What each team has at stake this week in Hoover for the SEC Tournament

By Jake Mckeever

The SEC Tournament has long served as college baseball’s version of “spring training” for Omaha — a high-stakes tune-up cloaked in the pageantry of Southern baseball tradition. Each May, Hoover, Alabama transforms into a vibrant hub for SEC faithful, where RV lots become neighborhood block parties and “foul ball kids” race down the berms chasing souvenirs. It’s a weekend where nostalgia and competition collide — where the atmosphere often rivals that of the College World Series itself.

Yet, as the SEC has solidified its position as the gold standard of college baseball, the significance of the tournament has subtly shifted. With national seeds often secured and postseason fates largely sealed, Hoover now offers something different: a chance for teams to find rhythm, test depth, and make final statements. The top four seeds, who don't play until Thursday or Friday, can even treat it like just another three-game series.

With that in mind, here’s a look at what each team has to play for as they arrive in Hoover — whether it’s momentum, redemption, or simply one more game together.

1. Texas Longhorns

The Texas Longhorns enter Hoover with little to prove. Boasting a 22-8 conference record and the tournament’s top seed, their postseason trajectory is already well established. With Max Belyeu playing throughout the weekend against archrival Oklahoma, there’s little the Longhorns need from this stretch—beyond, perhaps, a recalibration of focus.

After a month largely spent in cruise control, the primary objective is intangible: to reengage the championship mindset. From a pitching standpoint, particular attention will be on Rugar Riojas. The sophomore right-hander, who impressed early in SEC play, has struggled to replicate that dominance since assuming the Friday night starter role. A return to form from Riojas would be a timely development ahead of regional play.

While the outcomes in Hoover may have little bearing on Texas’s postseason fate, the tournament offers a valuable proving ground. For a team with Omaha aspirations, the goal is less about hardware and more about momentum—rediscovering sharpness, restoring rhythm, and reaffirming roles. If the Longhorns can exit Hoover with clarity on the mound and conviction at the plate, they’ll be exactly where they need to be: not just in position to contend, but poised to conquer.

2. Arkansas Razorbacks

If there’s a team with even less to prove in Hoover, it’s Arkansas. The Razorbacks, firmly slotted as the No. 2 seed, have long treated the SEC Tournament as a secondary concern. Head Coach Dave Van Horn has made no secret of his priorities: it’s not Hoover that matters—it’s June. Since capturing the title in 2021, Arkansas has posted a modest 2–5 record in the tournament, a reflection of its measured approach rather than any lapse in ability.

Their recent series win—a far more telling indicator of postseason readiness—provided greater value than anything Hoover might offer. Sophomore  right-hander Aiden Jimenez, a late-week rotation piece cloaked in the usual “TBA” label, was solid enough to likely earn the nod in Game 1 of a home regional. Behind him, the roles are set: Gage Wood will continue to be the number 2, while Zach Root offers a Bonafide Ace at the top of the rotation.

3. LSU Tigers

Like every team earning a double bye, LSU arrives in Hoover with its postseason trajectory all but sealed. At 19–11 in conference play and ranked No. 1 in D1Baseball’s most recent poll, the Tigers are a near-lock for a national top-eight seed—and quite possibly the No. 1 overall seed. A tournament title would remove all doubt.

Head Coach Jay Johnson has already signaled his priorities, keeping Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson on regular rest rather than adjusting their schedules for Hoover. That strategy is likely to continue, reinforcing LSU’s focus not on the SEC tournament, but on the long road to Omaha.

4. Vanderbilt Commadores

Arguably the hottest team in the country, Vanderbilt has embraced the role of spoiler over the past few weeks, emerging as a postseason force at precisely the right time. After taking two of three from Tennessee—a series many viewed as a de facto battle for hosting rights—the Commodores followed with a sweep of Kentucky, denying the Wildcats the single win they needed to solidify their bid.

