Photo: Charlie Muniz (Cumberlands Athletics)
The 2025 NAIA baseball season is shaping up to be an exciting and competitive year, with several programs reloading their rosters and preparing to make a deep postseason push. From perennial powerhouses with established histories to programs on the rise, the field is loaded with talent, creating high expectations for an action-packed season. Teams that dominated last year, such as Hope International, Georgia Gwinnett and Southeastern, are set to defend their positions at the top. Meanwhile, up and coming programs like Arizona Christian, Mid-America Christian and Oakland City, are looking to turn their strong 2024 campaigns into national prominence. This season promises a perfect blend of returning stars, standout newcomers, and fierce competition across the nation.
Let’s dive into the rankings and see which teams are set to lead the charge for the 2025 NAIA baseball championship.
| Rank | School | State | 2024 Record | 2024 Rank |
| 1 | LSU Shreveport Pilots | LA | 44-11 | 10 |
| 2 | Cumberlands Patriots | KY | 52-8 | 5 |
| 3 | Tennessee Wesleyan Bulldogs | TN | 44-18 | 2 |
| 4 | Missouri Baptist Spartans | MO | 41-12-1 | 9 |
| 5 | Georgia Gwinnett Grizzlies | GA | 53-9 | 4 |
| 6 | Webber International Warriors | FL | 43-14 | 11 |
| 7 | Reinhardt Eagles | GA | 44-18 | 8 |
| 8 | Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes | KS | 48-12 | 7 |
| 9 | Arizona Christian Firestorm | AZ | 38-21 | 14 |
| 10 | Faulkner Eagles | AL | 37-17 | 16 |
| 11 | Loyola Wolf Pack | LA | 37-19 | 21 |
| 12 | Taylor Trojans | IN | 42-16 | 18 |
| 13 | Mid-America Christian Evangels | OK | 41-13 | 15 |
| 14 | Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles | OK | 35-20 | NR |
| 15 | Central Methodist Eagles | MO | 44-11 | 12 |
| 16 | Hope International Royals | CA | 45-16 | 1 |
| 17 | Ottawa (OUAZ) Spirit | AZ | 35-19 | NR |
| 18 | USAO Drovers | OK | 36-18 | NR |
| 19 | Oklahoma City Stars | OK | 35-18 | 24 |
| 20 | Southeastern Fire | FL | 52-8 | 3 |
| 21 | Concordia Bulldogs | NE | 42-15 | 23 |
| 22 | William Carey Crusaders | MS | 37-16 | 6 |
| 23 | Bellevue Bruins | NE | 39-14 | 20 |
| 24 | Oakland City Mighty Oaks | IN | 45-17 | NR |
| 25 | Tabor Blue Jays | MO | 38-16 | NR |
1. LSU SHREVEPORT PILOTS (44-11)
The Pilots seemed like a shoo-in for inclusion in the NAIA World Series with a phenomenal team that excelled in every part of the game. At the end of the regular season, they had a 39-7 record and were 28-2 in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC). However, LSUS failed to win the RRAC tournament, suffering a pair of losses to Louisiana Christian. Nevertheless, the Pilots were justifiably selected to host an NAIA Opening Round. They lost their first game to Talladega but rallied to win their next two, setting up a matchup with Kansas Wesleyan for the chance to advance to Lewiston. Unfortunately, the offense that had propelled them to lopsided wins all season long was stymied by the Coyotes’ brilliant pitching, and they lost the game 2-1.
The Pilots return an offense brimming with talent. Middle infielders Vantrel Reed and Josh Gibson are key contributors to the LSUS lineup. Reed, the reigning RRAC Player of the Year, batted .387 last season with 16 doubles, five triples, and eight home runs. He also stole 22 bases. Gibson posted similarly impressive numbers, hitting .404 with 14 doubles, five triples, and five home runs. Ryan Davenport, who returns as the team’s centerfielder, hit .355 and added 22 stolen bases. Jose Sallorin, another skilled infielder, batted .329 in 152 at-bats. Angel Rodriguez hit .402 in 82 at-bats and is expected to see more playing time this season, as will Austin Gomm, who hit .339 in 62 at-bats.
Anthony Swenda adds another exceptional bat to the potent lineup. He excelled at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, where he hit .309 last season with 25 extra-base hits for the Retrievers. Ian Montz is another DI transfer looking to elevate his game at LSUS. He appeared in 33 games at Louisiana-Monroe last season and played two seasons for Pearl River CC, helping the team win the 2022 NJCAA Division II National Championship. Yet another addition to the lineup is outfielder Jackson Syring, who hit .394 at DII Southwest Oklahoma State last year with 19 doubles and 12 home runs.
As strong as the offense is, the pitching staff may be even better. Isaac Rohde had a stellar season last year, earning All-American honors and posting the lowest ERA nationally at 1.68 over 102 ⅔ innings. He allowed only 80 hits and 19 walks while striking out 129, which ranked fourth in the NAIA. Rohde will be rejoined in the rotation by Draven Zeigler and Lex Meinderts. Zeigler posted a 3.48 ERA as a sophomore over 82 ⅔ innings, allowing just 67 hits while earning 107 strikeouts. Meinderts appeared in 14 games last season, with eight starts. He limited opposing teams to 21 hits in 32 ⅔ innings, totaling 33 strikeouts and a 2.20 ERA.
David Hankins and Kenneth Schechter will return to the bullpen this spring. Hankins appeared in a team-leading 29 games, totaling 30 innings with a 1.80 ERA. Schechter appeared in 15 games, striking out 18 batters in 17 ⅓ innings. Cobe Reeves, a transfer from Southeastern, adds yet another accomplished arm. He appeared in 17 games for the Fire last season, holding opponents to a .183 batting average with a 2.41 ERA.
2. CUMBERLANDS PATRIOTS (52-8)
The Patriots spent the entirety of the 2024 season in the top ten of the Perfect Game rankings, spending most of their time comfortably in the top five. The team achieved their most wins in a single season and earned an invitation to the NAIA World Series for the second consecutive season.
Charlie Muñiz will go down as one of the top NAIA baseball players of all time. Heading into the 2025 season, the senior catcher has a .411 batting average over 176 games played and has hit 79 home runs. In all likelihood, he will become the all-time NAIA home run king early this season. He needs only 10 home runs to break the record, which was set in April 2024 by Joey Grabanski of Concordia (NE). His previous season totals were 19, 24, and 36 home runs. Muñiz is also likely to finish as the division’s all-time RBI leader, with 240 RBIs entering the season. The record is 300, which was established last year. Muñiz returns alongside seven other everyday players from a team that batted .359 and hit 144 home runs.
Centerfielder Christian Thompson hit .391 last season and drew a combined 60 walks and HBPs, elevating his OB% to .520. Shortstop Alec Gonzalez batted .374 with 23 extra-base hits. Sluggers Caden Petrey and Max Harper will return to the corner infield positions. Petrey batted .369 with 25 home runs, and Harper hit .367 with 21 home runs. Ben Snapp will return to second base, having hit .332 with 22 extra-base hits. Johnboy Rittenhouse and Jose Valentin, both starters last season, will also return. Rittenhouse hit .346, and Valentin batted .304. Pedro Vasquez, from Monroe College, adds depth to the roster, having batted .326 last season.
Pitching could be a challenge for Cumberland, as they won’t have their ace from last season in the rotation. However, they do have two other returning regular starters. Knicko Billings struck out 102 batters in 81 1/3 innings with a 3.32 ERA. He limited opposing hitters to a .227 batting average and threw three complete games. Wesley Culley appeared in 13 games with 12 starts, compiling a 5.36 ERA over 45 1/3 innings. Kallen Hamson will also return and is likely to be a full-time starter after making six starts in 21 appearances last season. He struck out 79 batters in 56 2/3 innings with a 5.88 ERA. Cooper Morgan and Jake Kmiecik bring experience from the bullpen. Morgan appeared in 16 games, striking out 48 batters in 38 innings with a 4.03 ERA. Kmiecik had a 2.12 ERA in 14 appearances. JD Price, who was on the roster at Georgia Southwestern last year but didn’t see any action, had previously pitched for Western Carolina as a freshman.
3. TENNESSEE WESLEYAN BULLDOGS (44-18)
Despite starting the season 9-10, TWU had one of the most memorable years in the program’s already accomplished history. In addition to winning their 15th Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament title, they went undefeated in the NAIA Opening Round to earn their seventh trip to Lewiston. A loss in the second game moved them to the loser’s bracket, but they reeled off three wins in a row, including a victory over top-ranked Southeastern, to reach the finals. The Bulldogs twice took leads over Hope International in the finale but could not hold on to win. They finished as the national champion runners-up. TWU will need to replace a significant portion of their offense, but that has not been a problem for the team in the past, as they have a history of reloading.
