Georgia faces a difficult SEC baseball schedule in 2025 as the conference expands to 16 teams. The Bulldogs will face some of the strongest programs in the league, including Florida, Vanderbilt, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, all of which were competitive last season.
With Oklahoma and Texas joining the SEC, standings will be kept in a single-division format. Conference play begins on March 14, with the SEC Tournament taking place May 20-25 in Hoover, Alabama.
Florida
The Gators (36-30, 13-17 SEC) made a deep postseason run last year, reaching the College World Series.
While they lost numerous key players, most notably two-way star Jac Caglianone, from last year’s team, the Gators return a core group of players, including starting second baseman Cade Kurland, catcher Luke Heyman, shortstop Colby Shelton, right fielder Ty Evans and starting pitcher Pierce Coppola.
Florida’s pitching staff will be led by sophomore right-hander Liam Peterson, an SEC All-Freshman Team selection last year. Despite a rocky first season (6.43 ERA, 1.71 WHIP, 44 walks in 63 innings), Peterson is expected to take a significant step forward in 2025.
The series will be played in Gainesville from March 21-23.
Vanderbilt
The Commodores (38-23, 13-17 SEC) earned a regional berth in 2024. It wasn’t the season the Commodores expected, but they believe they have the pieces to compete in a difficult SEC this season.
Outfielder RJ Austin is Vanderbilt’s top player and a potential first-round pick in July’s MLB draft. He took a notable set forward last season, hitting .335, and has worked on hitting for more power this season.
Left-handed pitcher J.D. Thompson will lead the Vanderbilt pitching staff. He developed into a full-time starter last season, posting a 4.15 ERA in 14 games. He is a potential early-round pick in the draft.
With a tradition of strong pitching, Vanderbilt will rely on its depth to remain competitive in the SEC. The series will take place in Nashville from April 17-19.
Texas
The Longhorns (36-24, 20-10 SEC) reached the NCAA Tournament last season. They made headlines in the offseason, bringing in Jim Schlossnagle as their new head coach after he led Texas A&M to a runner-up finish in the College World Series.
Catcher Rylan Galvan, first baseman Kimble Schuessler, shortstop Jalin Flores, and outfielders Will Gasparino and Max Belyeu are among the important players Texas has returning.
Last season, Belyeu was named Big 12 Player of the Year and had an average of .329 with 18 home runs. The Longhorns will rely on Belyeu to lead their offense this season. He is a potential first-round pick in this year’s draft.
Texas’ pitching staff will have a mix of returners and newcomers, with Indiana State transfer Spencer expected to play a key role. The series will be played in Athens from April 4-6.
Oklahoma
In 2024, the Sooners (40-21, 23-7 SEC) won the Big 12 regular-season championship and went to the NCAA regionals.
The Sooners’ top pitcher is junior right-hander Kyson Witherspoon, who last season had an 8-2 record, 3.79 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 76 innings.
Easton Carmichael will be another key contributor, who had a .366 average last season, seven home runs, and 64 RBIs. Center fielder Jason Walk, who hit three home runs and batted .272 last season, is also back.
The series will take place in Norman from April 24-26.
Arkansas
The Razorbacks (44-16, 20-10 SEC) had a strong season but was knocked out in the regionals.
Shortstop Wehiwa Aloy is Arkansas’ top offensive player. He showed notable ability last season, hitting .270 with 14 home runs, after starting his career at Sacramento State. The junior right-handed hitter is a potential first-round pick in July’s draft.
Pitchers Landon Beidelschies, Gabe Gaeckle, and Zach Root are names to watch after Perfect Game named them Preseason All-Americans. Christian Foutch also is a pitcher to know, as he is generating some draft buzz.
The series will be held in Fayetteville from April 11-13.
