the Big Ten and the Southeastern Conference (SEC), particularly in the lifeblood of its league—college basketball. This decline has been especially evident with only a few teams making the NCAA Tournament: Duke, Clemson, Louisville, and North Carolina.

Back in January, former Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski addressed the issue on his weekly radio show. “Our conference has been a great one—I think it needs to get better,” Coach K said.

“I’d like to see the ACC and the Big East talk and form a mega basketball conference,” he continued. “Imagine if we had the Big East.” St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino agreed with his longtime friend’s sentiments.

After the Huskies won their opening game of the 2025 NCAA Tournament in ACC territory—Raleigh—UConn head coach Dan Hurley, who led his team to back-to-back national championships in 2023 and 2024, revealed that he had spoken with Coach K about making such a move happen. Hurley also expressed interest in renewing matchups with the Huskies’ former conference rivals—Boston College, Pittsburgh, and Syracuse—in any capacity possible.

The legitimacy of this potential move is real. Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman told Ourland: “When you’ve got two Hall of Famers opining about not only the history of college basketball but the future of college basketball, you have to listen. I take very seriously any idea around the future of college basketball—what it means for the Big East and what the Big East should be doing.”

However, such a move may not happen anytime soon. The Big East is under contract with its media rights deal through 2031, while the ACC is locked in through 2036. For any merger or realignment to take place, those contracts would need to be renegotiated—a process that could take years. Even if revised deals were agreed upon, the issue of media rights revenue distribution would remain a significant hurdle.

So, what could a future league look like with the 18 current ACC schools (outside of California, SMU, and Stanford) and the 11 current Big East schools? Don’t take this too seriously—this is purely speculative and may never actually happen.

Potential division alignment:

Central
Butler
Creighton
DePaul
Louisville
Marquette
Notre Dame
Pittsburgh
Xavier

East
Boston College
Connecticut
Georgetown
Providence
Seton Hall
St. John’s
Syracuse
Villanova

South
Clemson
Duke
Florida State
Georgia Tech
Miami
North Carolina
NC State
Virginia
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest

Categories
College Baseball

Razorback right hander Gage Wood throws third no-hitter in MCWS history

Image Courtesy: FOX 56 News

On Monday afternoon at Charles Schwab Field, Gage Wood delivered one of the greatest pitching performances in the history of college baseball, keeping Arkansas’ national title hopes alive with a no-hitter and a College World Series record 19 strikeouts in a 3–0 win over Murray State.

On Monday afternoon at Charles Schwab Field, Gage Wood delivered one of the greatest pitching performances in the history of college baseball, keeping Arkansas’ national title hopes alive with a no-hitter and a College World Series record 19 strikeouts in a 3–0 win over Murray State.

This was more than just a great outing—it was a once-in-a-generation masterpiece, one that fans, teammates, and opponents alike will be talking about for decades.

Through seven innings, Wood was perfect. In the eighth, with Arkansas leading 3–0, the only blemish came when he hit Murray State’s Dom Decker on the foot with a breaking ball. The perfect game was gone, but the no-hitter remained intact.

Wood’s 19 strikeouts set a new record for a nine-inning College World Series game. His no-hitter was the first in Omaha since 1960, when Oklahoma State’s Jim Wixson accomplished the feat in a 7–0 victory over North Carolina.

The big news for the Razorbacks is that they staved off elimination thanks to Wood’s brilliance and preserved their high-end bullpen arms for their second elimination game, scheduled for tonight against the loser of (6) LSU vs. (15) UCLA at 6 PM CT on ESPN.

Arkansas will need a stronger offensive showing if they want to avoid elimination again and advance to the College World Series Finals this weekend.

But no matter what happens next, Gage Wood has etched his name into Omaha lore.

Categories
College Football

2025 cbhsports Arkansas Football Preview

Image Courtesy: Whole Hog Sports

Arkansas football showed improvement during the 2024 season, finishing 7–6 overall (3–5 in SEC play). Those six regular-season wins, along with their second Liberty Bowl victory in three years under head coach Sam Pittman, appeared to secure his job—for now. A key factor in the Razorbacks’ progress from 2023 to 2024 was the impact of their coordinators.

In his first season back on “The Hill” since his controversial exit as head coach, Bobby Petrino installed an up-tempo offense led by Boise State transfer Taylen Green. The Razorbacks appear poised for another productive season on offense, provided their new group of receivers can perform. On the defensive side, coordinator Travis Williams continues to recruit well and has built a strong linebacker room. However, the success of the defense will largely depend on how well the team can replace NFL Draft pick Landon Jackson on the defensive line and whether new faces in the secondary can step up to limit big plays in the passing game.

Overall, most SEC media members predict the Razorbacks will regress to a 4–8 or 5–7 record if they fail to get consistent production from both the offensive and defensive lines. And if that happens, those predictions may prove accurate.

