Arkansas baseball starts 2026 season ranked No. 7 nationally

Razorbacks' high rankings in preseason polls continue entering season with high expectations going to Arlington.

Arkansas Razorbacks coach Dave Van Horn in the dugout against Washington State on Friday afternoon in the second game of a doubleheader. | Nilsen Roman-Hogs on SI Images

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas enters the 2026 college baseball season ranked No. 7 in the D1Baseball preseason Top 25, continuing a run of national relevance following last year’s postseason success.

The Razorbacks are coming off a 50-win season that ended in the College World Series semifinals. That performance positioned Arkansas among the nation’s top programs entering the new year.

The SEC again dominated the preseason poll, placing 11 teams in the Top 25 and five inside the Top 10. LSU was ranked No. 2, Texas No. 3, Mississippi State No. 4, Arkansas No. 7 and Auburn No. 9.

Arkansas was one of five SEC programs ranked in the preseason Top 10, reflecting both the league’s depth and the Razorbacks’ standing within it.

The Hogs also appeared at No. 4 in Perfect Game’s preseason Top 25, reinforcing the national view of Arkansas as a consistent postseason contender.

Preseason rankings do not determine outcomes, but they often reflect returning production and recent results. Arkansas checked both boxes entering the 2026 season.

The Razorbacks’ placement in the poll suggests continuity rather than surprise, following multiple seasons of national relevance.

Expectations entering February are shaped by what Arkansas brings back rather than speculation alone.

2026 D1Baseball Preseason Top 25 📈

Who’s too high? Who's too low?

🔗 https://t.co/rvky6c1EQb pic.twitter.com/ugHpAwPLaG

— D1Baseball (@d1baseball) January 12, 2026

Razorbacks return core contributors from College World Series team

Arkansas returns four starters from last season’s lineup that reached Omaha: catcher Ryder Helfrick, first baseman Reese Robinett, infielder Cam Kozeal and designated hitter/outfielder Kuhio Aloy.

Each played a meaningful role during the Razorbacks’ postseason run, providing experience across the middle of the lineup and defensive stability at key positions.

Their return gives Arkansas continuity that is often difficult to maintain in college baseball, particularly among teams that advance deep into June.

On the mound, the Hogs also bring back starting pitcher Gabe Gaeckle, who anchored the rotation last season.

His return adds stability to a pitching staff that will again be central to Arkansas’ success.

Returning production on both offense and defense factored heavily into the Razorbacks’ preseason ranking.

Arkansas enters the season with fewer roster unknowns than many teams ranked nearby.

That experience provides a foundation as the Razorbacks navigate a challenging SEC schedule.

Carson Brumbaugh was the headliner of @RazorbackBSB's recruiting class.

And while he fits into the position player bucket long term, he also projects to make an impact on the mound.

More on why he's one of the top college freshman of 2026: https://t.co/I8BIsqQByW pic.twitter.com/NRVBCj29S0

— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) January 12, 2026

SEC dominance shapes national preseason landscape

The SEC accounted for nearly half of the teams ranked in the D1Baseball preseason poll, continuing a trend of conference dominance.

Five league teams appeared in the Top 10, while several others were ranked throughout the remainder of the Top 25.

Arkansas’ No. 7 ranking places it among familiar conference opponents that will shape the national picture throughout the season.

Conference play is expected to be a determining factor in postseason positioning, as it has been in recent years.

The Razorbacks will be measured frequently against fellow SEC contenders once league play begins.

Preseason rankings reflect that reality as much as individual team resumes.

Catcher Ryder Helfrick rounds third in the third inning in a regional game against Creighton. The Razorbacks won 12-1 to advance to the final | Nilsen Roman-Hogs on SI Images

Hogs open season at neutral-site event in Arlington

Arkansas is scheduled to open the 2026 season on Feb. 13 at the Shriners Children’s College Showdown at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

The Razorbacks will face Oklahoma State in the season opener, providing an immediate test against a nonconference opponent.

Opening the season at a neutral site places Arkansas under early scrutiny against established competition.

The event offers an opportunity to evaluate the Razorbacks before the start of SEC play.

Results from opening weekend often shape early-season perception, particularly for teams ranked inside the Top 10.

Arkansas will begin the year away from Fayetteville, with little margin for error.

The Razorbacks’ early schedule reflects expectations that come with a preseason ranking.

The best catcher in college baseball. pic.twitter.com/JclfxODvMi

— Arkansas Baseball (@RazorbackBSB) January 9, 2026

Preseason ranking sets expectations, not outcomes

Arkansas’ placement at No. 7 reflects national confidence built on last season’s performance and returning contributors.

The Razorbacks enter the season with experience and recent postseason success, factors that influenced preseason evaluations.

Once play begins, conference performance and postseason results will define the year.

Preseason rankings provide context, not conclusions.

For Arkansas, the ranking signals respect earned, not promises made.

Key takeaways

• Arkansas opens the 2026 season ranked No. 7 in the D1Baseball preseason poll.
• The Razorbacks return four starters from last year’s College World Series team along with starting pitcher Gabe Gaeckle.
• Arkansas opens the season Feb. 13 against Oklahoma State at Globe Life Field in Arlington.