Jack Stevens and Kruise Newman are the hitters returning from last spring. Stevens batted .354, the second-best on the team, with 12 home runs. Newman was second on the team with 15 home runs, hit .353, and also added 10 doubles and three triples. Daniel Stewart and Corbin Shaw both batted .300 in a combined 275 at-bats last season and have also returned to the lineup. Stewart plays the critical catching position, and Shaw is a threat to hit the ball deep in every at-bat. Important additions to the offense include Josh Shelly, Devin Dixon, and Edwin Toribio. Shelly is a transfer from Lurleen B. Wallace CC, where he hit .398 with 13 home runs and 18 stolen bases. Dixon was a two-year starter at DI New Mexico and will be the Bulldogs’ shortstop. Toribio batted .356 with 16 home runs at College of Central Florida and will likely play alongside Dixon at third base.
Blake Payton and Daniel Davilla provide the team with a pair of experienced and effective starting pitchers. Payton led the NAIA with 143 strikeouts in 87 2/3 innings while allowing only 41 hits. His ERA was a scant 2.16. Davilla made nine starts in 18 appearances and threw 77 innings. He allowed 71 hits while striking out 78 with a 4.21 ERA. Christian Delashmit provides TWU with another veteran arm who can start or come out of the bullpen. Delashmit appeared in 20 games with a 3.31 ERA over 54 1/3 innings.
Justin Jackson and Daniel Batcher will likely join the rotation this spring. Jackson threw 98 1/3 innings at Santa Fe College and had a 2.20 ERA. Batcher previously pitched at Southeastern and held opposition to a .182 average over 103 innings across two seasons. He has performed at a high level as both a starter and reliever. Anthony Figueroa from Dyersburg State CC should also be a difference-maker on the mound. He was an accomplished starter at Dyersburg State CC and threw in the MLB Draft League in 2022.
4. MISSOURI BAPTIST SPARTANS (41-12-1)
The Spartans have experienced a resurgence over the past two seasons, reestablishing themselves as a national title contender. Their 2024 season concluded with an impressive 41 wins, as well as regular-season and postseason American Midwest Conference titles. However, for the second consecutive year, MBU fell just two wins short of advancing to the NAIA World Series. Despite losing their top hitter to graduation, the rest of the everyday lineup and pitching staff remain largely intact. Reaching Lewiston is once again an achievable goal for MBU.
The Spartans boasted a formidable offensive lineup in 2024, led by three standout sluggers who powered the team to a .340 batting average and an astonishing 111 home runs. Two-thirds of that trio will return this season to anchor the offense. Centerfielder Blayne Yarger has delivered two stellar seasons at MBU. After batting .420 in 2023, he followed it up with a .393 average in 2024, adding a team-leading 23 home runs to his repertoire. First baseman Cole Robinson has also been a consistent force at the plate, earning All-American honors after hitting .423 with 17 doubles and 19 home runs.
Supporting the lineup are Jakob Kouneski and Jayden Orozco, who both posted an OPS above 1.000 last season. Kouneski batted .353 with 10 home runs, while Orozco slugged .605, hitting 15 home runs in just 157 at-bats. Returning regulars include Cameron Roll, who hit .319, and Lucas Lefebvre, who posted a .356 average in 101 at-bats. New additions Kai Gray and Marcus Graham are expected to make an impact in 2025. Gray hit .294 over two seasons at Trinidad State, while Graham, an Australian native, previously played at Arizona Western College.
On the pitching side, Jackson Wells shone in his first season after transferring from St. Charles CC. In 76 ⅓ innings, he struck out 66 batters and allowed 71 hits, finishing with a 2.48 ERA and two complete games. Teague Robertson and Landon Albers were steady contributors to the rotation. Robertson recorded a 5.19 ERA over 76 ⅓ innings, while Albers posted a 5.62 ERA across 57 ⅔ innings. Together, they combined for 25 starts in 15 appearances each. Returning bullpen arms Tony Caldwell and Brady Stephan will enter their third seasons with the team, providing veteran stability in relief roles.
Newcomers Carter Sabol and Sam Myers are poised to join the starting rotation after transferring from Division I programs. Sabol, a graduate student, pitched 79 ⅓ innings for Purdue Ft. Wayne last season, earning All-Horizon League honors and holding opponents to a .291 batting average in the hitter-friendly conference. Myers, who pitched in eight games for Southern Illinois, brings additional depth and experience to the staff.
5. GEORGIA GWINNETT GRIZZLIES (53-9)
The Grizzlies spent the majority of the season ranked second in the NAIA standings. They ended the regular season on an eight-game winning streak, mercy-ruling their opponents in every game and outscoring them by an astonishing 171-11 margin. Their dominance carried into the Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) Baseball Championship, where they won two of their three games by a combined score of 40-1. GGC faced a scare in the NAIA Opening Round against Faulkner but rallied dramatically in the winner-take-all game, scoring five runs with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to secure their seventh NAIA World Series appearance in school history.
Last season, GGC’s offense was relentless, with two players batting over .425 and two others hitting at least 20 home runs. The team also stole an incredible 315 bases. While many of the team’s top hitters and pitchers have departed, a solid core remains, ensuring the Grizzlies stay competitive in the upcoming season.
Jackson Cobb and Braxton Meguiar return to anchor the middle infield, wielding two of the best bats in the lineup. Cobb started all 58 games at shortstop, batting .385 and stealing 29 bases. Meguiar, a two-time NAIA All-American at second base, has been a lineup mainstay since 2022. He hit .380 last season and swiped 35 bases.
Outfielder Joe Quelch and third baseman Paul Winland Jr. are also back as everyday starters. Quelch hit .358 with 17 doubles, 11 home runs, and 45 stolen bases. Winland Jr. batted .342 with 14 home runs and 25 stolen bases. The return of Gold Glove-winning centerfielder Jon Ponder is a game-changer for the team. Ponder, a First-Team NAIA All-American in 2023, missed last season but is set to make a significant impact. In his last full season, he batted .421 with 16 home runs and 37 stolen bases, along with providing elite defense.
The team also welcomes several intriguing newcomers. Tyler M. Martin, who played three seasons at Florida State from 2020 to 2022, joins the squad after hitting .286 during his time with the Seminoles. Former DI slugger Scott Seeker, who batted .345 with 24 home runs in two seasons at Mount St. Mary’s, brings additional power to the lineup. Seeker was a two-time First-Team All-MAAC selection. Alex Harrell, a junior college All-American at Arkansas State Mountain Home, joins after batting .477 with 21 home runs and 29 stolen bases.
On the pitching side, four pitchers accounted for the bulk of innings last season, but only Ben Harris returns from that group. Harris was the Continental Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year, posting a 2.67 ERA with 102 strikeouts over 91 innings. He recorded five complete games and limited opponents to a .240 batting average.
Tyler E. Martin and Jeremiah Locklear also return to the pitching staff after excelling in supporting roles. Martin struck out 40 batters in 25 ⅔ innings with a stellar 2.10 ERA. Locklear appeared in 17 games, holding opponents to a .245 batting average and striking out 33 in 24 ⅔ innings.
Two potential candidates to join the starting rotation are Austin Testerman and Cade Carlson. Testerman, who was on the team last year, made just four appearances, totaling 3 ⅔ innings. Carlson, however, brings experience from East Tennessee State and South Alabama. In 2023, he led ETSU with a 3.25 ERA over 52 ⅔ innings.
6. WEBBER INTERNATIONAL WARRIORS (44-11)
The Warriors had a strong regular season in 2024, finishing with an impressive 40-9 record and placing second behind top-ranked Southeastern in the Sun Conference standings. However, their postseason performance fell short, as they lost two lopsided games in the conference tournament and went 1-2 in the NAIA Opening Round. With Southeastern undergoing a head coaching change and significant roster turnover, the Warriors are poised to challenge for the top spot in the conference. They return a solid core of hitters and boast an excellent pitching staff, making them a formidable contender.
The Warriors’ offense wasn’t overwhelming but featured a balanced lineup capable of rallying and scoring runs at any time. Key returning hitters include Ryan Recio and Joseph Becker. Recio batted .304, hit nine home runs (second on the team), and added 11 stolen bases. Becker, a top-of-the-order presence, will anchor centerfield after batting .314 with a .444 OBP and tying for the team lead in stolen bases with 14. Gabriel Cruz also swiped 14 bases while hitting .298 in his first season with the team after transferring from Eastern Florida State, where he batted .327. Shortstop Richard Rodriguez provides stability with his experienced glove and bat, hitting .298 while starting 53 of 55 games. Speedy outfielder Deven Tedders, who hit .262 in limited action last season and excelled as a pinch runner, is expected to see more at-bats this year. Additionally, transfer Brandon Sanchez from DII Barry University adds depth to the offense.