Multiple Game Previews (to be hyperlinked when each post is published)
6/21 Alabama A&M, Arkansas State, Memphis, Notre Dame
6/28 Ole Miss, Tennessee
7/12 Texas A&M, Auburn, Mississippi State
7/19 LSU, Texas, Missouri

Projected Depth Chart

QB
Starter
Taylen Green, Senior (RS)
Bench
KJ Jackson, Freshman (RS)
Trever Jackson, Junior
Grayson Wilson, Freshman

Taylen Green is the clear-cut starter at quarterback as he enters his second year with Bobby Petrino as his offensive play caller. Green will be tasked with reducing turnovers and distributing the ball effectively to new receivers such as incoming transfers O’Mega Blake (Charlotte), Raylen Sharpe (Fresno State), Ismael Cisse (Stanford), and several others, following the departure of trusted target Andrew Armstrong, the SEC’s 2024 leader in receptions.

The quarterback depth chart also includes redshirt freshman KJ Jackson and Florida State transfer Trever Jackson, who enters his third collegiate season. Both will compete for the backup role, while Grayson Wilson begins his first season on The Hill after enrolling early this spring. Petrino’s decision to bring in Trever Jackson was crucial following the post-spring departure of early enrollee Madden Iamaleava, who transferred to UCLA to join his brother, Nico.

RB
Starter
Braylen Russell, Sophomore
Bench
Mike Washington Jr., Senior
Rodney Hill, Junior (RS)
AJ Green, Senior (RS)
Cam Settles, Freshman
Markeylin Battle, Freshman
After entering the transfer portal multiple times over the winter, Braylen Russell ultimately decided that staying in his home state for another season and playing a second year for the Razorbacks was the best choice for him. Russell is expected to be the featured back following Ja’Quinden Jackson’s decision to go pro. However, New Mexico State transfer Mike Washington impressed during spring practice, and former Florida State back Rodney Hill showed flashes last fall in his first season in Fayetteville.

AJ Green returns to Fayetteville after spending a season at Oklahoma State, adding depth to Kolby Smith’s running back room. Freshmen Cam Settles and Markeylin Battle are viewed as the future of the position group—assuming they remain with the program beyond this season.

WR
Starters
Slot: Raylen Sharpe, Senior (RS)
Outside: O’Mega Blake, Senior (RS)
Outside: Ismael Cisse, Sophomore (RS)
Bench
Kam Shanks, Sophomore (RS)
Jalen Brown, Sophomore (RS)
Monte Harrison, Sophomore
Andy Jean, Sophomore (RS)
CJ Brown, Sophomore
Courtney Crutchfield, Freshman (RS)
Krosse Johnson, Freshman (RS)
Ja’Kayden Ferguson, Freshman
Wide receivers coach Ronnie Fouch faced the challenge of replacing significant production from last season’s receiving corps, including third-round NFL Draft pick Isaac Teslaa (Detroit Lions), the SEC’s 2024 leader in receptions Andrew Armstrong (Miami Dolphins), and Tyrone Broden (Seattle Seahawks). To reload the room, Fouch brought in Fresno State transfer Raylen Sharpe to play in the slot, along with deep threats O’Mega Blake (Charlotte) and Ismael Cisse (Stanford).

The Razorbacks are also adding Kam Shanks, who they faced last September when playing his former team, the UAB Blazers. Shanks is expected to contribute as a punt returner and back up Sharpe at the inside receiver position. Arkansas’ top high school football player in the Class of 2024, Courtney Crutchfield, didn’t see much playing time during his freshman season at Missouri but looks to make an impact after returning to his home state.

Former MLB outfielder Monte Harrison is expected to see more action in his second season in Fayetteville, while late spring transfer Andy Jean (Florida) will look to make his mark. Krosse Johnson is another slot option, and Ja’Kayden Ferguson will add depth as he enters his first collegiate season.

TE
Starter
Rohan Jones, Senior
Bench
Andreas Paaske, Senior (RS)
Jaden Platt, Sophomore (RS)
Maddox Lassiter, Junior (RS)
Gavin Garretson, Freshman (RS)
The Razorbacks lost three players to SEC rival Ole Miss during the winter transfer portal period, including tight end Luke Hasz. The talented tight end had an impressive freshman season in 2023 before suffering a season-ending injury against Texas A&M. He returned to form in 2024 as a sophomore but ultimately chose to move on from the program after the season.

There is no clear starter at tight end entering the fall, but former Montana State starter Rohan Jones appears to be the frontrunner. Veteran Andreas Paaske is typically used as an extra blocker in heavy formations, though he’s a reliable option in short-yardage passing situations. With questions surrounding the receiving corps, the tight end room will need Texas A&M transfer Jaden Platt to emerge as a vertical threat in his third season of college football.

OL
Starters
LT: Corey Robinson II, Senior (RS)
LG: Fernando Carmona, Senior (RS)
OC: Caden Kitler, Junior (RS)
RG: E’Marion Harris, Junior (RS)
RT: Marcus Dumervil, Senior (RS)
Bench
Keyshawn Blackstock, Senior (RS)
Kobe Branham, Freshman (RS)
Bubba Craig, Sophomore (RS)
Shaq McRoy, Freshman (RS)
Kavion Broussard, Freshman (RS)
Kash Courtney, Freshman
Blake Cherry, Freshman
When Sam Pittman took over as head coach ahead of the 2020 season, every Razorback fan expected the offensive line and running game to be the backbone of his teams. But since Rocket Sanders’ standout season in 2022, the offensive line has struggled to meet expectations. While the unit showed noticeable improvement in 2024 compared to 2023, Razorback fans will be looking for even more consistency and dominance in the trenches this fall.

