Story perspectives

Oklahoma Defeats North Carolina 13-2, Wins First Title Since 1994

6/23/2026

Summary

Oklahoma Claims Title

Oklahoma Sooners defeated North Carolina Tar Heels 13-2 on June 23 2026 to win the national title.
Kyle Branch went 3-for-4 with a home run and six RBIs.
Willits reached base five times, finished 13-for-25 (.520) and earned most-outstanding-player honors.
Mercurius threw 5 2/3 relief innings, allowed two runs and earned the win.
The victory gave Oklahoma its third championship, the first since 1994 while North Carolina recorded its third runner-up finish.

Summary

Tar Heels Chase

Game 3 will air on ESPN at 7 p.m. Eastern and stream on the ESPN app, FuboTV and Sling TV.
North Carolina is a -154 favorite with a -1.5 run spread and a 10-run total.
Attendance of 24,621 raised the 2026 MCWS total to 337,671, averaging 24,119 per game.
The Tar Heels’ 13th MCWS appearance gives them a chance to become the 32nd program to win a Division I baseball championship.

History

Historical Context

In spring 1994 the NCAA held its 48th Division I baseball tournament, culminating in the College World Series in Omaha’s Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium. Oklahoma, winning its second title, defeated Georgia Tech 13–5 in the final, a victory that later framed the program’s 2026 championship resurgence, and set a benchmark for future teams, including the 2026 title run.

1 of 3

Oklahoma Claims Title

Oklahoma Sooners defeated North Carolina Tar Heels 13-2 on June 23 2026 to win the national title.
Kyle Branch went 3-for-4 with a home run and six RBIs.
Willits reached base five times, finished 13-for-25 (.520) and earned most-outstanding-player honors.
Mercurius threw 5 2/3 relief innings, allowed two runs and earned the win.
The victory gave Oklahoma its third championship, the first since 1994 while North Carolina recorded its third runner-up finish.

1 / 3