If Webber advances deep into the postseason, the pitching staff will likely play a major role in their success. Blane Huter was dominant last season, posting a 1.74 ERA over 88 innings. He held opponents to a .167 batting average, allowing just 50 hits while striking out 106 and issuing only 23 walks. Brayden Matthews also provides an experienced arm, appearing in 13 games (12 starts) last season and logging 69 ⅓ innings. He finished with a 4.93 ERA and 53 strikeouts. Mark Lind, who didn’t pitch in 2024, was exceptional in 2023, recording a 2.76 ERA over 14 games. He struck out 49 batters in 45 ⅔ innings while holding opponents to a .170 batting average and will return to the bullpen this spring.
Newcomers to the pitching staff include Dalton Robinson, Diego Quiñonez, and Noah Palmese. Robinson pitched last season at Florida Gulf Coast, posting a 4.50 ERA over eight appearances while facing 55 batters. Quiñonez excelled at Ottawa University in 2024, earning All-KCAC honors with a 2.90 ERA over 68 ⅓ innings. Palmese, who appeared in two games last season at DII Erskine, adds further depth to the pitching staff.
7. REINHARDT EAGLES (44-18)
The Eagles overcame a slow start to the season and went on to achieve the best year in Reinhardt University history. Not only did they sweep perennial powerhouse and Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) rival Tennessee Wesleyan for the first time, but they also won a series against top-ranked Southeastern, claimed both the AAC regular-season and tournament titles, and advanced to the NAIA World Series for just the second time in school history. While in Lewiston, the Eagles secured three wins, including a victory over the eventual national champion.
The Reinhardt offense in 2025 will have a much different look compared to last year’s team, with only two regular players returning. Nash Crowell and Adrian Vargas are the only everyday players back in the lineup. Crowell, a senior first baseman entering his third season with Reinhardt, had a stellar 2024 campaign, hitting .341 with 23 home runs, 19 doubles, and a triple. Vargas, likely to take on the centerfield role in his second season with the team, batted .325 last year, adding 17 extra-base hits and eight stolen bases. Catcher Ryan Stephens, who appeared in only nine games in 2024, is expected to play a larger role in 2025.
Despite the roster overhaul, Reinhardt’s offense will benefit from a talented group of transfers. Robert Phelps, who hit .373 with 31 stolen bases at Harford CC last year, will likely take over as the Eagles’ starting shortstop. Canadian standout Dryden Howse also joins the team after impressive stints at Barton CC and Crowder College, where he hit .340 over two seasons at Barton. Barry Eiseman, who spent two strong seasons at DII Montevallo, brings experience to the outfield, having played all three positions. Meanwhile, Cade Chamlee arrives from Chattanooga State CC, where he hit .331 over two seasons and is expected to slot in at second base.
The pitching staff will once again be a significant strength for Reinhardt, led by Andrew Hebert and Brett Allen. Hebert has been phenomenal throughout his three seasons at Reinhardt, boasting a career 2.99 ERA with 205 innings pitched and 216 strikeouts. Last year, he was dominant, recording a 2.15 ERA, 94 strikeouts, and allowing only 74 hits over 92 innings. He also threw four complete games. Brett Allen has been a critical piece of the bullpen since transferring from Barton CC, putting up exceptional numbers last year with 88 strikeouts in 87 innings while allowing just 65 hits across 30 appearances.
Additional returning pitchers include Ben Medley, who logged 82 ⅔ innings over 19 appearances in 2024, including 12 starts. However, he allowed 108 hits, which pushed his ERA to 6.97. Hunter Paulsen and Eli Clotfelter also return after appearing in 19 games each, combining for 70 innings and occasionally stepping in for spot starts.
A notable addition to the pitching staff is Tate Dearing, one of Canada’s top high school prospects in 2018, who is looking to reignite his college career. After joining Reinhardt following the closure of Antelope Valley, Dearing is expected to make a significant impact on the mound in 2025.
8. KANSAS WESLEYAN COYOTES (48-12)
After winning their first Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) regular season championship since 2011, Kansas Wesleyan College (KWC) entered 2024 with high expectations—and they delivered. The Coyotes had a historic season, finishing with a 48-12 record, their best in school history, and earning their first-ever appearance at the NAIA World Series. Along the way, they shattered school records for total wins and set a new KCAC record with a dominant 32-4 conference performance. Ranked third in the NAIA for runs scored and fourth in slugging, their offense was a juggernaut. While their pitching staff held up well, adding depth to the rotation could be key to sustaining their success.
The Coyotes’ offense was a force to be reckoned with, boasting eight players who hit double-digit home runs in 2024. Two of their top sluggers return this season, alongside a lineup featuring four players with an OPS over 1.000, making them a nightmare for opposing pitchers. Centerfielder Jacob Williamson powered the offense with a .318 batting average, 22 doubles, five triples, and 17 home runs. Tyler Favretto was equally impressive, hitting 18 home runs with a .348 batting average. Favretto also demonstrated incredible plate discipline, drawing 62 walks and enduring 15 hit-by-pitches to achieve a stellar .536 on-base percentage. Cruz Oxford contributed 10 home runs and a .346 average, while Adrian Villalobos launched 11 home runs in just 122 at-bats, finishing with a .311 average. Shortstop Alex Garcia, though not as powerful as his teammates, batted .337 and showcased his speed with a team-leading 22 stolen bases. Carter Allen, a transfer from Division I Eastern Illinois, is expected to bolster the lineup, despite not seeing action last year.
On the mound, the Coyotes leaned heavily on two starters in 2024, but only one of them, Brett Maddock, returns this spring. Maddock led the team with 17 starts and 80 innings pitched, recording four complete games and 75 strikeouts, though his 5.63 ERA left room for improvement. Nathan Righi offers another dependable arm, having delivered an excellent 2.55 ERA over 35 ⅓ innings last season, primarily as a starter. Righi struck out 33 batters and allowed just 24 hits in his outings. Pedro Ramirez and Nathan Galusha bring additional experience to the staff. Ramirez made four starts in 11 appearances, striking out 31 batters in 29 ⅓ innings with a 3.68 ERA. Galusha, who was mainly a reliever in 2023, had limited opportunities last season but could see more action this year. Meanwhile, Ritter Steinmann has been the backbone of the bullpen over the past two seasons, appearing in 59 games. Last year, he delivered a stellar 2.79 ERA across 28 relief appearances and remains a reliable option in high-pressure situations.
With a powerful offense and key returning pitchers, the Coyotes are poised to remain a competitive force in 2025. However, strengthening their pitching depth will be crucial as they aim to build on last season’s historic success.
9. ARIZONA CHRISTIAN FIRESTORM (38-21)
The Firestorm may have fallen short of winning a conference title, but their season took a remarkable turn with an at-large bid to the NAIA Opening Round thanks to their solid 33-19 record. ACU seized the opportunity, sweeping through the first round with impressive victories over NAIA powerhouses Oklahoma City and Lewis-Clark State. In the championship game, they overcame a six-run deficit to earn their first-ever trip to the NAIA World Series. Their momentum continued in Lewiston, where they secured two additional wins before being eliminated by eventual champion Hope International. With a strong returning core and key additions, the Firestorm aim to build on last season’s historic success and make another deep postseason run.
This season, the Firestorm lineup is poised for success despite losing their top hitter from last year. Key returners include Trey Tarver and Kane Klaunis, both of whom posted an OPS above 1.000. Tarver batted .352 with 15 doubles, four triples, and 12 home runs, while also leading the team with 38 walks, giving him an impressive .463 OBP. Klaunis, who matched Tarver’s home run total, hit .338 with 17 doubles and 11 stolen bases. Jared Anderson, a consistent presence in the lineup with starts in all 59 games, slashed .315/.387/.481 with 18 doubles, three triples, five home runs, and a team-best 16 stolen bases. Centerfielder Andrew Ivy, a sophomore standout, hit .335 with nine home runs and 15 stolen bases. Supporting players like Jaylen Edmonds, Ryan Eastham, and Sean Garcia add depth to the roster. Edmonds, a versatile defender, hit .295; Eastham contributed a .336 average in a semi-regular role; and Garcia provided solid second-base defense while batting .345. Matthew Beckworth, who hit .418 in 91 at-bats across 26 starts, is expected to step into a starting role at shortstop. Tanner Vielguth could also become a key offensive force, having hit seven home runs in just 83 at-bats last season while leading the team in hit-by-pitches (17) and posting a .463 OBP.
Kimo Fukofuka, a transfer from San Jose State, joins the team while pursuing his master’s degree and could add another dimension to the lineup.
The Firestorm’s pitching staff faces a significant challenge this season with the departure of two of the Great Southwest Athletic Conference’s top arms. Eastyn Culp, who made 11 starts and recorded 62 ⅔ innings with 66 strikeouts, struggled with consistency, finishing with a 7.65 ERA. Similarly, Jackson Hohensee, who started eight games and appeared in 21, allowed 60 hits in 48 ⅓ innings, resulting in a .305 opponent batting average. However, the bullpen remains strong with returning contributors Chay Esqueda and Christian Lucero. The duo combined for 47 appearances and 53 ⅓ innings, striking out 60 batters with ERAs of 3.68 and 4.32, respectively. Trey Tarver, a standout hitter, will also take on a starting pitching role this spring. Frank Wierman, who had limited opportunities on the mound last season, will compete for a starting or closer role. He previously excelled at Colorado State-Pueblo, where he struck out 40 batters in 24 ⅓ innings in 2023.