Georgia Tech transfer Corey Robinson II and Maryland transfer Marcus Dumervil are expected to anchor the tackle spots. Fernando Carmona, after a solid first season in Fayetteville following his transfer from San Jose State, will start at left guard. Veteran E’Marion Harris is the likely choice at right guard, while UCF transfer Caden Kitler is set to start at center.

Former Michigan State transfer Keyshawn Blackstock, who started last season, may serve as a reserve in 2025. Shaq McRoy, who redshirted his freshman year at Oregon, is expected to contribute both as a spot starter and a backup. Bubba Craig will also likely serve in a reserve role, while Kevin Broussard, Kash Courtney, and Blake Cherry offer developmental depth for the future..

DL
Starters
DE: Charleston Collins, Sophomore
DT: Cam Ball, Senior (RS)
DT: Danny Salli, Junior
DE: Quincy Rhodes, Junior
Bench
Phillip Lee, Senior (RS)
Justus Boone, Senior (RS)
Frank Mulipola, Senior (RS)
David Oke, Senior
Ken Talley, Junior (RS)
JJ Hollingsworth, Junior (RS)
Ian Geffrard, Sophomore (RS)
Kavion Henderson, Freshman (RS)
Kevin Oatis, Freshman
Caleb Bell, Freshman
Keiundre Johnson, Freshman
The position group with the biggest question marks on this season’s Razorback football team is the defensive line, which lost standout end Landon Jackson (Buffalo Bills) to the NFL. Redshirt senior Cam Ball is expected to step up as the leader of the unit and establish himself as one of the top defensive tackles in the SEC. Lining up next to him will be Danny Salli, with Quincy Rhodes and Charleston Collins projected to start at defensive end.

Collins is a talented player who needs to take a significant step forward if the Razorbacks’ defensive line is to become a reliable unit in 2025. To bolster the group, defensive line coach Deke Adams added several transfers during the offseason, including Phillip Lee (Troy), Justus Boone (Florida), and Frank Mulipola (Texas-Permian Basin). Lee and Boone are expected to compete for starting roles during fall camp.

LB
Starters
Xavian Sorey Jr., Senior (RS)
Stephen Dix Jr., Senior (RS)
Bench
Bradley Shaw, Sophomore
Tavion Wallace, Freshman
Andrew Harris, Junior
Justin Logan, Freshman (RS)
Wyatt Simmons, Freshman (RS)
Arkansas returns former Georgia transfer Xavian Sorey Jr. and Stephen Dix Jr. as the leaders of its linebacker group. Sorey Jr. is widely expected to be an NFL Draft pick next April given his talent, and Dix Jr. could follow suit with another year of development under defensive coordinator Travis Williams. Sophomore Bradley Shaw and top-ranked freshman Tavion Wallace will back up Sorey Jr. and Dix Jr., while Justin Logan and Wyatt Simmons provide additional depth in the room.

Secondary
Starters
CB: Selman Bridges, Sophomore
CB: Kani Walker, Senior (RS)
FS: Caleb Wooden, Senior
SS: Miguel Mitchell, Senior
NB: Larry Worth III, Senior
Bench
Julian Neal, Senior (RS)
Jordan Young, Senior (RS)
Quentavius Scandrett, Senior
Keshawn Davila, Junior
JJ Shelton, Freshman
Taijh Overton, Freshman
Nigel Pringle, Freshman
An influx of new talent headlines Marcus Woodson’s defensive backfield entering the 2025 season. Oklahoma transfer Kani Walker, who dealt with an injury during spring ball, is expected to compete for a starting cornerback spot alongside top junior college defensive back Keshawn Davila, Cincinnati transfer Jordan Young, and returner Selman Bridges.

Woodson made key additions during the spring transfer window to shore up the secondary, bringing in Julian Neal from Fresno State and Quentavius Scandrett from Eastern Michigan. Former Auburn Tiger Caleb Wooden and returner Miguel Mitchell are projected to start at safety, while Larry Worth is expected to start at the “hog” position—Arkansas’ version of the nickel back.

Freshmen JJ Shelton, Taijh Overton, and Nigel Pringle will provide depth in the defensive backfield.

Special Teams
Starters
Field Goal Kicker: Scott Starzyk, Freshman
Kickoff Man: Blake Ford, Junior (RS)
Punter: Devin Bale, Senior (RS)
Long Snapper: Ashton Ngo, Senior (RS)
Kick Returner: Rodney Hill, Junior (RS)
Punt Returner: Kam Shanks, Sophomore (RS)
Freshman Scott Starzyk is expected to begin the season as the Razorbacks’ field goal kicker, while veteran Blake Ford will handle kickoff duties. Redshirt senior Devin Bale will serve as the team’s punter and will receive snaps from long snapper Ashton Ngo. Running back Rodney Hill and wide receiver Kam Shanks are likely to return kickoffs for the Razorbacks. Shanks, a standout punt returner at UAB, is expected to firmly hold down that role for Arkansas in 2025.