Now the No. 4 seed in the SEC Tournament, Vanderbilt is all but assured of hosting a Super Regional and could very well be bound for Omaha for the first time since 2021. Led on the mound by JD Thompson and Cody Bowker, and backed by the trademark resilience of a Tim Corbin lineup, this team has the necessary ingredients to make a serious push. Though only one hitter boasts a batting average above .300, the Commodores continue to win with timely offense and tactical versatility—hallmarks of Corbin’s postseason success.

5. Georgia Bulldogs

Ranked No. 1 in the RPI and boasting 18 SEC wins, Georgia enters Hoover in a position of rare clarity: firmly projected as a Super Regional host. Though they finished behind Vanderbilt in the SEC standings, the Bulldogs are widely expected to receive a higher national seed come Selection Monday. Like the other top seeds, their postseason fate is effectively sealed.

From a coaching perspective, the priority is rest and recovery. Power-hitting first baseman Ryland Zaborowski, who missed time earlier in May, has since returned to the lineup as a DH. Right-hander Robbie Burnett—who exited Thursday’s game with a minor strain—is expected back shortly. Head Coach Wes Johnson appears to have settled both his lineup and rotation, with Brian Curley entrenched as the ace. Another weekend on the mound could benefit sophomore Leighton Finley, but it seems unlikely his role changes at this stage.

6. Auburn Tigers

Another team all but assured of hosting, Auburn enters Hoover with 17 SEC wins and a résumé strong enough to secure a regional seed. While the likelihood of six SEC teams earning Super Regional hosting duties is slim, the Tigers have little left to prove. Their focus now shifts from résumé-building to refinement.

Individually, Ike Irish continues to make his case for SEC Player of the Year—and perhaps even the Golden Spikes Award. His consistency and leadership have anchored an Auburn team that has exceeded expectations throughout the spring. It has been a season worthy of recognition, and a regional at Plainsman Park would be a fitting reward.

7. Ole Miss Rebels

Here is where the SEC hosting picture begins to get crowded. Seven teams earning regional hosting duties feels ambitious, particularly with programs like Southern Miss still in the mix. As a result, Ole Miss appears destined for a No. 2 seed—likely in Hattiesburg—despite a strong finish to the season.

Even a series win over Auburn may not be enough to overcome the metrics gap. The Rebels trail the Tigers in RPI, SEC wins, and non-conference résumé. Much like Mississippi State last year, they find themselves on the outside looking in, not due to lack of quality, but rather a surplus of contenders ahead of them.

For Head Coach Mike Bianco, who has quietly faced scrutiny since winning the national title in 2022, a No. 2 seed should be more than enough to quiet the noise. This has been a quietly impressive campaign in Oxford. Luke Hill and Judd Utermark emerged as bona fide breakout stars, while freshman Hayden Federico delivered on expectations. Regardless of their seeding, this is a team with the offensive talent and postseason pedigree to be dangerous in June.

8. Tennessee Volunteers

What a difference a month and a half can make. On April 4th, Tennessee stood atop the college baseball world, ranked No. 1 after Liam Doyle’s no-hitter and a dominant run-rule victory over Texas A&M. Since that moment, however, the Vols have faltered, posting a 7-13 record. With their postseason fate now hanging in the balance, they are firmly out of the hosting conversation.

For Tennessee, the SEC Tournament offers a critical opportunity—not to salvage a regional seed, but to position themselves for a favorable regional draw. A strong showing in Hoover could go a long way toward securing a spot in a Super Regional. More importantly, the Vols need to rediscover their trademark swagger. Over the past few weeks, what was once a gritty, confident squad now appears far more fragile, succumbing to a sense of entitlement and frustration. A team that was once the epitome of resilience now seems to be bogged down by self-pity.

Heading into the postseason, Tony Vitello’s team finds itself in unfamiliar territory: not only fighting for survival, but seeking the same edge that once made them a dominant force.

9. Alabama Crimson Tide

Just a week ago, Alabama sat as the final projected host among SEC teams. But after dropping two of three to an injury-depleted Florida squad, the Tide are now almost certainly headed on the road—likely eastward to an ACC regional. Even so, it’s been a banner year for head coach Rob Vaughn, who has led this veteran-laden group with a steady hand and clear identity.