10. FAULKNER EAGLES (37-17)
After a tumultuous 2023 season, during which Faulkner had to forfeit 11 games due to a self-reported clerical oversight, the Eagles bounced back in 2024 to restore their winning ways. They claimed the Southern States Athletic Conference regular season title and earned an at-large bid to the NAIA Opening Round. However, their season ended in heartbreak as they let a 6-2 lead slip away in the bottom of the ninth inning in a winner-take-all title game against Georgia Gwinnett. With two outs and the bases empty, a series of missteps—three hit batters and a walk—allowed GGC to rally and steal the victory. Despite the bitter end, the Eagles are motivated to make their 11th trip to the NAIA World Series under head coach Patrick McCarthy.
Centerfielder Orlando Lorduy has been a standout throughout his collegiate career, boasting a .377 batting average over four seasons split between Faulkner and Benedictine-Mesa. Last season, he led the team offensively with a .351 batting average, 19 doubles, nine home runs, and 18 stolen bases. Returning to the starting lineup with Lorduy are key contributors Juan Trinidad and Eduarny Martínez. Trinidad, a senior shortstop in his fourth season with the team, has been a consistent performer, batting .333 last year with 13 doubles, eight home runs, and 15 stolen bases. Martínez, who joined Faulkner after excelling at Cochise College, added a team-leading 11 home runs and batted .289. Catcher Christian Webb will also return; while he hit just .266 last season, he demonstrated his potential in 2023 with a .337 average at LSU Shreveport.
The Eagles’ lineup will be bolstered by several promising transfers. Jeyson Polanco, a second baseman from Highland CC, hit .333 last season with 21 extra-base hits and brings a steady bat to the infield. Faulkner also secured two key players from New Mexico Military Institute: Edrien Martínez, who batted .321 with 12 doubles, nine triples, and 15 home runs, and Luis Daniel Lizarraga, who hit .312 with 20 extra-base hits. The pair are expected to anchor the corner infield positions. Additionally, the team welcomed two transfers from Keiser. Kenny Di Clemente, who hit .321 with 16 home runs over two seasons as a Seahawk, and John-Michael Riley, who batted .312 with 17 doubles and seven home runs in 2023, will add depth and power to the lineup.
Faulkner’s pitching staff has the potential to be exceptional this season. Leading the rotation is Mose Hayes, a native of Homer, Alaska, who posted a 3.58 ERA last year. Over 70 ⅓ innings, he allowed 67 hits and struck out 62 batters. Joining him is Marco Ozuna Jr., a standout transfer from Cochise College, who delivered a 4.12 ERA with 84 strikeouts over 78 ⅔ innings in his first season with Faulkner. The bullpen will be anchored by returning reliever Jordan Destefano, who made 22 appearances last season, earning six saves while limiting opposing hitters to a .238 average in 29 ⅓ innings.
The pitching staff also benefits from two notable newcomers. Thomas Wilhite, who previously pitched at Tennessee Wesleyan and Cumberland, brings valuable experience to the team. Horacio Cruz, a reliever from Miami Dade College, impressed last season with 48 strikeouts over 41 ⅓ innings and a 3.92 ERA. With this mix of returning talent and fresh faces, Faulkner is poised for another strong season and will aim to reclaim their place among the NAIA’s elite programs.
11. LOYOLA WOLF PACK (37-19)
Loyola had an outstanding 2024 season, finishing with a 37-19 record to set a new school record for wins. However, their postseason performance fell short of expectations, as they went 1-2 in both the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) Baseball Championship and the NAIA Opening Round. Despite the limited postseason success, the Wolf Pack showed great promise, and their returning roster suggests another competitive year ahead.
The team will bring back nine of ten position players who appeared in at least 40 games last season, providing a solid foundation for the offense. Third baseman Jaxon Burratt was exceptional as a freshman, setting a school record with a .432 batting average. He contributed ten extra-base hits, 18 stolen bases, and drew 47 walks to post an impressive .558 on-base percentage. Shortstop Jake Mills, a three-time conference gold glove winner, hit .368 and remains a key defensive and offensive contributor. Brandon Mooney broke his own school record with 73 runs scored, boasting a .357 batting average, a .484 on-base percentage, and 49 walks while swiping 26 bases. Outfielder Marcus Steen added to the lineup with a .336 batting average, while catcher/first baseman Landon Manson earned SSAC All-Conference honors after hitting .319 with four home runs. Collin Zeringue rounded out the returning core with a .297 average and 20 stolen bases.
On the pitching side, the Wolf Pack lost their ace from last season but retained a deep group of experienced arms. While the staff may lack standout quality, they make up for it with depth, returning 11 pitchers who started at least one game last year. Prescott Marsh showed promise as a freshman, posting a 3.91 ERA in 46 innings. Marsh demonstrated control, walking only eight batters and striking out 26 in ten starts. Peyton Cooper also logged 46 innings across 20 appearances, including three starts, and Brady Bowen enters his fourth season poised to take on a larger starting role after recording a 4.64 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 33 innings. Frank Fernandez put up one of the best stat lines on the staff with a 3.77 ERA in 31 innings, allowing just 21 hits while striking out 28 in 18 games. Reliever Andrew Riedell also returns after posting a 3.20 ERA in 19 ⅔ innings over 15 appearances.
The Wolf Pack will benefit from new talent as well. Southeastern transfer Jake Cohen brings an impressive résumé, having struck out 29 batters in 21 innings with a 1.71 ERA in 17 appearances for the Fire. He is expected to transition into a starting role for Loyola. Additionally, freshman Willy Campo could make an immediate impact on the mound as he earns opportunities to pitch.
With a strong returning lineup and a deep pitching staff bolstered by key newcomers, Loyola is well-positioned for another successful campaign in 2025.
12. TAYLOR TROJANS (42-16)
The Trojans had an outstanding 2024 season, winning both the Crossroads League regular season and conference titles. This success built on their impressive 2023 campaign, during which they advanced to the NAIA World Series for the first time since 1969. Traditionally a strong team within their conference and region, Taylor is now gaining recognition nationally thanks to their consistent winning ways. Although they hosted an NAIA Opening Round last season, they were eliminated after two close losses. Heading into the new season, pitching remains a question mark, but their offense is a well-oiled machine with seven key players returning who logged significant innings.
Mason David, the Crossroads League Player of the Year, had a stellar season, batting a team-high .364 and slugging .617 with 21 doubles and 10 home runs. In addition to his offensive contributions, he earned a gold glove for his defensive play at third base and NAIA All-American honors. This season will mark his fourth year as a starter for the Trojans. Another veteran returning for his fourth season is Kaleb Kolpien, whose 2024 campaign was cut short due to injury. While active, he hit .359 with 13 doubles and 13 stolen bases. Brayden Manning was second on the team with 116 total bases, tallying 74 hits that included 17 doubles, two triples, and seven home runs. Sam Gladd, the team’s primary first baseman, led the Trojans with 11 home runs last season while batting .306. Shortstop Ben Kennedy, entering his third season as a starter, hit .302 with 15 doubles and four home runs. Additionally, Luke Picchiotti and Fletcher Roemmich will play significant roles in the lineup. Picchiotti, a transfer from Illinois-Chicago, hit .300 with 10 home runs in his debut season with Taylor, while Roemmich excelled in limited opportunities, batting .449 in 78 at-bats.
On the mound, the Trojans will be led by Crossroads League Pitcher of the Year, Gabel Pentecost. Pentecost posted a 2.71 ERA, second-best in the conference, and struck out 98 batters in 86 ⅓ innings. He held opposing hitters to a .226 batting average, allowing only 74 hits. Nick Crabtree adds another reliable arm to the rotation. He struck out 70 batters in 55 innings, finishing with a 2.95 ERA and holding opponents to a conference-best .136 batting average. Wes Hunt, who missed most of last season due to injury, is expected to earn more starts in 2025 after holding hitters to a .235 average in 18 innings last year. Dalton Swinehart could be a game-changer for the Trojans, having appeared in 23 games with two starts in 2024. He recorded six wins and five saves, showcasing his versatility. Connor Miller, now in his fourth season, has been a consistent presence in the bullpen, appearing in 40 games over the past three years. He posted a 2.70 ERA in 13 ⅓ innings last season.
The Trojans have also added former Purdue Fort Wayne pitcher Brody Fine to their staff. Fine spent two seasons with the Mastodons and is expected to bring valuable experience to Taylor’s rotation.