Incoming 2025 Class (via 247sports)
177.Tavion Wallace (#16LB) Baxley, GA Appling County HS
Kevin Oatis (#40DL) Hattiesburg, MS Hattiesburg HS
Grayson Wilson (#26QB) Conway, AR Conway HS
Reginald Vaughn (#46DL) Flowood, MS Heartfield Academy HS
Ja’Kayden Ferguson (#43WR) Missouri City, TX Fort Bend Marshall HS
Caleb Bell (#76DL) Alpharetta, GA Milton HS
Keiundre Johnson (#55EDGE) Terrell, TX Terrell HS
Kash Courtney (#60OT) Carthage, TX Carthage HS
Keshawn Davila (#1CB) Senatobia, MS Northwest Mississippi CC
Trent Sellers (#63EDGE) Mobile, AL Faith Academy HS
Lionel Prudhomme (#52IOL) Shreveport, LA Captain Shreve HS
Blake Cherry (#66OT) Owasso, OK Owasso HS
Quentin Murphy (#65ATH) Little Rock, AR Parkview Magnet HS
JJ Shelton (#103LB) Dallas, TX South Oak Cliff H
Taijh Overton (#91S) Mobile, AL Williamson HS
Antonio Jordan (#137WR) Warren, AR Warren HS
Cam Settles (#94RB) Little Rock, AR Parkview Magnet HS
Gavin Garretson (#115EDGE) Chico, CA Pleasant Valley HS
Bubba Craig (#2IOL) Hutchinson, KS Hutchinson CC
Markeylin Battle (#105RB) Atlanta, TX Atlanta HS
Nigel Pringle (#91ATH) Houston, TX North Shore HS
Scott Starzyk (#10K) The Woodlands, TX The Woodlands HS

Transfer Additions (via 247sports)
74.CB Julian Neal, Senior (RS) Previous School: Stanford
96.OT Corey Robinson II, Senior (RS) Previous School: Georgia Tech
158.TE Jaden Platt, Sophomore (RS) Previous School: Texas A&M
159.WR O’Mega Blake, Senior (RS) Previous School: Charlotte
228.OT Shaq McRoy, Freshman (RS) Previous School: Oregon
243.DL Justus Boone, Senior (RS) Previous School: Florida
259.WR Courtney Crutchfield, Freshman (RS) Previous School: Missouri
262.CB Kani Walker, Senior (RS) Previous School: Oklahoma
382.DL David Oke, Senior Previous School: Abilene Christian
395.OT Marcus Dumervil, Senior (RS) Previous School: Maryland
469.EDGE Phillip Lee, Senior (RS) Previous School: Troy
631.CB Jordan Young, Senior (RS) Previous School: Cincinnati
674.IOL Kavion Broussard, Freshman (RS) Previous School: Ole Miss
697.WR Ismael Cisse, Sophomore (RS) Previous School: Stanford
731.OT Caden Kitler, Junior (RS) Previous School: UCF
732.DE Ken Talley, Junior (RS) Previous School: Michigan State
741.S Caleb Wooden, Senior Previous School: Auburn
784.RB Mike Washington Jr., Senior Previous School: New Mexico State
833.WR Andy Jean, Sophomore (RS) Previous School: Florida/Pittsburgh
863.CB Shakur Smalls, Senior Previous School: Maine
889.WR Kam Shanks, Sophomore (RS) Previous School: UAB
1133.TE Rohan Jones, Senior Previous School: Montana State
1157.RB AJ Green, Senior (RS) Previous School: Oklahoma State
1241.WR Raylen Sharpe, Senior (RS) Previous School: Fresno State
1262.QB Trever Jackson, Junior Previous School: Florida State
1280.LB Trent Whalen, Graduate Previous School: Kent State
1390.S Quentavius Scandrett, Senior Previous School: Eastern Michigan
WR Jalen Brown, Sophomore (RS) Previous School: Florida State
LB Andrew Harris, Junior Previous School: UCF
DL Frank Mulipola, Senior (RS) Previous School: Texas-Permian Basin
K Blake Ford, Junior (RS) Previous School: North Texas

2025 Schedule Projections
8/30 Alabama A&M Win
9/6 Arkansas State (Little Rock) Win
9/13 @ Ole Miss Loss
9/20 @ Memphis Win
9/27 Notre Dame Loss
10/4 Off
10/11 @ Tennessee Loss
10/18 Texas A&M Loss
10/25 Auburn Win
11/1 Mississippi State Win
11/8 Off
11/15 @ LSU Loss
11/22 @ Texas Loss
11/29 Missouri (Senior Day) Loss
Projected Record: 5-7 (2-6) SEC (Subject to change with my upcoming multiple game preview posts coming)

Categories
College Baseball

2025 cbhsports NCAA College Baseball World Series Predictions

Image Courtesy: Coastal Carolina University Athletics

The college baseball season culminates once again this weekend with the start of the Men’s College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. Six of the sixteen national seeds remain, including (3) Arkansas, (6) LSU, (8) Oregon State, (13) Coastal Carolina, and (15) UCLA.

Arkansas, Coastal Carolina, and UCLA are undefeated in postseason play, each with a 5–0 record. LSU and Oregon State both suffered one loss in the regional round before sweeping their respective super regionals. Arizona’s super regional trip to Chapel Hill included a blowout loss to (5) North Carolina, but the Wildcats bounced back with two straight wins to earn their first trip to Omaha since 2021. Although five ACC teams reached the super regional round—a conference high—Louisville emerged as the lone representative in the College World Series after defeating league rival Miami two games to one on the road.

