After reaching the College World Series last June and then bolstering its roster with a few standout additions, UCLA leads The Athletic’s preseason top 25. The Bruins are led by shortstop Roch Cholowsky, the best player in the sport, and have an impressive array of talent surrounding him.

There is plenty of stiff competition for the top spot, however. Reigning national champion LSU is right on its heels, along with Texas and Arkansas. Georgia Tech leads the pack from the ACC, and Coastal Carolina, the College World Series runner-up last season, looks to be dangerous again.

The Road to Omaha will have many twists and turns over the next six months, but there’s sure to be no shortage of drama and big moments along the way, as college baseball gears up for another exciting spring.

1. UCLA

Why they’re here: The Bruins returned to the College World Series last year for the first time since winning the 2013 national championship. They return the vast majority of that team, including players who accounted for more than 85 percent of their plate appearances and 75 percent of their innings pitched. All-American shortstop Roch Cholowsky is the best player in the country and the favorite to be the No. 1 draft pick this summer. But UCLA didn’t rest on its laurels — it added star outfielder Will Gasparino (Texas) and right-hander Logan Reddemann (San Diego) in the transfer portal, and freshman right-hander Angel Cervantes opted to come to school instead of signing after the Pirates drafted him with the 50th overall pick.

Why there’s room for improvement: As deep as this roster runs, there are some questions with the rotation. Reddemann was one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal, but fronting a rotation with national championship aspirations will put him under a bright spotlight. Similarly, Cervantes is a premium talent, but there is typically a learning curve for even the best freshmen.

Opposing coach: “I think they’re the safe choice at No. 1. They’re going to win a bunch of games this year, and Cholowsky is a dude.”

2. LSU

Why they’re here: LSU has won two of the last three national championships, including last season’s title. Coach Jay Johnson is running the sport’s premier program and again has a roster capable of winning it all. Shortstop Steven Milam and outfielders Jake Brown, Derek Curiel and Chris Stanfield return to lead the lineup. The pitching staff is arguably the deepest in the country, with the electric sophomore duo of Casan Evans and William Schmidt offering premium upside, and a strong group of veterans, including Zac Cowan and Cooper Moore, giving the Tigers plenty of options.

Why there’s room for improvement: As with any national champion these days, LSU lost a lot of talent to pro ball, chiefly its 1-2 punch on the mound of Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson. Replacing them and first baseman Jared Jones, whose 64 career home runs rank third in program history, is no small feat. LSU has the talent to do it, but how fast will it click for the Tigers? In 2024, when LSU was coming off the 2023 national title and had to replace Dylan Crews and Paul Skenes, it took until the second half of the season before the Tigers found their stride.

Opposing coach: “You know they’ve got talent and they know how to win. I like what Evans can do for them, and they’ve got a lot of dudes on the mound. And they’re going to hit. It’s hard not to believe they’re going to be great again.”

3. Texas

Why they’re here: The Longhorns are coming off a conference title in their first season in the SEC and their first under coach Jim Schlossnagle. Much of that team is back, and Texas looks especially deep on the mound. There’s no shortage of talented arms, starting with sophomore left-hander Dylan Volantis, who is slated to move to the front of the rotation after a stellar season as the team’s closer.

Why there’s room for improvement: The Longhorns leaned heavily on the transfer portal to rebuild their lineup, and they landed some stars, like catcher Carson Tinney (Notre Dame) and outfielder Aiden Robbins (Seton Hall). But Texas is going to need its newcomers to produce and provide some power.

Opposing coach: “Everyone likes Texas, and I see it. Volantis was really good last year, and I like what they added in the portal. They’ll be good again.”

2025 SEC Freshman of the Year Dylan Volantis is back for @TexasBaseball

Made a team high 23 appearances posting a 1.94 ERA in 51 innings of work. Led the Longhorns with 74 strikeouts and set the SEC record for most saves by a freshman in conference play pic.twitter.com/4VkCqtNC17

— Stephen Schoch (@bigdonkey47) January 13, 2026

4. Arkansas

Why they’re here: The Razorbacks have one of the most talented rosters in the country. Catcher Ryder Helfrick projects as a first-round pick this summer, and sluggers Kuhio Aloy and Cam Kozeal give the lineup some real thump. Pitchers like Gabe Gaeckle, Hunter Dietz, Colin Fisher and Ethan McElvain offer significant upside for what is perennially one of the best staffs in the country.