13. MID-AMERICA CHRISTIAN EVANGELS (41-13)
The Evangels have experienced significant growth under head coach Brett Stanton, who took over five years ago. Over the past three seasons, MACU has set new records for wins, culminating in their most successful year in school history in 2024. The team finished with an impressive 41-13 record, claiming both the Sooner Athletic Conference regular season and tournament titles for the first time. They earned their first-ever entry into the NAIA Opening Round, where they eliminated Oklahoma Wesleyan but ultimately fell to Milligan. For MACU to continue raising the bar, the pitching staff will need to develop quickly, as much of last year’s staff has moved on. Fortunately, the offense remains largely intact from last season.
The Evangels’ lineup brings back six of eight players who recorded more than 100 at-bats last year, including three standout hitters with an OPS over 1.000 and double-digit stolen bases. Centerfielder D’Andre Gaines was a force at the plate, batting .358 with 16 doubles, four triples, and a team-high 13 home runs. Noel McGarry-Doyle was equally effective, posting a .388 average with 13 doubles, four triples, and nine home runs. Second baseman Jacob Police contributed 12 home runs, a .367 average, and a team-leading 15 stolen bases while also showing impressive discipline with 20 hit-by-pitches. Shortstop Carlos Medina returns for his third full season, maintaining a steady presence with a .341 average in 2023 and .330 last season. Taiga Sakuma and Zackary Stark also return after hitting .345 and .328, respectively. Sakuma hails from Japan, while Stark brings international flair from Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada.
The roster gains additional offensive depth with the addition of key transfers. Payton Matthews from UT Permian Basin and Cristopher Munoz bring experience and talent. Munoz, a starter at Southeastern last year, hit .330 with 19 stolen bases, earning First-Team All-Sun Conference honors. Brett Justice, who hit .333 for Arkansas Rich Mountain, will also be vying for a spot in the lineup.
The pitching staff, however, faces a major rebuilding effort. MACU lost its top five pitchers in terms of innings pitched, who collectively accounted for three-quarters of the team’s total innings last season. Among the returning players, Carlos Escobosa and Jordan Smith are the most experienced. Escobosa made 16 appearances, including four starts, striking out 41 batters in 30 ⅓ innings. Smith logged 28 ⅓ innings, while Dylon Lyddon, who had a 4.34 ERA in 12 appearances, also returns as a potential contributor.
To address the significant losses on the mound, MACU has brought in several promising newcomers. Fabian Hernandez and Angel Miranda, both from Western Oklahoma State, add much-needed depth. Hernandez impressed in the Texas Collegiate League over the summer, while Miranda struck out 70 batters across 65 ⅔ innings last season. Gabriel Dixon, a redshirt senior, looks to resurrect his college career, and Andrew Long could emerge as a standout. Long transferred from Southeastern, where he posted a 2.42 ERA with 57 strikeouts in 52 innings over the past two seasons, allowing just 40 hits.
With a potent offense and the potential for a revitalized pitching staff, the Evangels are poised to build on their historic 2024 season and aim for even greater success in 2025.
14. OKLAHOMA WESLEYAN EAGLES (35-20)
Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU) has long been a powerhouse in the NAIA, reaching the NAIA World Series three times between 2014 and 2021. Despite their history of success, the Eagles have struggled in recent years, failing to win a single NAIA Opening Round game over the last three seasons. In both 2022 and 2023, OKWU recorded 38-win seasons but did not secure a national postseason berth. Last season, they won the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) tournament to earn a spot in the NAIA Opening Round but fell short in both games by a single run. While their postseason drought has been unexpected, it would be a surprise if the Eagles don’t break through this year. With a loaded roster of returning offensive standouts and a solid pitching staff, OKWU is poised not only to return to the postseason but to make a strong push toward Lewiston.
Leading the offense is shortstop Victor Sanchez, the reigning KCAC Player of the Year and an NAIA All-American. Sanchez posted phenomenal numbers last season, batting .409 with 20 home runs and 13 doubles for a .760 slugging percentage. He also drew 37 walks, boosting his on-base percentage to an impressive .496. Sanchez will be joined by centerfielder Ravaughn Morgan, who hit .379 with 20 doubles, three triples, and 11 home runs. Both players are key contributors to OKWU’s potent lineup. Additionally, Javier Marcial and Jorge Aldrete, who combined to bat .340 while starting all 55 games last season, will provide further offensive firepower. Marcial added 16 doubles and six home runs, while Aldrete compiled a .456 on-base percentage, fueled by 46 combined walks and hit-by-pitches. Second baseman Blake Tablazon, a defensive standout with only two errors in 51 games, also brings consistency at the plate with a .447 OB%.
OKWU has bolstered its roster with key additions, including Chase Pinheiro and Alejandro Quiles. Pinheiro, who played previously at Fresno Pacific University and Fresno City College, batted .344 last season for the Rams. Quiles joins the team after stints at Vernon College and Southeastern Community College, adding depth to the lineup.
The pitching staff is anchored by senior starter Evan Floor, who had a breakout season last year. Floor posted a 3.91 ERA across 99 innings, threw three complete games, and struck out 75 batters while holding opponents to a .247 batting average. He will be joined by experienced arms like Belen Pippin, who made 16 appearances last season, including 10 starts, striking out 67 batters over 56 ⅔ innings. Fifth-year pitcher Michael Mendoza adds further stability, having started five games last season with a 4.30 ERA.
The bullpen features standout performances from Ashton Luera and Tyler Benefiel. Luera was dominant in relief, leading the team with 17 appearances and striking out 59 batters in just 33 ⅓ innings. He allowed only 14 hits, holding opponents to an astonishing .130 batting average. Benefiel was equally effective, recording a 0.96 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 18 ⅔ innings over 12 appearances.
With a mix of experienced hitters, dynamic new additions, and a deep pitching staff, OKWU looks primed to end its postseason woes and reestablish itself as one of the premier programs in the NAIA. The Eagles are undoubtedly a team to watch as they aim to return to the NAIA World Series.
15. CENTRAL METHODIST EAGLES (44-11)
The Eagles concluded the 2024 regular season with an impressive 42-7 record, looking poised for another deep postseason run to Lewiston, where they finished as the national runner-up in 2021. However, their momentum faltered in the postseason. Central Methodist went 1-2 in both the Heart of America Conference Baseball Championship and the NAIA Opening Round, marking a disappointing end to an otherwise stellar season. While the offense remains strong with many key hitters returning, the pitching staff faces a significant overhaul after losing a majority of its senior contributors. Fresh arms will need to step up if the Eagles hope to maintain their winning tradition.
Carlos Negrón and Tanner Sears earned All-American honors for their outstanding performances in 2024. Negrón played in all 55 games, hitting an incredible .419 with 21 doubles and 19 home runs. His patient approach at the plate resulted in 31 walks, pushing his on-base percentage to .532, and his .884 slugging percentage showcased his power. Sears, the team’s primary catcher, also played in every game and batted .367 with 12 doubles and 15 home runs. Beyond these two standouts, the Eagles have additional firepower returning. Second baseman Valentín Cerna Jr. hit .355 in his debut season with the team, while outfielder Zeb Wede recorded a .369 batting average with seven home runs. David Soriano and Diego Da Rin add further depth, with Soriano hitting .323 with five home runs and Da Rin contributing a .318 average with nine doubles and three triples.
The Eagles also made key additions to their roster. Kyle Williams, who batted an impressive .436 with 18 doubles and six home runs last year at Mid-America Christian, is a significant pickup. Additionally, Ryan Malzahn, who has experience at both DI Southeast Missouri State and DII Central Missouri, has joined the team to further bolster the lineup.
The biggest challenge for the Eagles in 2025 lies with their pitching staff, which will be without its top two aces from last season. Foster Seitz is the only returning pitcher with starting experience, having pitched 76 ⅔ innings in 2024 with a 5.63 ERA. While Seitz allowed 86 hits, he struck out 57 batters and will need to take on a leadership role on the mound. Other returning pitchers, such as Landon Winingham, who threw just 10 innings last year, and Justin Stedry and Nicholas Neighbours, who pitched sparingly but effectively, will be looking to expand their roles this season.
Several newcomers are expected to make an impact on the mound. Cesar Morales, a National Junior College All-American from Frederick Community College, brings exceptional credentials. In 11 games last season, Morales posted a 1.41 ERA, the second-best nationally, holding opponents to a .160 batting average and striking out 73 batters in 63 ⅔ innings. Marcos López, a transfer from Central Oklahoma, and Tyler Coakley, who pitched at Bossier Parish Community College, are also set to join the rotation. If these new additions can adapt quickly, the Eagles could remain a force in the postseason.