Murray State is this year’s “Cinderella story,” having taken two of three from Duke on the road in Durham. The Racers are making their first-ever appearance in Omaha and are the first number four seed to reach the College World Series since Oral Roberts accomplished the feat in 2023.

I believe Coastal Carolina will extend its nation-leading 23-game winning streak with a victory over Arizona to open the College World Series. The Chanticleers also opened their only previous Omaha appearance in 2016 with a win over the Wildcats on their way to a national title. Oregon State will win a close game against Louisville before the Cardinals eliminate Arizona in Bracket One’s first elimination game.

Coastal Carolina will then defeat Oregon State to advance to the semifinals and await the winner of the Beavers–Cardinals rematch. Oregon State will make the most of their second chance, eliminating Louisville and handing Coastal Carolina its first loss since April 22 against the College of Charleston.

After eliminating Coastal Carolina, Oregon State will advance to the College World Series Finals for the first time since 2018, when they won the national championship. They will await the winner of Bracket Two to determine who takes home the title.

In Bracket Two, the UCLA Bruins will edge out the upstart Murray State Racers. In Saturday night’s game, Arkansas will avenge its regular season series loss to LSU and move on in the winner’s bracket. The Tigers will eliminate Murray State and face either the Razorbacks for a fifth time this season or the Bruins.

Arkansas will defeat UCLA, and the Bruins will be eliminated by LSU in the following elimination game. After dropping their opening matchup against the Razorbacks, LSU will bounce back to beat them—but Arkansas will then avenge that loss to earn a spot in the national championship series against Oregon State.

Arkansas will seek redemption for their loss to the Beavers in the 2018 national championship series. The Razorbacks may be the most complete team in the country, and I believe they will get it done in three games. Arkansas would win the first national championship in program history.

(Winner is bolded)

Friday, June 13

Game 1 (2 PM ET, ESPN)
13.Coastal Carolina 53-11 (26-4) Sun Belt
Arizona 44-19 (18-12) Big 12

Game 2 (7 PM ET, ESPN)
8.Oregon State 47-14-1 Independents
Louisville 40-22 (15-15) ACC

Saturday, June 14

Game 3 (2 PM ET, ESPN)
15.UCLA 47-16 (22-8) Big Ten
Murray State 44-13 (17-8) Missouri Valley

