As the countdown for the 2024 NCAA Tournament nears its conclusion, anticipation builds with Selection Monday just around the corner. Less than a day remains until the unveiling of the full lineup of 64 teams ready to battle it out for collegiate baseball supremacy.
On the brink of the Selection Committee’s final decisions, esteemed sources D1Baseball and Baseball America have released their predictions, with an unprecedented favor shown towards the SEC. According to both outlets, the SEC is poised to break records by sending 11 teams to the tournament. Among these, six squads are in contention to host Regional rounds, bolstered by their impressive seasons that met and exceeded the criteria for at-large bids—achieving at least 13 conference victories and securing a place within the top-30 RPI rankings.
Before the climax of the SEC Tournament, the Tennessee Volunteers are tipped as the team to beat, positioned by forecasts as the top seed nationwide. Their next challenge comes from an LSU team that has found form at the perfect moment, surging to secure their spot in the tournament’s field of 64 following a remarkable run in both the regular season and conference tournament.
Georgia, while likely to host a Regional, faces the prospect of hitting the road for any Super Regional action due to their current projection just outside the top 8 national seeds.
The fate of Mississippi State sparks some debate between the projections. D1Baseball awards them the final national seed and a Regional hosting privilege in Starkville. Conversely, Baseball America suggests a different journey for the Bulldogs, placing them as the second seed in the Dallas Regional, hosted by Dallas Baptist, thus swapping their hosting rights.
The Florida Gators find themselves on the edge, narrowly clinching an at-large bid thanks to a just-above .500 season record (28-27) and a No. 30 RPI ranking. Their minimal performance in Hoover has led Baseball America to list Florida among the “Last Four In,” ranking them as the 61st overall.
Examining the projected placements for all SEC teams poised for the tournament reveals a blend of expected giants and surging hopefuls:
Tennessee leads the charge with a unanimous No. 1 seed projection, ready to host in Knoxville. Their path could see them paired with either the Starkville or Dallas Regional, depending on the source.
Kentucky and Texas A&M secure high national seeds, granting them the privilege to host Regionals in Lexington and College Station, respectively, with potential pairings stretching across various states.
Arkansas and Georgia, too, are favorably placed to host Regionals, though Georgia’s journey might require a Super Regional away game.
Notably, the mix brings Mississippi State into a position where their hosting opportunity hangs in the balance, reflective of the thin margins defining this year’s competitive landscape.
Filled with potential upsets and thrilling matchups, the 2024 NCAA Tournament is shaping up to be a memorable showcase of collegiate baseball at its best, highlighting the depth and talent within the SEC and beyond.