College baseball season is around the corner, and the 2025 campaign is shaping up to be another exciting year. With standout players returning across the country, let’s dive into ten names, in no particular order, you need to know before opening day.
Jace LaViolette – Texas A&M
Few players in college baseball carry as much hype into 2025 as Jace LaViolette. The 6-foot-6, 230-pound slugger is coming off a monster sophomore season, hitting .305 with 29 home runs and 78 RBIs while drawing a program-record 64 walks. A premier power hitter with strong plate discipline, LaViolette was a First Team All-American and played a key role in Texas A&M’s run to the MCWS finals. He’s also a standout defender, earning SEC All-Defensive honors. LaViolette is poised to be a first-round MLB Draft pick with a new head coach in Michael Earley, and potentially the No. 1 overall selection.
Nolan Schubart – Oklahoma State
Schubart, a 6-foot-5 left-handed slugger, enters the season as the Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year after an impressive 2024 campaign. Despite missing 12 games, he still hit .370 with 23 home runs, 68 RBIs, and a .838 slugging percentage. His four-homer game against Wichita State set a Big 12 record for total bases (18) in a single game. Schubart’s powerful bat and ability to reach base consistently make him one of the most dangerous hitters in the nation.
Daniel Cuvet – Miami
Cuvet put up eye-popping numbers in his freshman season, hitting .351 with 24 home runs and 75 RBIs. His offensive production earned him recognition as the top third baseman in the country entering 2025. As Miami looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 season, Cuvet will lead the lineup and be a key figure in the Hurricanes’ hopes of returning to postseason play.
Jacob Ference – Virginia
One of the most experienced hitters in the country, Ference hit .350 with 17 home runs and 12 stolen bases last season, showing a mix of power and speed for a catcher. A redshirt senior, Fernce will be a staple in Virginia’s lineup as the Cavaliers push for another deep postseason run.
Drew Burress – Georgia Tech
Burress had one of the most impressive freshman seasons in recent history, leading Georgia Tech in average (.381), home runs (25), and RBIs (67). He became the first Yellow Jacket since 2016 to win the team’s triple crown and was named D1 Baseball’s National Freshman of the Year. A big hitter with power, Burress enters 2025 as the ACC Preseason Player of the Year and will be the engine of Georgia Tech’s offense once again.
Cam Cannarella – Clemson
Cannarella has been consistent for Clemson, hitting .337 last season with 11 home runs and 60 RBIs while playing all but four games through injury. Described by head coach Erik Bakich as “our little superhero,” Cannarella has a knack for clutch performances. His defense in center field is equally impressive, making him one of the most well-rounded players in the ACC.
Jamie Arnold – Florida State
Arnold is coming off a dominant sophomore season where he posted a 2.98 ERA with 159 strikeouts in 105.2 innings. A first-team All-American, he was nearly untouchable in big moments, including a career-high 17-strikeout performance against Pitt. With a deep pitching repertoire and improved command, Arnold is not only Florida State’s ace but also a projected first-round MLB Draft pick.
Ryan Prager – Texas A&M
Prager was the Aggies’ ace in 2024, finishing with a 9-1 record, a 2.95 ERA, and 124 strikeouts across 97.2 innings. He became the first Texas A&M pitcher since 2021 to surpass 100 strikeouts in a season and held opponents to a .226 batting average. After being drafted by the Angels in the third round, Prager opted to return for another year in College Station.
Tyler Bremner – UC Santa Barbara
Bremner emerged as one of the best right-handers in the country last season, finishing with an 11-1 record and a 2.54 ERA. He struck out 104 batters while holding opponents to a .182 average, helping UC Santa Barbara capture the Big West title. With a dominant three-pitch mix, Bremner enters 2025 as a top MLB Draft prospect and will be the ace for the Gauchos as they aim for another NCAA Regional appearance.
Jared Jones – LSU
Jones brings massive power to LSU’s lineup after a 28-homer season in 2024. He hit .301 while leading the Tigers in slugging percentage (.747) and total bases (171). A First-Team Preseason All-American, Jones is regarded as the top first baseman in college baseball. With LSU ranked among the top teams in the country, Jones will be a crucial piece in its pursuit of another national title.