Game 4 (7 PM ET, ESPN)
3.Arkansas 48-13 (20-10) SEC
6.LSU48-15 (19-11) SEC

Sunday, June 15

Game 5 (2 PM ET, ESPN)
Louisville
Arizona

Game 6 (7 PM ET, ESPN2)
8.Oregon State
13.Coastal Carolina

Monday, June 16

Game 7 (2 PM ET, ESPN)
6.LSU
Murray State

Game 8 (7 PM ET, ESPN)
3.Arkansas
15.UCLA

Tuesday, June 17

Game 9 (2 PM ET, ESPN)
8.Oregon State
Louisville

Game 10 (7 PM ET, ESPN)
6.LSU
15.UCLA

Wednesday, June 18

Game 11 (2 PM ET, ESPN)
8.Oregon State
13.Coastal Carolina

Game 12 (7 PM ET, ESPN)
3.Arkansas
6.LSU

Thursday, June 19

Game 13 (If Necessary) (TBD)
8.Oregon State
13.Coastal Carolina

Game 14 (If Necessary) (TBD)
3.Arkansas
6.LSU

Championship Series

Saturday, June 21

Game 1 (7 PM ET, ESPN)
3.Arkansas
8.Oregon State

Sunday, June 22

Game 2 (2:30 PM ET, ABC)
3.Arkansas
8.Oregon State

Monday, June 23

Game 3 (If necessary) (7:30 PM ET, ESPN)
3.Arkansas
8.Oregon State

2025 College World Series Champion: 3.Arkansas

Categories
College Baseball

2025 cbhsports Fayetteville Super Regional Preview

Image Courtesy: Whole Hog Sports

2025 Fayetteville Regional (Baum-Walker Stadium)
June 7-9
Teams:
3.Arkansas 46-13 (20-10) SEC
The Arkansas Razorbacks are the highest-seeded team left in the field after SEC counterparts No. 1 Vanderbilt and No. 2 Texas—two teams the Razorbacks swept during the regular season—were eliminated in their respective regionals. Arkansas, meanwhile, dominated the Fayetteville Regional, with their closest game coming in the opener: a 6–2 victory over North Dakota State. The Razorbacks’ potent lineup—led by SEC Player of the Year Wehiwa Aloy, catcher Ryder Helfrick, left fielder Charles Davalan, second baseman Cam Kozeal, and more—came alive against Creighton, outscoring the Blue Jays 20–4 across two games. On the mound, starting pitchers Zach Root and Gage Wood were dominant, with Wood and reliever Gabe Gaeckle combining for a regional-record 20 strikeouts in Sunday’s final. This feels like the season Arkansas could finally break through and win it all for head coach Dave Van Horn, after heartbreak in June of 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. However, they cannot afford to overlook Tennessee. The Volunteers are a talented team and went toe-to-toe with Arkansas just a few weeks ago. The Razorbacks’ offensive depth and quality starting pitching must come together once again this weekend as they look to win another series against Tennessee at Baum–Walker Stadium—just as they did 18 days ago in a four-run Game 3 victory over the Volunteers.
14.Tennessee 46-17 (16-14) SEC
The Tennessee Volunteers are the reigning national champions and have reached at least the super regionals in each of the past four summers—just as Dave Van Horn’s Razorbacks did from 2018 to 2022. Tony Vitello, the former Razorback hitting coach, has transformed the Volunteers into a perennial SEC powerhouse after his time learning under Van Horn in Fayetteville. Tennessee leans on the star power of ace pitcher Liam Doyle, slugging third baseman Andrew Fischer (24 home runs), and outfielder Hunter Ensley. The Volunteers swept through all three teams that joined them in the Knoxville Regional last weekend—defeating Miami (OH), Cincinnati, and Wake Forest. After the Demon Deacons handed the Vols a loss on Sunday night, Tennessee was forced into a Monday elimination game, where Doyle delivered in a dominant six-run victory to send the Vols to Fayetteville for a super regional rematch against Arkansas. To win the series this time, Tennessee must take Game 1—just as they did on May 15. In that matchup, pitching coach Frank Anderson chose to hold Doyle and instead started Marcus Phillips, who helped the Vols secure a 10–7 Game 1 win over the Razorbacks. Trouble came in Game 2, when Doyle gave up eight runs, leading to a loss. The Volunteers then dropped Game 3 as well, with Arkansas reliever Will McEntire closing out the win in impressive fashion. If Tennessee hopes to eliminate the Razorbacks on the road in Fayetteville this weekend, they must rise to the occasion and prove they’re the better team.

2025 Fayetteville Super Regional Predictions: 
(Winner is bolded)

June 7
Game 1: 14.Tennessee @ 3.Arkansas (4 PM CT, ESPN)

June 8
Game 2: 14.Tennessee @ 3.Arkansas (2 PM CT, ESPN)

June 9 (If necessary)
Game 3: 14.Tennessee @ 3.Arkansas (TBA, TBA)

Winner: 3.Arkansas in 3

Categories
College Baseball

2025 cbhsports NCAA College Baseball Super Regionals Predictions

Image Courtesy: GoHeels.com

(All game times eastern)

Super Regionals (June 6-8)

Louisville Super Regional (Louisville, KY)
Louisville 38-21 (15-15) ACC
Miami 34-25 (15-14) ACC

Carter’s Pick: Louisville in 3
An all-ACC super regional is coming to Louisville this weekend after national seeds (1) Vanderbilt and (16) Southern Miss were eliminated. The Cardinals handed top overall seed Vanderbilt its first loss of the tournament in the 1–0 game before defeating Wright State in the regional final to advance. Miami, on the other hand, went 3–1 during regional weekend, advancing to the regional final after beating Alabama and Columbia before losing to Southern Miss on Sunday night. They avenged that loss the next day to move on to this weekend. The two former Big East members—now ACC foes—did not meet during the regular season, but the Cardinals and Hurricanes had opposite results against the other two ACC teams still in the NCAA Tournament. Louisville won two out of three games against both (5) North Carolina and (9) Florida State, while Miami lost two out of three to those squads. That suggests Louisville had the better season overall, which alignswith the records: the Cardinals won 38 games compared to the Hurricanes’ 34. But to me, this matchup comes down to home field advantage. If Louisville could go to Nashville and defeat the top-seeded Commodores, they should be able to protect their home diamond—though it may take until Sunday to get it done.

Game 1: June 6, 3 PM ET, ESPN2
Game 2: June 7, 11 AM ET, ESPN
Game 3 (If necessary): June 8

Corvallis Super Regional (Corvallis, OR)
8.Oregon State 45-13-1 Independents
9.Florida State 41-14 (17-10) ACC

Carter’s Pick: 9.Florida State in 3
Oregon State showed that their move to independence after the fall of the Pac-12 has worked out just okay, as they had to battle through the loser’s bracket in their own regional to reach the super regionals. The Beavers defeated former Pac-12 rival USC twice in the regional finals to earn a matchup with the Florida State Seminoles—who would have hosted had the Trojans advanced instead. Florida State swept through the Tallahassee Regional, eliminating Mississippi State on Sunday. Both programs are NCAA Tournament mainstays: Oregon State last won a national championship in 2018, while Florida State remains one of the top programs never to win it all. Oregon State is typically strong at home in the postseason, buoyed by great fan support—as they demonstrated while fighting through the loser’s bracket last weekend. Florida State, however, will have to deal with playing far from home, without the benefit of a local crowd, in the Pacific Northwest. But something tells me this undefeated FSU team in the postseason is destined for Omaha. I think the Seminoles take two out of three from the Beavers to advance.

