Full Breakdown
USA TODAY Super 16 College Baseball Rankings Updated: Top Seven Hold, Kansas Breaks In
4/29/2026, 4:51:04 AM
Updated Super 16 Rankings
The USA TODAY Super 16 coaches poll on April 28 places UCLA (96 points, 39-4) at No. 1. North Carolina, Georgia Tech (both 86 points, 36-8) and Texas (77 points, 32-9) share No. 2-4. Texas A&M (68 points, 33-8), Oregon State (67 points, 33-9) and Georgia (62 points, 34-11) round out the unchanged top-seven. Kansas entered at No. 14 with 19 points and a 33-11 record after a 17-1 stretch. Coastal Carolina rose to No. 8 (50 points, 30-13) as ace Cameron Flukey returned. Mississippi State (33 points, 34-10) is No. 11, Ole Miss (29 points, 31-14) No. 12, and Oregon (26 points, 32-11) No. 13. Nebraska (12 points, 33-11) and USC (9 points, 34-11) sit just outside. Receiving votes include Alabama, Florida, Arkansas and Florida State.
Background & Context
Compiled weekly by a panel of coaches and media members, the Super 16 poll serves as a benchmark for the NCAA Division I postseason outlook. Rankings influence regional hosting decisions and shape narratives around at-large bids. The April 28 update reflects a season where early-year injuries and mid-season roster changes have begun to stabilize.
Key Teams & Recent Performances
Kansas’ 17-1 stretch propelled Kansas into the national conversation. Coastal Carolina’s resurgence, anchored by Flukey’s return, makes Coastal Carolina one of the scarier teams in the country. Mississippi State’s sweep of LSU — the first such sweep since 1985 — strengthens its résumé ahead of a series at Texas. In-state matchups in Mississippi feature Ole Miss versus Arkansas and a mid-week battle between the Rebels and Bulldogs, underscoring the state’s regional relevance. Texas A&M hosts Auburn, while West Virginia will have a chance to bolster its résumé for a pivotal Big 12 matchup against Kansas State.
Impact on Postseason Outlook
UCLA’s No. 1 ranking underscores its leading position in the NCAA tournament field. Kansas’ entry suggests Kansas could contend for a regional host slot, especially given the recent win streak. Mississippi’s trio of schools—Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Southern Miss—are positioned to host regionals, reflecting the state’s heightened competitive stature. Coastal Carolina’s climb may improve its standing despite early-season injuries.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Brian O’Connor commented on Mississippi State’s sweep of LSU, noting the rarity of such a result since 1985 and its potential impact on the Bulldogs’ postseason résumé. The poll’s voting panel included Andrew Abadie (The Gainesville Sun), Cory Diaz (Daily Advertiser), Jackson Fuller (Southwest Times Record), Aria Gerson (The Tennessean), Liam Rooney (Tallahassee Democrat) and Don Williams (Lubbock Avalanche-Journal).
What’s Next
Upcoming series include Mississippi State at Texas, Ole Miss versus Arkansas, Texas A&M hosting Auburn and West Virginia’s showdown with Kansas State. These contests will shape NCAA tournament seedings and regional host selections.