Why there’s room for improvement: The pure talent of the Razorbacks is undeniable, but there are some real unknowns on the roster. Only three starters return, and the pitching staff features many new faces in new roles. The players that are being plugged in are outstanding, as Arkansas has one of the best groups of newcomers in the country, but this is a team that’s a little light on SEC experience. Arkansas has been here before and hasn’t won fewer than 18 SEC games since 2017, but coach Dave Van Horn will need to find the right mix for this roster.

Opposing coach: “I love Gaeckle and Helfrick. Replacing (Golden Spikes winner Wehiwa) Aloy won’t be easy for them. But they were maybe the most talented team we saw last year, and they’ve got dudes again this year.”

5. Auburn

Why they’re here: The Tigers return a strong core from a team that won 41 games and hosted a Super Regional. Sophomores Chase Fralick, Chris Rembert and Bub Terrell are back after strong first seasons on The Plains and anchor the lineup. Outfielder Bristol Carter is poised to take a jump at the top of the lineup, and Ryne Farber is ready to jump in at shortstop after transferring from Texas State. On the mound, closer Ryan Hetzler is back after saving eight games last season.

Why there’s room for improvement: Auburn lost All-American masher Ike Irish, who was drafted 19th overall, but the bigger concern for the Tigers is their starting pitching. They’re short on pitchers with SEC weekend experience and will rely on some new faces, like left-hander Jake Marciano (Virginia Tech) and right-hander Drew Whalen (Western Kentucky), as well as returning players stepping into bigger roles, like left-hander Griffin Graves.

Opposing coach: “You look at what they have coming back offensively and that’s a scary unit. I don’t know what the pitching will end up looking like, but they always pitch pretty well, it seems like.”

6. Mississippi State

Why they’re here: The Bulldogs were one of the biggest winners of the offseason, as they first hired coach Brian O’Connor away from Virginia and then went to work in the transfer portal, landing some of the Cavaliers’ best players and hanging onto their own stars. The result is a very talented roster, headlined by All-American third baseman Ace Reese, who last season hit 21 home runs and was named SEC Newcomer of the Year after transferring from Houston.

Why there’s room for improvement: There’s no denying the talent in Starkville, but there has also been a lot of upheaval. How quickly everyone settles in this spring remains to be seen. Mississippi State will also have a new look on the mound, with sophomores Ryan McPherson and Charlie Foster moving into the rotation for the first time and left-hander Tomas Valincius arriving from Virginia. Pitching coach Justin Parker is one of the best in the country, but he’ll have to find the right alignment for an unproven group.

Opposing coach: “The raw stuff there is good. Like, the pure talent, you can’t question it. The question is, how fast will it come together for them? This league is tough, but they’ve got guys that can do it.”

7. Coastal Carolina

Why they’re here: The Chanticleers finished as the national runners-up, losing in the College World Series finals to LSU. That team was built on pitching and defense, which should be the case in 2026. Right-hander Cameron Flukey is back to lead the rotation, and relievers Dominick Carbone, David Horn and Ryan Lynch return to anchor what might be the nation’s best bullpen.

Why there’s room for improvement: Coastal’s lineup is older and experienced, but it’s a little light on star power after the loss of All-American catcher Caden Bodine to pro ball. The Chants will likely win a lot of games thanks to their pitching and defense, but they’ll need to find a new hitter to step up in big moments if they are to return to Omaha.

Opposing coach: “I think they might be even better this year, as crazy as it is to say that. The arms they’re throwing out there are so good. And it’s not just the starters. The guys they’re bringing in out of the bullpen aren’t any easier.”

8. Georgia Tech

Why they’re here: The Yellow Jackets may have the best lineup in the country. Outfielder Drew Burress has been one of the best players in the country since he stepped on campus two years ago. Catcher Vahn Lackey and second baseman Jarren Advincula are among the best players at their respective positions, and first baseman Kent Schmidt hit .397 to win the 2025 ACC batting title.

Why there’s room for improvement: The perennial question for Georgia Tech is on the mound. The Yellow Jackets made a big jump last year, and that helped them win the ACC regular-season title, but they then gave up 24 runs in two losses to Murray State and Ole Miss in the NCAA Tournament. Right-hander Tate McKee is solid at the front of the rotation, but Georgia Tech has to find the right pieces behind him if it is going to take the next step. This is also the debut season for James Ramsey, who was promoted to head coach following Danny Hall’s retirement. Ramsey is regarded as a rising star in the industry, but this is still his first time leading a program.

