Arizona finished out its tenure in the Pac-12 by winning the league’s final regular-season and conference tournament titles, while also hosting a regional in the NCAA Tournament. But for most of the season the Wildcats were outside the national rankings.
This time around, as the UA moves into the Big 12, it will be starting things out in the Top 25.
Arizona comes in at No. 21 in the D1Baseball preseason poll, setting the stage for a 2025 season that has some lofty expectations. It is the first time it has opened a season in the rankings since 2022.
The Wildcats are one of three Big 12 schools in the Top 25, along with No. 17 Oklahoma State and No. 23 TCU. Both of those schools come to Hi Corbett this season, but that’s far from the only ranked opponents on the schedule.
Arizona’s nonconference slate will feature four games against ranked teams, including one on opening weekend when it faces No. 15 Clemson in Arlington, Texas at the Shriners Children’s College Showdown at Globe Life Field. The UA also plays Ole Miss and Louisville in that tournament Feb. 14-16.
Two weeks later the Wildcats head to Houston for the Astros Foundation College Classic where it will meet defending College World Series champion (and preseason No. 4) Tennessee, No. 18 Mississippi State and CWS runner-up/preseason No. 1 Texas A&M.
Arizona has a loaded roster for 2025, with juniors and seniors projected to start at seven of eight defensive positions. Juniors Brendan Summerhill and Mason White have both made a preseason All-American team, while left-handed pitcher Mason Russell is ranked 10th in Baseball America’s list of top incoming freshmen.
The UA is seeking its fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance under coach Chip Hale. Arizona hasn’t made four straight tourneys since the 1960s.