Hogs at No. 3 in Baseball America Preseason Top 25

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Hogs are ranked No. 3 in Baseball America’s preseason poll.

It is Arkansas’ highest ranking in the publication’s preseason top 25 since 2013, when the Razorbacks also began the campaign at No. 3 in the country.

It starts on the mound for the Razorbacks. Left-hander Hagen Smith, a first-team all-SEC starter last season, returns to lead the rotation. Backing him in the rotation will be right-hander Brady Tygart, who last season pitched well down the stretch as a starter, and left-hander Mason Molina, who last season was Texas Tech’s top starter before transferring to Arkansas. Right-hander Gage Wood returns to anchor the bullpen, which received additional reinforcements through the Razorbacks’ second-ranked recruiting class. With Smith leading the way, Arkansas could have the best pitching staff in the conference.

— Teddy Cahill (Read more)

The Hogs are ranked behind only No. 1 Wake Forest and reigning national champion No. 2 LSU by Baseball America. Last year’s national runner-up No. 4 Florida, No. 5 Oregon State, No. 6 TCU, No. 7 Vanderbilt, No. 8 Tennessee, No. 9 Clemson and No. 10 Virginia round out the top 10, with the SEC boasting a nation-leading eight programs in the preseason top 25.

Baseball America is the third of college baseball’s five major national polls, including D1Baseball, NCBWA, Perfect Game and USA Today Coaches, to release rankings ahead of the 2024 season. The Hogs checked in at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, in Perfect Game and D1Baseball‘s preseason polls earlier this month.

Arkansas, led by head coach Dave Van Horn, begins its 2024 campaign with a four-game series against James Madison at Baum-Walker Stadium. First pitch between the Razorbacks and Dukes on Opening Day is set for 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16.

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