Opposing coach: “They go 1 through 9 of dudes that are tough to get out. I say 1 through 9, but really it’s like 1 through 12. We’ll see on the mound. I like what they’re doing, but that’s what’s going to determine if they’re a national title contender.”

9. Florida

Why they’re here: Few teams can match Florida’s raw talent. Right-handers Liam Peterson and Aidan King give the Gators a 1-2 punch in the rotation that has as much upside as any duo in the country. Third baseman Brendan Lawson is coming off an exceptional freshman season, and second baseman Cade Kurland and center fielder Kyle Jones are back healthy after missing most of last season. Florida added catcher Karson Bowen (TCU) in the transfer portal, as well as first baseman Ethan Surowiec (Ole Miss), who broke out over the summer while winning MVP honors in the Northwoods League.

Why there’s room for improvement: Florida is plenty talented, but it endured a tumultuous fall. Coach Kevin O’Sullivan took a two-month leave of absence to deal with “personal and family issues.” He returned to work in mid-December. Associate head coach Chuck Jeroloman was named interim coach in O’Sullivan’s absence but left the program at the end of October after six seasons to take the same role at Tennessee. Florida then hired Tom Slater as associate head coach. That’s a lot of disruption for the fall, but how much of it will carry into the spring remains to be seen.

Opposing coach: “I don’t think the fall matters. (Peterson and King) are showing up regardless, and (No. 3 starter) Luke McNeillie is better than people think. They might have the best rotation in the league.”

10. North Carolina

Why they’re here: It all starts with the pitching staff. After last year ranking third in the nation in ERA (3.47), the bulk of that group returns. Right-hander Jason DeCaro is ready to lead the rotation alongside left-hander Folger Boaz, who opened the 2024 season as the team’s No. 1 starter before getting injured. UNC has experienced relievers Walker McDuffie and Matthew Matthijs at the back of the bullpen.

Why there’s room for improvement: The lineup has a new look after UNC lost six of its top seven hitters from last year. Infielder Gavin Gallaher is back after hitting 17 home runs, but the Tar Heels need transfers like shortstop Jake Schaffner (North Dakota State) and first baseman Erik Paulsen (Stony Brook) to step up against tougher competition.

Opposing coach: “They’re good. They’re deep on the mound, they do a good job of finding guys in the portal and they’re well coached. I think they’re who can challenge Georgia Tech at the top.”

11. TCU

Why they’re here: TCU brings back much of last year’s team that won 39 games and reached the NCAA Tournament. That includes ace Tommy LaPour, who earned all-conference honors last season, and outfielder Sawyer Strosnider, who was the team’s leading hitter and a Freshman All-American. TCU’s outfield trio of Strosnider, Chase Brunson and Noah Franco supplied the bulk of the team’s power and are back in the heart of the lineup.

Why there’s room for improvement: LaPour and Mason Brassfield last year led the team in innings and return to lead the rotation in 2026. But coach Kirk Saarloos still needs to find the right mix of arms behind them. The Frogs have options with the likes of transfers Walter Quinn (Grand Canyon) and Tanner Sagouspe (Cal Poly), as well as returners Kade Eudy and Ethan Thomas.

Opposing coach: “They’ve got pretty much the whole team back and some real star power with Strosnider and LaPour. LaPour really should be pitcher of the year in the league, and Strosnider’s got all the tools you’re looking for.”

SAWYER. STROSNIDER.

6 RBIs • 2 home runs pic.twitter.com/zztT4X3woi

— TCU Baseball (@TCU_Baseball) March 23, 2025

12. Florida State

Why they’re here: The Seminoles again have a deep, talented roster. First baseman Myles Bailey hit 19 home runs as a freshman and returns to anchor the lineup, while players like catcher Hunter Carns and outfielder Chase Williams are ready to take on bigger roles. Florida State also brought in a strong transfer class highlighted by left-hander Trey Beard, who last year earned all-conference honors while at FAU.