Game 1: June 6, 6 PM ET, ESPN2
Game 2: June 7, 9 PM ET, ESPN2
Game 3 (If necessary): June 8

Auburn Super Regional (Auburn, AL)
4.Auburn 41-18 (17-13) SEC
13.Coastal Carolina 51-11 (26-4) Sun Belt

Carter’s Pick: 4.Auburn in 3
Two of the best regional performances came from the host teams in Auburn, Alabama, and Conway, South Carolina. The Tigers defeated Central Connecticut State and Stetson on their way to the regional final, where they then blasted NC State. Meanwhile, the Chanticleers dominated Fairfield and beat East Carolina twice to advance and face Auburn this weekend. Auburn is looking to return to Omaha for the first time since 2022, while Coastal Carolina is aiming for its first College World Series appearance since winning it all in 2016. The Tigers must prove they’re the better team, because the Chanticleers are no joke. While Coastal may not have the depth of a typical SEC program, their dominant 26 wins in Sun Belt play show they’re a serious threat. Auburn can’t afford to look past them if they want to make it back to Omaha for the first time in three years. Give me Auburn to win—but it will be a close, competitive three-game series against the Chanticleers.

Game 1: June 6, 9 PM ET, ESPN2
Game 2: June 7, 3 PM ET, ESPN2
Game 3 (If necessary): June 8

Chapel Hill Super Regional (Chapel Hill, NC)
5.North Carolina 45-13 (18-11) ACC
Arizona 42-18 (18-12) Big 12

Carter’s Pick: 5.North Carolina in 3
The Tar Heels’ pitching staff has been outstanding this postseason on their way to the super regionals. After defeating Oklahoma in the 1–0 game on Saturday, they failed to close things out on Sunday, as the Sooners forced a deciding Game 7. On Monday, it was a total team effort for the Tar Heels, who scored 14 runs and gave up only four to eliminate Oklahoma. However, they now face a red-hot Arizona team that swept through the Eugene Regional with wins over Cal Poly, Utah Valley State, and Cal Poly again. While the Wildcats may have benefited from not having to face (12) Oregon on its home field, they could only play the teams that advanced. This matchup will be no easy task for North Carolina as they try to return to Omaha for the first time since 2018. Arizona, meanwhile, is aiming for its first College World Series appearance since 2021—a season that ended with head coach Jay Johnson departing for LSU just days later. Current head coach Chip Hale now looks to lead the Wildcats back, this time through the Chapel Hill Super Regional. Still, I believe Scott Forbes will guide the Tar Heels back to Omaha for the first time in six years, but it will take a tough, hard-fought three-game series to get there.

Game 1: June 6, 12 PM ET, ESPN2
Game 2: June 7, 12 PM ET, ESPN2
Game 3 (If necessary): June 8

Super Regional (June 7-9)

Fayetteville Super Regional (Fayetteville, AR)
3.Arkansas 46-13 (20-10) SEC
14.Tennessee 46-17 (16-14) SEC

Carter’s Pick: 3.Arkansas in 3
With matching 46-win seasons, the (3) Arkansas Razorbacks will host the (14) Tennessee Volunteers in what should be a highly contentious super regional. Since Tony Vitello left Fayetteville—where he served as Arkansas’s hitting coach—to take over the Tennessee program, the Volunteers have become one of the most consistent postseason teams in college baseball. Now, Vitello’s squad returns to Fayetteville after winning the Knoxville Regional by defeating Miami (OH), Cincinnati, and Wake Forest on Monday, following the Demon Deacons’ push to force two games in the regional final. The Volunteers lost their regular season series to Arkansas two games to one just over two weeks ago. Since taking that series, the Razorbacks dropped their only game in the SEC Tournament but bounced back by sweeping the Fayetteville Regional, defeating North Dakota State and Creighton in both the 1–0 game and the regional final. Dave Van Horn deserves to win it all, given the consistent success he’s had throughout the years, and I believe his team will take another step by beating Tennessee again. Their consistent power hitting and improved pitching make me believe this Razorback team can return to Omaha for the first time in three years.

Game 1: June 7, 5 PM ET, ESPN
Game 2: June 8, 3 PM ET, ESPN
Game 3 (If necessary): June 9

Baton Rouge Super Regional (Baton Rouge, LA)
6.LSU 46-15 (19-11) SEC
West Virginia 44-14 (19-9) Big 12

Carter’s Pick: 6.LSU in 3
LSU shut out Little Rock in their regional opener before advancing to the regional final by defeating Dallas Baptist. However, the Little Rock Trojans battled through the loser’s bracket and beat the Tigers in Sunday’s regional final, forcing a winner-take-all game on Monday. After the Trojans jumped out to a 5–1 lead, LSU mounted a comeback and ultimately advanced, earning the right to host a red-hot West Virginia team. The Mountaineers swept through the Clemson Regional with wins over Kentucky, (11) Clemson, and Kentucky again to earn a trip to one of college baseball’s premier environments—Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge. There, they’ll face an LSU pitching staff that is among the best in the country, especially away from their home field. Still, the Tigers need to bounce back after a pair of tough games against Little Rock. I believe they will—advancing to Omaha in a hard-fought three-game series.

Game 1: June 7, 2 PM ET, ESPN
Game 2: June 8, 6 PM ET, ESPN2
Game 3 (If necessary): June 9

Durham Super Regional (Durham, NC)
Duke 40-19 (17-13) ACC
Murray State 42-14 (17-8) Missouri Valley

Carter’s Pick: Duke in 3
Both Duke and Murray State went to tough SEC sites and swept their regionals. The Blue Devils—one of four ACC teams to advance past the regional round—traveled to Athens, where they defeated Oklahoma State twice and took down host (7) Georgia to earn the right to host a super regional, their second appearance in four years. Meanwhile, the Racers became the only No. 4 seed to reach the super regionals, earning wins over (10) Ole Miss and Georgia Tech—two programs that had strong seasons. The Missouri Valley champions are aiming to become the first No. 4 seed to reach the College World Series since Oral Roberts did so in 2023. And I believe they can compete with Duke, even on the road. This series will go the distance, and because the games are in Durham, I believe Duke will ultimately advance to Omaha.

