As the 2025 college baseball season approaches, there's excitement building around some lesser-known but powerhouse programs that have consistently shown their ability to compete at the highest level. These teams are on the rise, and these schools should be on your radar. Here’s a look at the top 15 D1 programs that are poised to make waves in 2025:

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UNC Wilmington Seahawks

• Location: Wilmington, North Carolina
• 2024 Record: 37-21
• Notable Players: Trevor Marsh (OF), Zane Taylor (RHP)
• Why Watch: Known for their solid defense and pitching, UNC Wilmington had another impressive season, making it to the CAA tournament semifinals. Wilmington’s coastal location also offers a great environment for student-athletes, and the school consistently develops professional-caliber talent.

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Dallas Baptist Patriots

• Location: Dallas, Texas
• 2024 Record: 42-18
• Notable Players: Ryan Wrobleski (C), Jonathan Santucci (LHP)
• Why Watch: Dallas Baptist has established itself as a mid-major powerhouse, regularly making it deep into the postseason. Their 2024 season was no different, as they advanced to the NCAA Regionals. Their combination of hitting power and a deep pitching rotation makes them dangerous in 2025.

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Charleston Cougars

• Location: Charleston, South Carolina
• 2024 Record: 35-23
• Notable Players: Luke Wood (SS), Ty Good (RHP)
• Why Watch: Charleston’s historic campus and southern charm make it a desirable location, but it’s their gritty baseball program that turns heads. After a solid 2024, they are set to return key players, including standout pitcher Ty Good, which will keep them competitive in the CAA.

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Indiana State Sycamores

• Location: Terre Haute, Indiana
• 2024 Record: 40-19
• Notable Players: Connor Fenlong (RHP), Seth Gergely (OF)
• Why Watch: The Sycamores made a name for themselves by winning the Missouri Valley Conference and earning a spot in the NCAA Regionals in 2024. Their scrappy play and disciplined pitching staff make them a tough opponent. Fenlong’s return will provide a boost to their postseason hopes.

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UC Santa Barbara Gauchos

• Location: Santa Barbara, California
• 2024 Record: 38-19
• Notable Players: Ryan Gallagher (RHP), Aaron Parker (OF)
• Why Watch: UC Santa Barbara consistently competes for the Big West title, and 2024 was no different. Their pitching development is elite, producing numerous professional players. The Gauchos are expected to bring back many key players, especially on the mound, which will make them formidable in 2025.

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Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

• Location: Ruston, Louisiana
• 2024 Record: 39-20
• Notable Players: Dalton Davis (1B), Greg Martinez (RHP)
• Why Watch: The Bulldogs made a strong showing in Conference USA in 2024, with an impressive offense led by Davis. They have also built a beautiful new stadium that enhances the overall experience for players and fans alike. Martinez’s return to the mound will give them an edge in 2025.

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Lamar Cardinals

• Location: Beaumont, Texas
• 2024 Record: 33-24
• Notable Players: Tanner Driskill (RHP), Zach Bravo (INF)
• Why Watch: Lamar had a breakout 2024 season, building a solid team in the Southland Conference. They have a reputation for developing tough, hard-nosed players, and with key returners like Bravo, the Cardinals are expected to push for a higher conference finish in 2025.

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James Madison Dukes

• Location: Harrisonburg, Virginia
• 2024 Record: 32-26
• Notable Players: Ty Wasinger (C), Chad Womack (LHP)
• Why Watch: Moving to the Sun Belt Conference has brought more visibility and competition to the Dukes' program. Womack’s dominant left-handed pitching and Wasinger’s leadership behind the plate make JMU a sleeper pick to surprise in 2025.

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Cal Poly Mustangs

• Location: San Luis Obispo, California
• 2024 Record: 31-26
• Notable Players: Drew Thorpe (RHP), Brooks Lee (SS)
• Why Watch: Cal Poly’s tradition of developing MLB-ready pitchers was on display again in 2024, with Thorpe leading the rotation. Their scenic campus and competitive program make it a great destination for student-athletes. Brooks Lee’s return as a premier shortstop makes the Mustangs a team to watch.

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Troy Trojans

• Location: Troy, Alabama
• 2024 Record: 36-22
• Notable Players: William Sullivan (1B), Brady Fuller (RHP)
• Why Watch: The Trojans have been quietly building a strong program in the Sun Belt. Their offensive firepower, led by Sullivan, and the emergence of young ace Brady Fuller, give them a balanced attack that will make them a top contender for the conference title in 2025.

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Northeastern Huskies

• Location: Boston, Massachusetts
• 2024 Record: 35-21
• Notable Players: Eric Yost (RHP), Mike Sirota (OF)
• Why Watch: The Huskies’ defensive prowess and disciplined play in the CAA helped them finish with a strong record in 2024. Northeastern’s location in Boston provides unique recruiting opportunities, and Yost’s dominant pitching makes them a serious threat for 2025.

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Florida Gulf Coast Eagles

• Location: Fort Myers, Florida
• 2024 Record: 39-18
• Notable Players: Alejandro Figueredo (INF), Mason Miller (RHP)
• Why Watch: Florida Gulf Coast has turned into a powerhouse in the ASUN Conference. Their 2024 season was defined by an explosive offense and deep pitching, led by Figueredo and Miller. With their prime location in sunny Florida, they are able to recruit top-tier talent and will be a force in 2025.

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Grand Canyon Antelopes

• Location: Phoenix, Arizona
• 2024 Record: 37-20
• Notable Players: Jacob Wilson (SS), Cade Sampson (RHP)
• Why Watch: GCU’s rapid rise in the WAC has been fueled by their aggressive recruiting and player development. Jacob Wilson is one of the best all-around shortstops in the country, and with a strong supporting cast, the Antelopes are set to continue their winning ways in 2025.

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Austin Peay Governors

• Location: Clarksville, Tennessee
• 2024 Record: 32-25
• Notable Players: Jack Alexander (C), Luke Brown (OF)
• Why Watch: Austin Peay’s 2024 season saw steady improvement, with notable wins against higher-ranked opponents in the ASUN. Alexander’s ability to command the pitching staff and Brown’s speed on the base paths make them a dangerous team heading into 2025.

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Samford Bulldogs

• Location: Birmingham, Alabama
• 2024 Record: 40-17
• Notable Players: Stephen Klein (OF), Michael Ross (LHP)
• Why Watch: Samford dominated the Southern Conference in 2024, making it to the NCAA Regionals. Their combination of power hitting, led by Klein, and a strong rotation, anchored by Ross, makes them one of the most exciting mid-major programs to follow in 2025.

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Why These Programs Matter‍

These 15 programs may not always get the same attention as the traditional powerhouses, but they have been quietly building something special. Whether it’s through strong recruiting, top-notch player development, or the ability to perform on the national stage, these schools have proven they can compete with anyone.

Whether you’re looking for a college baseball program with a strong player development focus, great location, or a rising competitive edge, these schools provide excellent opportunities. Parents and players should keep these teams in mind, as they offer not only high-level baseball but also the potential for substantial individual growth and exposure to professional scouts.

As we approach 2025, these programs are primed to make noise on the national stage, and you’ll want to keep an eye on how they continue their ascent!

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