Why there’s room for improvement: Florida State must replace 11 players who were drafted from last year’s team. That’s a lot of talent gone, and it especially hits Florida State up the middle, as it will have new middle infielders and a new center fielder. The Seminoles also must move on without left-hander Jamie Arnold, who was an All-American in each of the last two seasons.

Opposing coach: “They can pitch, and (coach) Link Jarrett will get the lineup ready. But it never really clicked last year with Arnold like we all thought it would, and now they don’t have him.”

13. Ole Miss

Why they’re here: The Rebels last year got back on track after suffering through two difficult seasons following their 2022 national championship. They’ll look to build on that success in 2026 behind left-hander Hunter Elliott, who may be the best pitcher in the country, and a powerful lineup. Sluggers Austin Fawley, Will Furniss and Judd Utermark combined to hit 55 home runs, and all three return to anchor the offense.

Why there’s room for improvement: Elliott will lead the pitching staff, but the Rebels will need to find the right mix behind him. Right-hander Owen Kelly (Saint Louis) provides veteran experience, and fellow righty Cade Townsend has breakout potential as a sophomore. Ole Miss’ offense can mask some of the staff’s inexperience, but finding some pieces to complement Elliott is critical.

Opposing coach: “People aren’t talking about them enough. They have 50 homers returning between three players. If the rest of the guys just hit 50, you’ve got 100 homers. And they have Elliott leading the way on the mound. That’ll play in this league.”

14. Georgia

Why they’re here: The Bulldogs have found their stride under coach Wes Johnson, winning 43 games in each of his first two seasons in Athens. This is an older, experienced team that figures to start mostly juniors and seniors across the diamond. But there’s also star power, as the Bulldogs return the likes of infielders Kolby Branch and Tre Phelps.

Why there’s room for improvement: Georgia brought in 22 Division I transfers. Many of them have exciting upside, and Johnson has shown that he can find quality players in the portal. But there’s a lot of new here, and how everyone will adapt to life in the SEC remains to be seen. If newcomers like right-hander Joey Volchko (Stanford) and outfielder/left-hander Kenny Ishikawa (Seattle) hit, there’s a lot of upside on this roster.

Opposing coach: “It seems like there’s a lot riding on Volchko being good. And it’s tough when you bring in that many transfers. But they’ve got the talent.”

15. Oregon State

Why they’re here: The Beavers navigated their first year of independence with aplomb and reached the College World Series. They’ll aim for a repeat this year before the Pac-12 returns in 2027. To make that happen, they’ll turn to their premium rotation of Dax Whitney, Ethan Kleinschmit and Eric Segura. That trio has the potential to be the best in the country.

Why there’s room for improvement: The lineup is not nearly as experienced after losing Aiva Arquette and Gavin Turley. In all, Oregon State must replace six regulars from last year and will do so with a mix of transfers and younger players. For the Beavers to hit their significant ceiling, they’ll need newcomers like shortstop Tyler Inge (Michigan) and catcher Jacob Galloway (Texas A&M) to step up.

Opposing coach: “Solid. You know what you’re getting there. They’re going to pitch and they’ll figure it out offensively like they always do.”

16. Vanderbilt

Why they’re here: As has typically been the case under coach Tim Corbin, Vanderbilt can hang its hat on pitching and defense. Right-handers Connor Fennell and Austin Nye are set to lead the rotation after breakout 2025 seasons, and newcomers Nate Taylor (Georgia) and Tyler Baird (freshman) add two more premium talents on the mound. The bullpen is experienced, and the Commodores’ athleticism ensures their defense will remain a strength.

Why there’s room for improvement: Vanderbilt lacks star power and needs new players to step up and replace some veterans who moved on to pro ball. Third baseman Brodie Johnston leads the lineup after hitting 15 home runs as a freshman, but finding the right pieces to support him will be essential.

Opposing coach: “They’re tough for me to get a handle on. Is Fennell going to keep the magic going? (Braden) Holcomb and Johnston are tough, but what’s the rest of the lineup look like? They’ll play good defense and pitch, though.”

17. Louisville

Why they’re here: After a couple of down seasons, Louisville came roaring back in 2025 to reach the College World Series for the first time since 2019. The Cardinals are ready for more in 2026 with their dynamic lineup leading the way. Outfielders Lucas Moore and Zion Rose and shortstop Alex Alicea combined to steal 118 bases last season, and Rose and first baseman Tague Davis bring solid power. Louisville will need some newcomers like slugger Ben Slanker (Ohio) and talented freshman Kade Elam to fill in behind them, but it’s a great core to build around.