Game 1: June 7, 1 PM ET, ESPNU
Game 2: June 8, 12 PM ET, TBA
Game 3 (If necessary): June 9

Los Angeles Super Regional (Los Angeles, CA)
15.UCLA 45-16 (22-8) Big Ten
UTSA 47-13 (23-4) American

Carter’s Pick: UTSA in 3
If there’s going to be an upset in the super regional round, it could be the UTSA Roadrunners going to Los Angeles and beating UCLA in two out of three games this weekend. It won’t be easy playing on the Pacific coast, but the Roadrunners just beat (2) Texas in back-to-back games—the 1–0 game and the regional final—in the hostile environment of Austin. UCLA did sweep through their regional, defeating all three teams that joined them in Los Angeles last weekend: Fresno State, Arizona State, and UC Irvine. So this is certainly not a team UTSA will overlook. And being as well-coached as they are, the Roadrunners won’t. The Bruins may take Saturday’s opener, but I believe the Roadrunners will rally to win the final two games and advance to the College World Series for the first time in program history.

Game 1: June 7, 7 PM ET, ESPNU
Game 2: June 8, 3 PM ET, TBA
Game 3 (If necessary): June 9

Categories
NBA

2025 cbhsports NBA Finals Preview

Image Courtesy: The Oklahoman

2025 NBA Finals
1.Oklahoma City Thunder (68-14)
4.Indiana Pacers (50-32)

Schedule
*If necessary*
Game 1: June 5, 8:30 PM ET, ABC (Oklahoma City; Paycom Center)
Game 2: June 8, 8 PM ET, ABC (Oklahoma City; Paycom Center)
Game 3: June 11, 8:30 PM ET, ABC (Indianapolis; Gainbridge Fieldhouse)
Game 4: June 13, 8:30 PM ET, ABC (Indianapolis; Gainbridge Fieldhouse)
*Game 5: June 16, 8:30 PM ET, ABC (Oklahoma City; Paycom Center)*
*Game 6: June 19, 8:30 PM ET, ABC (Indianapolis; Gainbridge Fieldhouse)*
*Game 7: June 22, 8 PM ET, ABC (Oklahoma City; Paycom Center)*

The NBA season concludes in the next few weeks with the NBA Finals between the Western Conference champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Eastern Conference champions, the Indiana Pacers. The Thunder went 68–14 in the regular season, setting an all-time franchise record after dominating throughout. They swept the eighth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies to open the Western Conference Quarterfinals before facing the fourth-seeded Denver Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokić, the runner-up for this season’s NBA MVP Award. The winner of the award was Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The former Kentucky Wildcat led his team through a tough seven-game series against their division rivals. Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged nearly 30 points and 4 assists throughout the playoffs.

The Thunder then advanced to the Western Conference Finals, where they faced the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were making their second consecutive appearance after losing to the Dallas Mavericks in the same round last May. Western Conference Finals MVP Gilgeous-Alexander, along with Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Luguentz Dort, helped the Thunder prevent the Timberwolves from reaching the NBA Finals again, closing the series in a gentleman’s sweep (five games).

On the other side of the bracket, the Indiana Pacers eliminated their Central Division rival, the Milwaukee Bucks, for the second consecutive season in the first round before dispatching the East’s top seed, the Cleveland Cavaliers—another division rival of the Pacers, who had competed with the Thunder for the league’s best record for much of the regular season. The Pacers advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year after beating the Cavaliers in just five games.

Indiana forward Pascal Siakam, who won an NBA Championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, helped lead his team to the Finals and earned Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors with terrific performances throughout the series against the New York Knicks, an old rival the Pacers have faced many times in this round in the past. Siakam scored 39 points in Game 2, 30 in Game 4, and 31 in Game 6 to close out the Knicks in six games.

It wasn’t all on Siakam, though. Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton starred in their comeback win in Game 1 and followed up with 32 and 21 points in two more victories in games 4 and 6 respectively. Outside of Siakam and Haliburton, the hot shooting of Aaron Nesmith will be essential for Indiana during potential cold spells. Additionally, big men like Myles Turner and Thomas Bryant will need to contend with the talents of the Thunder’s Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein on both ends of the court.

Bench guards such as Indiana’s T.J. McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin will be expected to provide key minutes for Haliburton and Nesmith. Likewise, Oklahoma City will look to Alex Caruso and Isaiah Joe to spell Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams. Jalen Williams is the Thunder’s second scoring option on the perimeter, and Lu Dort remains one of the best wing defenders in basketball. It will be up to versatile pieces like Jarace Walker and Obi Toppin for the Pacers to deal with Williams, Dort, and the three point shooting of Joe.

With that being said, I feel confident in picking the Thunder to win the NBA Finals in six games over the Pacers. If they can hold Siakam from getting in the paint and attempting the shots he wants to take, it will be easy to stymie the Pacers offense if Haliburton and Nesmith’s shooting has gone cold.