Georgia has once again claimed a prominent spot in NCAA baseball, serving as one of 16 regional hosts for the 2025 NCAA Baseball Tournament. This marks the second year in a row and the eighth time overall that Georgia has been selected for this honor. Under the leadership of head coach Wes Johnson, in just his second year, the Bulldogs have already secured a national seed. His remarkable record of 85 wins against 32 losses (35-25 in SEC play) makes him the most successful coach in Georgia baseball history during their first two seasons.
As the weekend approaches, all eyes will be on the matchups, particularly the contest between Duke and Oklahoma State. Oklahoma State, the third seed, is participating in its 12th consecutive NCAA Tournament and 50th overall, tying it with Miami for the most appearances in tournament history. Josh Holliday’s team has demonstrated resilience, winning 10 of their last 12 games, and they will look to capitalize on their pitching strength, which currently boasts the best ERA in the regional at 4.33.
Binghamton, the fourth seed, has also earned its spot in the tournament following an exhilarating extra-inning victory over the previous champions of the AEC. They have shown strong offensive capabilities, leading the regional with a .294 batting average, anchored by senior catcher Zach Rogacki, who is having a standout season.
Duke, meanwhile, is returning to the NCAA Tournament with a renewed sense of purpose. The Blue Devils’ last appearance in the Athens Regional was 2018, where they made history by securing their first Super Regional berth. This year, they enter the tournament with an impressive record of 37-19 and aim to achieve the milestone of 40 wins for the third time in their history. Notably, they have been prolific in scoring during the later innings, accounting for a significant portion of their runs.
The stage is set for an exciting weekend of baseball, with Duke opening the Athens Regional against Oklahoma State on Friday night. Both teams have rich histories and competitive matchups ahead, promising to deliver thrilling moments in the quest for national championship glory.