Why there’s room for improvement: Louisville has solid pieces on the mound, but it still needs to replace Patrick Forbes and Tucker Biven, its two key pitchers from last season. Left-handers Ethan Eberle and Wyatt Danilowicz will lead the rotation and bullpen, respectively, and the Cardinals have solid depth behind them. How well the pitching staff develops may determine how far Louisville goes this spring.

Opposing coach: “It’s easy to like the lineup, but I don’t know what to expect on the mound. They might be good. I just don’t know what it looks like for them at the start of the season.”

Tague Davis had a monster freshman year for @LouisvilleBSB, hitting 18 homers backed by a 108 90th percentile EV. He’s expected to see more time on the mound in 2026 as well.

He comes in at No. 28 in our 2027 college board.

👇FULL BOARD👇pic.twitter.com/1jJ7jHFQO1

— Over-Slot Baseball (@OverSlot_) January 9, 2026

18. Tennessee

Why they’re here: Under Tony Vitello, Tennessee developed into one of the sport’s premier programs, and the roster again reflects that. The Vols will lean heavily on their talented sophomore class with budding stars like right-hander Tegan Kuhns, center fielder Jay Abernathy and infielders Manny Marin and Levi Clark. They also again landed some of the most impactful transfers in the country, starting with infielder Henry Ford (Virginia) and left-hander Evan Blanco (Virginia).

Why there’s room for improvement: The big unknown here is in the dugout. Vitello and pitching coach Frank Anderson left Knoxville in October after Vitello was hired to manage the San Francisco Giants, taking Anderson with them. Josh Elander, Vitello’s top assistant coach, was promoted to replace him, but the 34-year-old’s head coaching experience has been limited to filling in a handful of games when Vitello was suspended. Elander has been preparing for this role for years, but being a first-time SEC head coach isn’t easy.

Opposing coach: “It’s going to be different without Tony and Frank there. Maybe a little less star power than they’ve had the last couple years. I like what they’ve got, it’s just maybe not as flashy as in years past.”

19. Virginia

Why they’re here: Longtime coach Brian O’Connor was hired away by Mississippi State, setting off a significant exodus of talent from Charlottesville. But Virginia brought in Chris Pollard from Duke, and he was able to keep enough talent and bring in enough new players to make this one of the more intriguing rosters in the country. Shortstop Eric Becker stayed in Charlottesville, and outfielder AJ Gracia followed Pollard from Durham. Those two players could be top-10 picks in July and anchor the lineup, along with transfer Joe Tiroly (Rider), who last season was the MAAC Player of the Year.

Why there’s room for improvement: Virginia is going to score runs in bunches. The question is on the mound. Henry Zatkowski and Max Stammel were both solid last year as freshmen at Duke, but now they’ll be asked to make a jump for the Hoos. If Virginia can figure out the right mix on the mound, it could make a splash in Pollard’s debut season.

Opposing coach: “You have to wonder how they’re going to pitch, but maybe it won’t matter. I like Becker, and Gracia has juice. There aren’t a lot of easy outs there.”

20. NC State

Why they’re here: It starts on the mound for the Wolfpack. Left-hander Ryan Marohn is set to move to the front of the rotation and looks to be primed for a breakout spring. Right-handers Jacob Dudan and Heath Andrews give NC State two more power arms in the rotation, and right-hander Anderson Nance is set to anchor the bullpen.

Why there’s room for improvement: The lineup is not nearly as experienced as the pitching staff, but there is talent in the group. First baseman Chris McHugh, the team’s leading hitter in 2025, returns, as do the high-upside duo of second baseman Luke Nixon and center fielder Ty Head. The Wolfpack need a couple of hitters to take a step forward, and the left side of their infield is especially inexperienced. But if their pitching staff is as good as expected, the lineup won’t need to carry a hefty load.

Opposing coach: “They’re going to pitch. Every scout is talking about Marohn right now. They’re replacing a lot on offense so I don’t know what that’s going to look like but they brought in some real guys.”

21. Arizona

Why they’re here: Arizona is coming off a College World Series appearance and a Big 12 Tournament title in its first season in the conference. The Wildcats bring back right-handers Owen Kramkowski and Smith Bailey, who combined for 36 starts a season ago, and relievers Tony Pluta, whose 14 saves tied for fourth in the nation, and Garrett Hicks, who led the team in appearances.

