Last year showcased the incredible excitement and talent that college baseball possesses. The 2023 season was filled with exceptional players and an exceptional LSU team that surpassed all expectations. A memorable game in Omaha between LSU and Wake Forest captivated fans, with Tigers first baseman Tre’ Morgan making an unforgettable play and Tommy White hitting a walk-off home run. The showdown between LSU ace Paul Skenes and Wake’s Rhett Lowder lived up to the hype. Additionally, television ratings saw an increase, further highlighting the sport’s popularity.
This year, college baseball boasts multiple powerhouse teams, with Wake Forest leading the pack. Standout players like Tommy White and Florida’s Jac Caglianone from the Southeastern Conference add to the excitement. LSU also has a chance to achieve a rare repeat championship. The future of college baseball appears promising, yet I can’t help but feel concerned.
Uncertainty looms over the sport as we have no idea what the landscape will look like in the next five to ten years. Change can be unsettling, and college baseball is currently undergoing significant transformations. What’s even more worrisome is the lack of control and direction in determining what lies ahead.
For the past decade, college football has been the driving force behind collegiate athletics. However, now even college football doesn’t have the power to dictate the future. We find ourselves in an era of chaos, where changes have both positive and negative effects. Despite these challenges, college baseball has shown resilience in adapting to various transformations.
The introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) rules, along with relaxed transfer regulations, is revolutionizing the game. However, these changes seem to be creating a divide, with some schools focusing on preparing players for transfers while others benefit from higher-profile programs. I worry that administrators at smaller schools may question the purpose of investing in their programs if reaching Omaha becomes increasingly difficult.
The allure of funding a program at a relatively low cost with the potential for a once-in-a-lifetime achievement remains enticing. Schools aspire to become the next Coastal Carolina or Oral Roberts. However, this dream must remain attainable. Despite the concerns, it’s challenging to be overly critical of a system that now allows players to supplement their scholarships with NIL earnings, covering their education expenses. It also provides a select few players the opportunity to earn money as college baseball stars.
The dominance of the Southeastern Conference raises some concerns for the long-term health of college baseball on a national scale. The SEC’s consistent success, winning five of the past six and nine of the last 14 national championships, may not be ideal. However, it’s difficult to fault schools that have transformed college baseball into a fan-favorite sport. In 2023, eight teams averaged over 5,500 fans per game, with seven of them hailing from the SEC. Texas, set to join the conference in 2025, adds to the excitement.
The recent reorganization of conferences, including the anticipated end of the Pac-12, has created more problems than benefits. College baseball, like volleyball and basketball, is not well-suited for cross-country travel. It makes little sense for East Coast and Midwest teams to travel to the West Coast, and vice versa, for conference games.
What lies ahead is where the real concerns arise. The NCAA has acknowledged that without an antitrust exemption, its ability to govern intercollegiate athletics is limited. This leaves college sports, including baseball, in a precarious position. Relying on congressional action places the future of college sports in the hands of legislators who may lack the necessary knowledge and expertise to navigate the complex web of competing interests.
The chaos extends further as the Big Ten and SEC continue to distance themselves from other “power” conferences due to revenue disparities. Beyond these conferences, the remaining conferences outside the Power Four, including the Atlantic Coast and Big 12 after the Pac-12’s dissolution, operate on a different financial scale. Will this lead to the formation of super leagues that separate from the rest? Only time will tell.
While some support such a transformation, I personally fear the consequences. It would disrupt the essence of Omaha and jeopardize the future of college baseball for the numerous Division I programs that aren’t part of these super conferences. College baseball currently thrives, but its ability to maintain its position may be short-lived.
According to the Source baseballamerica.com