16. HOPE INTERNATIONAL ROYALS (45-16)
The Royals spent the entirety of the 2024 season ranked in the Perfect Game rankings, though their position hovered consistently in the teens. After finishing 2-2 in the GSAC Championships, they secured an at-large bid to the NAIA Opening Round, a decision that was a mere formality given their 37-win season. In the Opening Round, they stumbled against Tabor after letting a lead slip away, forcing a winner-take-all rematch. The Royals emerged victorious, advancing to the NAIA World Series for the second time in program history and the first since 2017. Despite losing their first game in Lewiston, they bounced back with five consecutive elimination-game victories, scoring an incredible 60 runs along the way to claim the national title. In the championship game, HIU overcame a 4-6 deficit in the third inning to take a lead they would never relinquish.
Heading into 2025, the Royals face significant challenges in their quest to defend the title. Only one regular from last season’s championship lineup returns, with another, Ryan Maciel, now serving as an assistant coach. While they retain two key starting pitchers, the absence of several important contributors from last season will make a repeat title difficult.
Centerfielder Amari Bartee is the lone returning offensive regular. Bartee was a pivotal piece of last season’s offense, batting .343 with 24 extra-base hits and 21 stolen bases. Joining the lineup this year is shortstop Trotter Boston, a standout transfer from Tabor, where he batted .338 with 16 home runs over two seasons. Former Arizona Wildcat prospect David Shackelford also joins the team, coming off a .305 batting average at Pima CC. Additionally, Matthew Pinal, who missed last season, is back after hitting .333 in a part-time role in 2023. Outfielder Branden Chun-Ming, entering his fourth season with the Royals, played in 43 games with 25 starts last year. Over his 84-game collegiate career, he has batted .286 in 206 at-bats. Another key addition is Kyle Harvey, a Palomar College transfer with a .342 career batting average, who is expected to take over third base and provide a solid presence in the heart of the lineup.
On the pitching side, the Royals bring back two experienced starters in Trey Seeley and Josh Landry. Seeley, a senior, was the team’s ace last season, throwing 99 innings across 19 starts. He struck out 135 batters—second in the nation—and posted a 3.73 ERA while holding opponents to a .234 average. Landry, who transferred from Cypress CC, made 16 appearances (10 starts) last season, striking out 86 batters in 64 innings. While his 5.06 ERA is inflated due to a few poor outings, he remains a critical piece of the rotation. Newcomer Jesus Munguia, a three-year starter at Vanguard, is expected to join the rotation after posting a 3.56 ERA with 53 strikeouts in 43 innings last season.
Senior utility player Mario Tostado, who primarily served as a DH and backup catcher last year, is anticipated to see more time on the mound in 2025. In the bullpen, Boom Ward and Chander De Jong will play crucial roles once again. Ward led the team with 24 appearances, posting a 2.83 ERA over 28 ⅔ innings, while De Jong made 22 appearances, striking out 28 batters in 20 ⅔ innings.
With a retooled roster and an influx of new talent, the Royals face an uphill battle to replicate their 2024 success. However, with a strong core of pitchers and promising newcomers, HIU is poised to remain competitive in the GSAC and beyond.
17. OTTAWA (OUAZ) SPIRIT (35-19)
The Spirit had a breakout season in 2024, entering the national rankings midway through the year and setting several school records. Their achievements included reaching 35 wins for the first time and making their debut in the NAIA National Tournament. While the team’s offense isn’t built on power—they hit only 26 home runs last season, a total that some individual players exceeded—the Spirit excel at small-ball, aggressive play. With seven of nine position players who started at least 25 games returning, the offense should remain competitive. However, the pitching staff faces significant challenges, particularly in rebuilding the starting rotation.
Logan Meyer and Joey Winters were the team’s standout hitters last season. Meyer led the lineup with a .340 batting average, adding 14 extra-base hits and 10 stolen bases. Winters hit .323 with 13 doubles, a team-high six home runs, and an impressive 42 walks, boosting his on-base percentage to .446. Second baseman Christian Powell provided a strong all-around performance, batting .311 with nine doubles, four triples, five home runs, and a team-leading 11 stolen bases. Nicholas Lustig, who posted a .420 on-base percentage, and Owen Pendergrass, the team’s third baseman, both appeared in 44 games. Behind the plate, catcher Nano Perez hit .322 across 40 games, including 25 starts.
A key addition to the team is Dante Leach, who brings experience from stints at Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Tennessee Wesleyan. Leach batted .309 last season at TWU and is expected to take over the starting shortstop role.
On the mound, the Spirit’s top returning pitcher is Zach Hangas, who posted a 4.64 ERA over 73 ⅔ innings last season. Hangas struck out 73 batters and held opponents to a .218 batting average, allowing just 58 hits. However, the rest of the starting rotation remains uncertain, as three key starters have departed. Brayden Marcum is a strong candidate for a rotation spot after starting six games in 12 appearances last season. He recorded a 4.88 ERA over 27 ⅔ innings with 21 strikeouts. Beyond Marcum, the only other returning pitcher with at least 20 innings pitched is Branon Smith, who made 15 relief appearances and held opposing batters to a .169 average.
To address the pitching gaps, the Spirit have brought in several transfers. Austin Humphres, who led Yavapai College pitchers with 21 appearances last season, struck out 37 batters in 31 ⅓ innings. Micah Del Rio adds experience from two seasons at Utah State Eastern, while Hayden Schooler comes off a standout season at Big Bend Community College, where he posted a 3.00 ERA and struck out 78 batters in 60 innings. Brandon Enders, another transfer, pitched at Umpqua Community College and recorded a 2.66 ERA in eight appearances in 2023.
With a strong returning lineup and reinforcements on the pitching staff, the Spirit have the pieces to remain competitive. However, rebuilding the rotation will be a crucial factor in determining their ability to sustain their success and make another postseason run.
18. USAO DROVERS (36-18)
The Drovers had another strong season in 2024, advancing to the NAIA Opening Round title game but ultimately falling to top-ranked Southeastern. Heading into 2025, USAO is determined to reclaim its spot atop the Sooner Athletic Conference and make its first NAIA World Series appearance since 2019. The team features a dynamic lineup of powerful hitters and a deep pitching staff capable of stifling opposing offenses.
Leading the offensive charge are Peyton McDowall and Christopher Martinez, two standout players. McDowall, entering his fourth year, is the program’s all-time home run leader and is on track to become the Drovers’ all-time hits leader. Last season, he hit .355 with 17 doubles and 17 home runs, increasing his OB% to .477 with 43 walks. Martinez has been equally impactful, hitting .374 with 15 doubles, two triples, and 14 home runs in 2024. Gage Ninness, returning to the outfield, provides a spark at the top of the lineup. He batted .359 with 17 doubles after transferring from McPherson. Ian Ortiz (.330, 14 extra-base hits) and third baseman Ben Bach (.322, 10 home runs) are also reliable contributors. Shortstop Devin Alvarez brings versatility, hitting .292 with 12 doubles, three triples, and four home runs last year, while catcher Gunnar Hansen provides defensive stability behind the plate, throwing out 14 of 29 base stealers and hitting .293. New addition Corey Morro, who hit .353 over two seasons at Chattanooga State, adds further depth to the infield.
The pitching staff will be anchored by experienced arms Kyler Denton and Brian Ereu. Denton compiled a 3.59 ERA over 67 ⅔ innings in 2024, striking out 43 batters while walking only 17. Ereu was a key contributor, striking out 89 batters in 86 ⅓ innings with two complete games and a 4.69 ERA. Jared Adams, who made 13 starts last season, returns after throwing 53 ⅔ innings and striking out 45, though he’ll look to improve on opponents’ .325 batting average against him. Tyson Noel, a transfer from Cochise College, joins the rotation after pitching 66 innings last year with a 4.50 ERA and 55 strikeouts. Megumi Fukuda, a versatile arm from Japan, could contribute as either a starter or in a hybrid role, having made eight starts in 2023 before being limited by injury last year.
The bullpen is anchored by Rob Schmidt, one of the NAIA’s top relievers. Schmidt was dominant in 2024, allowing just 12 hits over 25 innings, striking out 22 batters, and finishing with an impressive 1.80 ERA across 20 appearances. His reliability will be a critical asset for the Drovers as they aim to combine their offensive firepower with solid pitching to make a deep postseason run.
19. OKLAHOMA CITY STARS (42-15)
The Stars finished second to Mid-America Christian in the SAC regular-season standings and fell short again in the conference title game. Despite the setbacks, they earned an invite to the NAIA Opening Round but suffered two lopsided losses, ending their season with a 35-18 record. However, the year was still a success for Oklahoma City University, as they extended their streak of NAIA postseason appearances, which has been ongoing since 2017, despite entering the season with a relatively fresh roster.
Trent Kiraly returns for his third season as a graduate player and looks poised for another stellar campaign. Kiraly has been a key offensive weapon for OCU, hitting .369 last season with 13 doubles and a team-leading 19 home runs. Veteran second baseman Hunter Lenochan is also back for his fourth season after batting .330 over 53 starts last year. Aiden Alexander, the speedy center fielder, will continue to provide value at the top of the lineup. He hit .328 in 2024 and led the team with 18 stolen bases. Aiden Van Rensum, who contributed a .288 average and nine home runs last year, is another important returning piece. Additionally, Ethan Rhodes, who had limited at-bats in 2024, is expected to play a more significant role in 2025.