Why there’s room for improvement: The Wildcats went through much more turnover offensively, and their top four hitters from last year’s team must be replaced. Arizona dipped into the transfer portal for a few key additions, but more than anything, it needs some of its homegrown players to step into bigger roles in 2026.

Opposing coach: “They should be pretty good again. They did a good job in the portal, and they’ve got some good talent again, especially on the mound.”

22. Clemson

Why they’re here: Clemson has an experienced, well-rounded roster. Right-hander Aidan Knaak is one of the most accomplished pitchers in the country, as he has earned first-team All-ACC honors in each of his first two college seasons. The Tigers have a veteran lineup with senior catcher Jacob Jarrell and junior second baseman Jarren Purify leading the way.

Why there’s room for improvement: Clemson is searching for the right mix behind Knaak. The pieces are there, especially if right-hander Drew Titsworth steps up as the team’s No. 2 starter, but the bullpen needs to be rebuilt this year. Clemson could also use someone to step up in the lineup and will hope its transfer portal additions like outfielders Ty Dalley (Mercer) and Nate Savoie (LMU) are up to the task.

Opposing coach: “They’re going to be Clemson. Knaak is really tough, and they’ve got guys around him. It looks like another solid group.”

23. Kentucky

Why they’re here: Kentucky had a younger roster in 2025, and it showed at times, as the Wildcats had to fight their way to a third-straight NCAA Tournament appearance. But in the end, Kentucky made a Regional Final and now returns a veteran roster that was well supplemented through the transfer portal. Sophomore shortstop Tyler Bell is among the most talented all-around players in the country, and Kentucky’s rotation offers immense upside in left-hander Ben Cleaver and right-handers Nate Harris and Jaxon Jelkin, who is healthy after missing last season due to injury.

Why there’s room for improvement: While Kentucky’s rotation could be one of the best, its bullpen is more of a work in progress and is especially reliant on transfers like Ira Austin (New Orleans), Jackson Soucie (South Carolina) and Connor Mattison (Grand Canyon). Kentucky must also replace catcher Devin Burkes, who was a three-year starter and one of the most important figures in the Wildcats’ run over the last three years.

Opposing coach: “I really like the rotation, and they always do such a good job in the portal. They know what they’re looking for.”

24. Southern Miss

Why they’re here: As ever, Southern Miss has a premium pitching staff and a veteran lineup. It’s a formula that has served the Golden Eagles well over the years. Right-hander Colby Allen is moving to the front of the rotation after excelling as a closer last season, and left-hander Grayden Harris is ready to take over as the team’s No. 2 starter after a solid freshman season. Fifth-year senior first baseman Matthew Russo is back to anchor the lineup after hitting 18 home runs last season.

Why there’s room for improvement: This is a solid all-around team, but outside of Allen, it’s lacking in premium talents. The best Southern Miss teams typically have had a bit more pro talent, like last year, when it had three players drafted in the top four rounds. That likely won’t hold Southern Miss back in the regular season, but come June, it might put a ceiling on how far it can go in the NCAA Tournament.

Opposing coach: “They’re going to be good again. They do such a good job on the mound. I don’t think they’ll have as much speed in the lineup, but they can really hit still.”

25. Miami

Why they’re here: The Hurricanes should score runs in bunches this spring. Third baseman Daniel Cuvet has been one of the best power hitters in the country for the last two seasons, and with 42 home runs, he enters his junior year on pace to challenge the program’s career record (62, Phil Lane). With the return of shortstop Jake Ogden and the additions of Alex Sosa (NC State), Vance Sheahan (USC Upstate) and Brylan West (FIU), as well as a strong freshman class, the lineup looks formidable.

Why there’s room for improvement: As deep as the lineup runs, the pitching staff has many more question marks. Right-hander AJ Ciscar impressed as a freshman and will now have to take on even more responsibility to lead the staff. Rob Evans and Tate DeRias have upside in the rotation but are coming off injuries, and there’s a lot to like at the back of the bullpen with Ryan Bilka, but he’ll have to prove himself in the ACC after transferring from Richmond.

Opposing coach: “I don’t know as much about them because they have so many new guys, but they did it with new guys last year, and you saw what they did when they got hot last year.”