The Riedell Report: Overreaction Time

As non-conference play dwindles and leagues like the SEC approach conference play with a softer week, powerful programs still fell in headline-snatching upset fashion. Meanwhile, the ACC and Big Ten kicked off conference play and have began to settle in their roadmap toward the postseason. As teams navigate rosters, work around injuries and address the perils of a college baseball calendar, wins and losses still define seasons. This week in college baseball, surprising losses set the tone for a handful of clubs across the country, prompting a check-in on a handful of programs in intriguing positions.

LSU (12-5)

When was the last time LSU lost four games in a week? Gosh that was some bad baseball from the reigning national champions this past week, leaving fans to speculate if a repeat of a topsy-turvy 2024 season is inbound. My problem with this LSU team is their current lack of identity and urgency. The Tigers won the 2025 national championship on the back of hunger and fight from 1-9 in the lineup. So far in 2026, adversity has gotten the best of a Tiger club with several new faces in career-defining roles. The pitching staff is another concern here as well; a handful of transfers have not lived up to their media-driven hype while Zac Cowan and Cooper Williams have both struggled out the gate. Luckily for the Bayou Bengals, Jay Johnson is still steering the ship at LSU with a lot of baseball yet to be played.

Vanderbilt (10-7)

After earning the top seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, the Commodores are 10-7 as Tim Corbin's team approaches SEC conference play. Vanderbilt has turned heads on both ends of the spectrum over the last few seasons, leaving college baseball fans and pundits in a holding pattern in their evaluation. Offensively, Vanderbilt has found a spark in Braden Holcomb, who has 9 HR and 29 RBI on the season. Additionally, Ryker Wait dons a .392 average through his first 17 games. The 'Dores have hit snags on the hill as Connor Fennell appears to stand alone in consistency. Nate Taylor holds an 0-3 record and England Bryan hasn't quite looked like himself in 2026. The Commodores will look to straighten out their pitching staff if they intend on competing near the top of the SEC again this season.

Tennessee (12-4)

The Volunteer offense entered 2026 with plenty of hype, regardless of who the Tennessee Head Coach would be. Under Josh Elander, Tennessee is averaging 3.6 runs per game over their last nine weekend contests, per Baseball America's Jacob Rudner. At the plate, Henry Ford and Blaine Brown have inspired confidence in an otherwise underwhelming Vol lineup. Luckily for Elander and co, the Vol pitching staff has delivered on expectations, the three-headed monster of Kuhns, Mack and Blanco have been able to keep opponents at bay when the sputtering Vol offense needed it most. Still, the Vols will look to wake up a talented group of bats as the schedule cranks up in SEC play.

Miami (12-4)

Miami’s offense looked nearly unstoppable during the first two weeks of the season. Then they ran into Liam Peterson and the Florida pitching staff.

The Hurricanes struggled in that two-game sweep against the Gators, scoring just six total runs, but my concerns with Miami extend beyond that series. Right now, I think this team is struggling in several areas from top to bottom.

Let’s start with the pitching. I have some real concerns about how the bullpen is being managed. On Friday, I did not agree with Ciscar not getting the opportunity to start the ninth inning, especially considering the situation. Bilka entered instead and struggled for the second consecutive weekend. Lazaro Collera walked two batters and hit another while taking the loss on Friday. His potential is incredibly high, but he has to solve his command issues. Jack Durso and TJ Coats also struggled out of the bullpen on Sunday as Miami dropped its second straight series.

The good news for Hurricanes fans is that Nick Robert and Frank Menendez are both nearing returns and are expected back by the end of March, according to a source.

East Carolina (8-7-1)

East Carolina entered the 2026 season with expectations of reclaiming its spot as one of the premier mid-major programs in the country. Many believed the Pirates could return to the Top 25 conversation and possibly even compete for a regional hosting spot.

Through four weeks, however, they sit just over .500—and that’s only because one of their games ended in a tie. They’ve struggled in several areas that traditionally define East Carolina baseball. I’m particularly worried about Ethan Norby. In 20.2 innings pitched, he holds a 4.66 ERA and has been hit around the ballpark in several outings. It feels like opposing hitters are seeing him better this season, as was evident in his start against Coastal Carolina.

There have been some bright spots on the pitching staff, though. Arms like Sean Jenkins and Gavin Van Kempen have stepped up. Offensively, I think the Pirates’ bats are simply starting slow again and may heat up once conference play begins but it’s still a notable concern at this stage of the season.