The Stars have also added Jack Johnson, a highly-touted high school prospect who spent the past two seasons at Santa Barbara City College. Johnson will look to find his rhythm with OCU and bolster the team’s lineup.
On the pitching side, OCU has two experienced starters returning. Andrew Limbaugh served as the staff ace last season, finishing with a 3.59 ERA over 80 ⅓ innings. He allowed just 61 hits while striking out 69 batters. Jacob Burkett is another reliable arm, having made 11 starts in 2024 and throwing 55 innings with 37 strikeouts and only 13 walks. Reese Ratchford, who had a 5.55 ERA in 35 ⅔ innings, could also step into a starting role. In the bullpen, Cade Kelsey provides experience after pitching 21 innings in 11 relief appearances last season. Freshman Tanner Ellis, senior Isaac Horstman, and Dalton Campbell, a transfer from Hill College, are expected to contribute on the mound as well.
The Stars have a strong core of returning talent and promising newcomers and aim to reclaim the top spot in the SAC and make a deeper run in the NAIA postseason.
20. SOUTHEASTERN FIRE (52-8)
Southeastern has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in NAIA baseball, securing five consecutive Sun Conference regular-season championships and making six straight appearances in the NAIA World Series. Last season, the Fire maintained the number-one ranking throughout the regular season but suffered an earlier-than-expected exit in Lewiston, finishing 1-2. However, the program faces a new challenge in 2025 with a coaching change. Adrian Dinkel, who led the team to remarkable success, has moved on to work with the New York Yankees. Taking the reins is Gabe Grinder, a former SEU star with an impressive coaching résumé that includes stints at Ottawa, Oklahoma Wesleyan, and Texas-Permian Basin, where he guided the Falcons to their first NCAA DII Tournament appearance. Grinder inherits a roster undergoing significant turnover, with most of the starting lineup and pitching staff needing replacement. While achieving an eighth straight full season of 50 wins seems daunting, Southeastern’s tradition of excellence and its incoming talent make it a possibility.
David Castillo, the Sun Conference First-Team catcher, is the lone returning player with extensive experience, having led the team with a .346 batting average last season. He will anchor an otherwise brand-new lineup.
Among the talented newcomers is Nick Streuer, a standout middle infielder from Gordon State College, who hit .357 last year. Australian Charlie Collins, a member of the 2024 U23 Great Britain National Team, joins SEU after batting .290 at Odessa College. Catcher Connor Hicks, who spent three seasons at Indiana State, adds veteran experience in his senior season. Additional transfers include Peter Tassler, who hit .288 at Dodge City CC, and Myles White, an All-SWAC selection from Jackson State who batted .320 as their third baseman. Returning shortstop Alfonso Villalobos, who batted .378 in limited action last season, is expected to take on a larger role, while sophomore John Paul Pennella, a redshirt from South Florida, brings another promising bat to the lineup.
The Fire’s pitching staff has undergone a complete transformation following the departures of key contributors to graduation, transfers, and the MLB Draft. The most experienced returners are Reece Wissinger and Bryce McDonald, who combined for 37 ⅓ innings last season. Angel Miranda, who posted an impressive 1.69 ERA over 16 innings in 2024, is expected to step into a prominent role alongside Wissinger in the rotation. Several new arms join the mix, including Aaron Robertson, a senior with bullpen experience at Central Washington; Chase Muir, who pitched at Barry; and Cole Jones, a transfer from Northeastern JC.
Despite the significant turnover, Southeastern’s ability to recruit top-tier talent and its legacy as a dominant NAIA program position the Fire to remain competitive in the Sun Conference and beyond.
21. CONCORDIA (NE) BULLDOGS (42-15)
The Bulldogs have steadily risen as a competitive force over the past few seasons, thanks in large part to the incredible contributions of slugger Joey Grabanski. Last season, Grabanski batted .397 and became the NAIA’s all-time home run leader—a record likely to be surpassed this spring. While this will be Concordia’s first season without Grabanski, the Bulldogs still boast a roster filled with firepower. They remain the favorites to repeat as Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) champions, with a strong challenge expected from Doane, as they set their sights on a return to Lewiston.
Jaidan Quinn, a senior third baseman, is a key player for the Bulldogs and carries a similar offensive profile to Grabanski. Quinn has hit 27 home runs in each of the past two seasons, earning NAIA All-American honors and being named Co-GPAC Player of the Year. Last season, he batted .387 with a stellar .535 on-base percentage, drawing 49 walks and being hit by 15 pitches. Sophomore Matt Rhodes is another power threat, coming off a standout freshman campaign in which he batted .293 with 16 home runs. Rhodes also contributed on the mound, posting a 2.45 ERA over 22 innings. Behind the plate, fourth-year catcher Tanner Tompkins provides stability. He hit .331 with five home runs last season and will once again anchor the lineup.
Senior second baseman Ty Nekoliczak, known for his defensive prowess, returns after batting .326 last year and earning an ABCA-Rawlings NAIA Gold Glove. Outfielder Bradley Hallock also brings power to the lineup, hitting .309 with 10 home runs in 2024. Speedster Zackery Day will be a key asset on the basepaths. He set a program record with 36 stolen bases as a freshman in 2023 and led the team with 16 steals last year.
On the pitching side, the Bulldogs have a mix of returning talent and potential. Christian Gutierrez was the team’s most reliable starter last season, logging 82 ⅔ innings with a 3.61 ERA, four complete games, and 63 strikeouts against just 16 walks. Braxton Greenburg, another rotation mainstay, made 10 starts in 16 appearances and struck out 48 batters in 46 innings, finishing with a 5.28 ERA. Qwin Zabokrtsky showed promise in limited action, posting a 4.19 ERA over 19 ⅓ innings in seven appearances, including two starts. Graduate student Alex Johnson is set to make his return to the rotation after injuries limited him to just three starts over the past two seasons. Johnson was the staff ace in 2022, recording a 2.77 ERA while holding opponents to a .228 average, and his return could be a significant boost for the Bulldogs.
In the bullpen, Maverick Wyler is back to handle closing duties. He made 19 appearances last season, striking out 26 batters over 21 ⅔ innings while allowing only 19 hits.
The Bulldogs have a strong mix of experienced veterans and talented newcomers and look ready to build on its recent success and remain a top contender in NAIA baseball.
22. WILLIAM CAREY CRUSADERS (37-16)
The Crusaders entered the 2024 season ranked fourth in the Perfect Game rankings and finished the year ranked third after advancing to the NAIA World Series for the second consecutive season. While the season ultimately proved successful, the journey was anything but smooth for William Carey University. At one point, the team lost six out of ten games and dropped two consecutive series late in the year. Despite these challenges, the Crusaders lived up to their preseason billing as one of the nation’s top teams. This year, the Crusaders face tempered expectations as they rebuild without three of their best hitters, one of their top starting pitchers, and one of the NAIA’s most dominant closers. However, a solid core of returning players remains, bringing valuable experience and a winning mentality.
Key returners for the Crusaders include Jerod Williams and Bridley Thomas. Williams is a steady presence in center field, hitting .299 last season with 16 stolen bases, though he doesn’t bring much power to the plate. Thomas, a dependable shortstop, slashed .284/.498/.444 last year and excelled at getting on base. His .498 on-base percentage was fueled by an eye-popping 31 walks and being hit by a pitch 39 times. Utility player Preston Radliff is another versatile contributor, batting .316 while playing first base when not pitching. Newcomer Josh Alexander is expected to provide a boost to the lineup after transferring from Louisiana, where he started 33 games and slashed .280/.331/.449. Southern Miss transfer Eli Collins is another exciting addition. Though he saw limited action last year, Collins hit .411 in junior college during the 2023 season. Additional lineup options include Jaden Mark, who batted .297 over two seasons at Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, and Tyler Ducksworth, who will aim to rebound after being limited to just three games last year.
The Crusaders’ success this season will heavily depend on their pitching staff, led by veteran starter Andrew Shirah. Now entering his third season in the rotation, Shirah has posted a 4.88 ERA over two years while striking out 141 batters in 166 innings. While effective, he’ll need to cut down on his walk rate to reach his full potential. Joining him are Josh MacCord and Bobby Magee, who bring valuable experience to the rotation. MacCord held opponents to a .269 batting average last season, though he finished with a 5.90 ERA across 29 innings. Magee, meanwhile, made eight starts in 17 appearances, striking out 55 batters in 48 ⅓ innings, but he must work on limiting hits after allowing a .308 opponent batting average. Luke Lycette delivered solid numbers in the hitter-friendly Southern States Athletic Conference, recording a 4.04 ERA and 47 strikeouts over 49 innings. Connor Wilson, who was sidelined after just one game last year, is expected to make an impact this spring, while Arkansas Little Rock transfer Matthew Davis will add depth and experience to the staff after two seasons with the Trojans.