This week in Hoover offers less of a résumé-building opportunity and more of a chance to reset and re-center. Alabama opens with a favorable draw against Missouri before a potential revenge matchup with rival Tennessee. A win there could lead to a marquee showdown with top-seeded Texas. Vaughn will likely use the tournament to fine-tune his pitching staff, ensuring Riley Quick—the team’s electric right-hander—is lined up for regional play, with lefty Zane Adams offering contrast in the rotation.

While stars like Justin Lebron and Kade Snell draw headlines, Alabama’s strength lies in its depth. Role players like Jose Torres and Bryce Fowler exemplify the lineup’s balance, giving the Tide a multidimensional offensive attack. A deep run in Hoover could vault them back into the fringes of the hosting conversation, but that doesn’t appear to be the mission. This feels more like a “let’s go ball” weekend—a chance to build belief, sharpen the edges, and head into the postseason with momentum.

10. Florida Gators

Arguably the hottest team in the SEC, few could have predicted Florida’s postseason aspirations after an abysmal 1–11 start to conference play. The turnaround engineered by Head Coach Kevin O’Sullivan has been nothing short of remarkable and should merit serious consideration for SEC Coach of the Year honors.

Regarding their NCAA Tournament prospects, however, the Gators may still be too many wins away from a regional host bid. No team has ever hosted with a .500 conference record (15–15), and Florida’s failure to sweep either Texas A&M or Alabama likely sealed that fate — though at this point, that’s a moot issue.

For Florida, the SEC Tournament represents not only a chance to strengthen their résumé but also an opportunity to solve the complex puzzle that is their current roster. With key contributors Colby Shelton, Luke Heyman, and Cade Kurland out for the season, depth is now a major concern. Bobby Boser has shifted to shortstop, and Brody Donay is now behind the plate. O’Sullivan will need to use this week to establish continuity and cohesion in the lineup.

It’s also worth noting that Florida has four players currently listed as unavailable, and their pitching staff has shown signs of wear. Ideally, the Gators make a deep run in Hoover — not just for seeding implications, but to evaluate how they might manage innings and roles moving forward. A four-game stretch could offer invaluable insight into how this team might be constructed for a postseason run.

11. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Winners of eight of their last nine and boasting 15 SEC victories, Mississippi State has firmly secured its place in the NCAA Tournament field. For interim coach Justin Parker, a deep run in the SEC Tournament would not only bolster the Bulldogs' seeding but also help maintain the momentum that has fueled their late-season surge.

The turnaround in Starkville has been one of the more compelling narratives of the SEC season. This is a team playing with confidence, cohesion, and purpose — and one that could realistically elevate itself to a No. 2 seed with a strong showing in Hoover.

Hunter Hines, already a staple in the Bulldogs' offensive identity, has a chance to continue building on his career home run record. Meanwhile, offensive catalyst Ace Reese could use the weekend as a final showcase in the race for SEC Player of the Year.

By this point in the season, Mississippi State’s identity is well established. Their rotation is settled, their lineup is potent, and their ceiling — as the past few weeks have shown — remains exceptionally high. A wild card to watch is the brief return last weekend of highly-touted freshman lefty Charlie Foster, one of the gems of the last Chris Lemonis recruiting class. Arm soreness sidelined him most of the season, but he could be an asset looking at the prospect of having to navigate through the early tourney games with midweek pitching.

12. Oklahoma Sooners

It has been a challenging two weeks for Oklahoma, a team that, as recently as May 4th, appeared to be on the cusp of the hosting bubble. However, a 1-5 record against Kentucky and Texas has likely dropped the Sooners to the periphery of the 3-line. With 14 SEC wins, they are still in strong contention for an NCAA bid, but the presence of potential "bid stealers" could make for a tense Selection Monday — particularly if they fall to Kentucky in their opening game.

At this juncture, one victory would likely cement their place in the tournament, though a loss would still leave them with a 90% chance of making it. The opening round matchup is critical, as it provides an opportunity for the Sooners to stay ahead of Kentucky in the eyes of the selection committee. Despite having one more SEC win, Oklahoma's 0-4 record against Kentucky presents a narrative that could sway the committee if they are considering only 12 SEC teams for the field.

