College Baseball Week 3: Rankings and Key Performances

As of March 2, 2026, the top 25 college baseball teams remain largely unchanged, with UCLA Bruins holding the number one spot, followed closely by LSU Tigers and Texas Longhorns. Notable changes include Southern Miss Golden Eagles rising to number 10 after a strong performance, while Coastal Carolina Chanticleers dropped to 16 following two losses at the Bruce Bolt College Classic. The rankings also saw UTSA Roadrunners enter at number 25, replacing Ole Miss.

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Key matchups this week include the highly anticipated game between No. 4 Mississippi State and No. 10 Southern Miss, scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m. on ESPN+. Southern Miss has already secured a significant victory against Alabama, while Mississippi State looks to rebound after a narrow loss to UCLA.

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Will Gasparino, an outfielder for UCLA, has emerged as a standout player this season, leading the nation with 10 home runs and contributing significantly to the Bruins' success. In a recent series, he went 5 for 11 with four home runs against ranked SEC teams. His performance has sparked discussions about his potential to rival teammate Roch Cholowsky, a frontrunner for the Golden Spikes Award and expected No. 1 pick in the upcoming MLB Draft.

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Caylon Dygert of UT Arlington also made headlines by throwing 130 pitches in a game, showcasing remarkable endurance and skill. His performance included 8 2/3 innings of shutout baseball, contributing to UT Arlington's victory.

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Southern Miss has shown impressive form, sweeping Louisiana Tech and improving to a 10-1 record after an initial loss to UCSB. The Golden Eagles have notable wins against Oregon State and Baylor, establishing themselves as a formidable team this season.

New York Times

Conversely, Coastal Carolina has faced challenges, losing key players to injuries, including expected first-round draft pick Cameron Flukey. Their recent performance has raised concerns about their ability to compete effectively in upcoming games.

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UCLA's head coach praised Gasparino's contributions, stating, "His ability to perform under pressure has been crucial for our team." Meanwhile, Mississippi State's coach emphasized the importance of their upcoming game against Southern Miss, noting, "We need to prove ourselves after last week's loss."

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Despite the excitement surrounding the season, some analysts have raised concerns about the heavy workloads placed on pitchers, particularly in light of Dygert's 130-pitch outing. Critics argue that such practices could lead to injuries and long-term health issues for players.

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There are discrepancies regarding the performance of certain teams, particularly Coastal Carolina, which some sources report as struggling due to injuries, while others highlight their recent victory against Ole Miss as a sign of resilience. Additionally, the exact impact of injuries on player performance remains unclear.

Sports Illustrated

Looking ahead, the college baseball landscape will continue to evolve with key matchups and player performances shaping the rankings. The upcoming games, particularly the clash between Mississippi State and Southern Miss, will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of the season for these teams.

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