Though the Crusaders face significant roster turnover, their experienced core and talented newcomers position them to remain competitive in 2025. While repeating their recent postseason success will be a challenge, William Carey has the pieces to stay in the mix as they navigate what could be a transitional year.
23. BELLEVUE BRUINS (39-14)
The Bruins remain a challenging team to assess, and the 2025 season is no exception. Bellevue finished the 2024 campaign with a 39-14 record, dominating the North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) with a 21-2 conference record to claim their fifth consecutive NSAA regular-season title. Despite their success within the conference, the NSAA, largely centered in North Dakota, has not consistently provided stiff competition for the Bruins, aside from occasional pushes by Jamestown. Removing their conference games, Bellevue was just 18-12 against non-conference opponents. To their credit, the Bruins frequently schedule quality non-conference opponents, but the Nebraska-based team often struggles early in the season due to limited outdoor practice time in the winter months. Nevertheless, Bellevue consistently fields strong teams, as evidenced by their 50-win seasons and multiple NAIA World Series appearances. With some key players returning, the Bruins are poised to improve on last season’s performance, which ended with an 0-2 exit in the NAIA Opening Round.
Logan Grant and Jake Lacey headline the Bruin offense. Grant, an All-American and NSAA Player of the Year, played in all 53 games last season, hitting .346 with 16 doubles and a team-leading 20 home runs. In addition to his offensive power, Grant’s defensive prowess earned him the NSAA Golden Glove as a catcher. Lacey also played every game and led the team with 77 hits, batting .383 with 28 extra-base hits, including 12 home runs. First baseman Steve Elsner was another offensive powerhouse, posting a .357 batting average, 14 doubles, 19 home runs, and a team-best .784 slugging percentage. Local talent Anthony Lind, who has put together two impressive seasons, hit .350 with nine home runs last year. Veteran middle infielder CJ Townsend returns for his fourth season, bringing consistency to the lineup after hitting .302 last year and recording the team’s longest hitting streak at 20 games. Scott Hansen, who redshirted last season, made the most of his limited appearances, batting .393 in 10 games—a promising sign for his future contributions.
The Bruins also welcome two key newcomers to their lineup. Nolan Walther, a catcher from Southwest Mississippi Community College, batted .307 last season, while Elijah Tanner, an All-Northwest Conference honoree from Whitworth, joins Bellevue after excelling in both baseball and football for the Pirates.
Bellevue’s pitching staff faces turnover with the graduation of its top two starters, but returning players Brady Toth and Gavin Wuschke are poised to step into larger roles. Toth, who split time as both a starter and reliever, posted a 3.66 ERA over 64 innings, striking out 56 while also earning four saves. Wuschke started nine games and struck out 53 batters over 56 innings, finishing with a 5.46 ERA. Parker McMan, who appeared in 14 games with one start last year, is another candidate to join the rotation. Teron Williams will bolster the bullpen again this year after a dominant 2024 season in which he recorded a 0.56 ERA over 13 relief appearances, allowing only seven hits in 16 innings.
New additions to the pitching staff include Kody Butt from Williston State College and Cannon Close from Olympic College, both of whom could compete for starting roles. Butt was electric last season, starting 11 of 12 appearances and striking out 92 batters in just 54 innings. Close brings consistency, having pitched 70 ⅓ innings with a 3.20 ERA last year. With this blend of returning talent and promising newcomers, Bellevue aims to remain the NSAA’s dominant force and make a deeper run in the NAIA postseason.
24. OAKLAND CITY MIGHTY OAKS (45-17)
Oakland City University has been a program on the rise since Andy Lasher took the helm in 2020. Before his tenure, the Mighty Oaks rarely achieved a winning record and were considered one of the weaker teams in NCAA Division II. However, since transitioning back to the NAIA in 2021 and joining the River States Conference (RSC), the program has reached unprecedented levels of success under Lasher’s leadership. Last season, the Mighty Oaks finished fourth in the RSC with a 17-7 conference record, concluding the year with an overall record of 45-18, setting a new school record for wins. Although they didn’t advance to the NAIA Opening Round, the team made an impressive run in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) tournament, advancing out of the Mideast Regional and finishing as national runner-up. With much of their lineup and pitching staff returning, the Mighty Oaks are poised to contend for the RSC title and an NAIA Opening Round berth this season.
Catcher Oliver Hamilton and shortstop Marcos Arocho were standouts last year, earning All-RSC honors. Hamilton led the team in all major offensive categories, slashing .372/.453/.663 with 17 doubles, two triples, and a team-high 10 home runs. Arocho was equally impactful, batting .338 while showcasing stellar defense with only six errors at shortstop. Third baseman Xander Wills was another key contributor, hitting .325 with 10 home runs and leading the team with 21 stolen bases. Fred Fernandez, recognized for his defensive prowess at first base, also had an impressive season offensively, batting .354 with seven home runs. Outfielder Leyton Ivers made a strong impact as a freshman, hitting .326 with nine home runs and 12 stolen bases.
The team has added depth with players like outfielder Dongjoon Shin, transfer Josh Russell from Olney Central College, and freshman Hudson Allen, all of whom are expected to challenge for playing time and enhance the roster.
On the mound, Oakland City boasts a formidable pitching staff led by Benjamen Simmons and Gehrid Tenhumberg, both of whom received All-RSC honors last season. Simmons posted a stellar 3.00 ERA over 75 innings, allowing just 58 hits while striking out 65 and holding opposing batters to a .216 average. Tenhumberg was equally impressive, striking out 102 batters in 83 innings with only 76 hits and 20 walks allowed. Freshman standout Mick Uebelhor was sensational in his debut season, compiling a 2.05 ERA over 44 innings while holding opponents to a .167 batting average in 14 appearances, including seven starts. Evan Price has also been a reliable reliever, striking out 27 batters in 21 ⅓ innings across 20 appearances last year. Freshman Chase Rubenacker could play a significant role in the pitching rotation as well.
The Mighty Oaks’ balanced roster and a deep pitching staff, Oakland City looks ready to build on last year’s record-setting success and compete for postseason opportunities in 2025.
25. TABOR BLUE JAYS (38-16)
Tabor College promises to be an exciting team to watch this season, likely engaging in numerous high-scoring games. The Blue Jays are coming off one of their best campaigns in recent years, finishing with an impressive 38-16 overall record and securing second place in the KCAC with a 28-8 conference mark. While the team will miss two of its top hitters from last season, the core of a lineup that batted .359 — a whopping 30 points higher than any other school in their conference — and slugged .582 remains intact. The Blue Jays also return several key pitchers but will need a few arms to step up to compete on a national level.
Catcher Garryn Plummer will anchor the offense again after hitting .389 last season with 12 doubles and 10 home runs. He’ll be joined by five other returning starters, all of whom batted at least .348 and played in 29 or more games. Shortstop Isaiah Cohens, a transfer with experience at DI programs Gonzaga and Arkansas-Pine Bluff, hit .348 and stole 14 bases last season. Third baseman Marcelo Aguirre will remain a pivotal player, boasting a .366 average with nine doubles and a team-leading 13 home runs; he also made five starts as a pitcher. Across the diamond, first baseman Cody Moore drove in a team-high 62 runs while batting .357. Outfielder Juan Rosa Gonzalez, a former Mississippi Valley State DI player, hit .364 with 10 doubles and 11 home runs. Center fielder Mikey Acosta batted .350 with 11 stolen bases in 54 games, while new outfielder Cole Schieffer, a transfer from Barton Community College, adds further depth to the lineup.
On the mound, Payton Tinker looks poised to lead the pitching staff. Last season, he logged a team-high 83 ⅔ innings, allowing 93 hits, striking out 83 batters, and finishing with a 5.27 ERA. Fellow starters Evan Williams and Quintin Holman bring valuable experience. Williams appeared in 13 games, including seven starts, and struck out 25 batters in 25 ⅔ innings. Holman struck out 49 batters over 45 innings in 16 appearances. Out of the bullpen, Garrick Levesque and Sergio Gutierrez were outstanding. Levesque posted a stellar 2.05 ERA over 26 ⅓ innings, striking out 29 batters while allowing just 24 hits. Gutierrez, who appeared in 18 games, recorded a team-high five saves and struck out 30 batters over 37 ⅓ innings.
Adding to the pitching depth are transfers Zaid Flynn and Wyatt Bauer. Flynn, from Yakima Valley College, started 11 games last season and struck out 42 batters in 50 innings. Bauer, who pitched for GateWay Community College, logged 38 ⅔ relief innings with a 4.66 ERA. Both could provide the boost Tabor needs to solidify its staff in the offense-heavy KCAC.