Moreover, Oklahoma’s chances hinge on the confidence of Kyson Witherspoon. Should he receive the start against Kentucky, it offers an opportunity for redemption — a chance to reassert himself and prove his mettle in a high-stakes contest.

13. Kentucky Wildcats

The final five series of SEC play have been nothing short of a rollercoaster for Kentucky — a stretch defined by both promise and volatility. A series win over then-top-ranked Tennessee, followed by another over South Carolina, had the Bat Cats trending upward. However, a sweep at the hands of Mississippi State on the road, a home sweep of Oklahoma, and then a final-weekend sweep by Vanderbilt have left Kentucky in a precarious position.

With 13 SEC wins, the Wildcats appear to be on the right side of the bubble, though their overall profile remains fragile. An RPI of 37 and a suboptimal overall record present concerns that could give the selection committee pause. Had Kentucky managed to take even one game off Vanderbilt, their postseason spot would likely feel secure. As it stands, a win over Oklahoma in the SEC Tournament — which would mark a fourth head-to-head victory over a fellow bubble team — may be essential to firm up their case.

This is a Kentucky team with a résumé that, on balance, feels tournament-worthy. The question is whether the committee will see a 13–17 SEC record and a borderline top-40 RPI as enough to punch their ticket.

14. Texas A&M Aggies

Now we turn to the three teams currently on the outside looking in for an at-large bid — beginning with Texas A&M, whose 2025 campaign arguably warrants a full retrospective of its own. With only 11 SEC wins, the Aggies find themselves firmly out of at-large contention and would need a deep run in Hoover to even re-enter the postseason conversation.

That said, a path does exist. Buoyed by a formidable starting rotation, Texas A&M has the arms to navigate the grind of the SEC Tournament. Their potential matchups — against teams whose postseason fates are already largely sealed — could open the door for a Cinderella-type run.

Offensively, this group has shown flashes of depth and power, though inconsistency remains a recurring issue. The Aggies possess enough talent to win the SEC Tournament outright — but they’ve also, at times, looked like a team unsure of its identity. If the version of Texas A&M that dominated LSU, Arkansas, and Tennessee emerges, the Aggies could be a legitimate threat in Hoover. But if the team that stumbled against Kentucky, Alabama, and Missouri reappears, they’ll likely be making early summer plans.

15. South Carolina Gamecocks

The 2025 South Carolina Gamecocks enter the SEC Tournament with one objective: to finish the season above .500. Since Ray Tanner took the helm in 1997, South Carolina has posted a sub-.500 record only once — a testament to the program’s long-standing standard of excellence. However, with just six SEC wins, the 2025 squad has recorded the fewest conference victories of the SEC era for the Gamecocks.

This is a team that appears to have mentally checked out weeks ago, and recent performances have only reinforced that narrative. Regardless of what transpires in Hoover, an SEC Tournament run would do little to change the broader outlook. The program’s trajectory appears uncertain, and while South Carolina’s legacy still holds weight, the immediate future feels increasingly precarious.

16. Missouri Tigers

Missouri has finally secured a series win — a modest but meaningful milestone in a season largely devoid of high points. Unlike the disappointment shadowing programs like Texas A&M and South Carolina, Missouri enters the SEC Tournament with no expectations and, perhaps for that reason, no pressure. The Tigers haven’t won a game in Hoover since 2017, but with the SEC now allowing all 16 teams to participate, they can approach this appearance with a sense of freedom. For this group, it’s one more opportunity to take the field together — and perhaps play spoiler in the process.

Looking beyond Hoover, the conversation around Missouri baseball must turn toward infrastructure and investment. Head Coach Kerrick Jackson is widely regarded as a rising star in the collegiate ranks, but he faces uphill battles that few other SEC coaches contend with. Missouri remains the most challenging job in the conference — plagued by subpar facilities, limited NIL support, and the lowest attendance figures in the league. If Missouri expects to compete meaningfully in the SEC, the administration must commit to providing Jackson with the tools necessary to build and sustain a competitive program.

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