Arkansas baseball 2025 season preview: 3 biggest games, key players, predictions and more

The Arkansas Razorbacks had a tough season in NCAA Baseball this year. They looked strong in the regular season, winning the last SEC West regular season title with a 20-10 record. Although they failed to make an impression in the SEC Tournament, they earned the fifth national seed in the NCAA Tournament and the right to host an NCAA Regional.

In the postseason, the Razorbacks suffered a shock exit in the Fayetteville Regional following successive losses to the Kansas State Wildcats and the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks, the third and fourth seeds in the regional. They finished the season with a 44-16 record.

Following a disappointing end to their 2024 season, Dave Van Horn and the Razorbacks will be keen on reversing their fortunes next year.

3 key games for Arkansas baseball in the 2025 season

1. Texas A&M Aggies

This year, the Razorbacks pipped the Aggies to the SEC West regular season title. However, the Aggies made their maiden College World Series finals appearance and will likely be one of the teams to beat in 2025. This game will test both teams' credentials for achieving glory next season.

2. Ole Miss Rebels

The expansion of the SEC from next year saw the introduction of permanent scheduling. As per the new format, the Rebels will be one of two permanent opponents for Arkansas in 2025.

Although their rivalry isn't as fiery as others in college baseball, both teams are usually at their best when they play each other. It was seen in the 2022 College World Series when the Rebels beat the Razorbacks en route to winning their maiden NCAA Tournament.

3. LSU Tigers

In recent years, the Razorbacks and the Tigers have formed an interesting rivalry. While the seven-time College World Series winners have come out on top more often in recent times, the Razorbacks were better this year.

With the Tigers having arguably the strongest recruitment drive of all teams for 2025, they could be one of the most formidable opponents next season.

Key players for the Arkansas Razorbacks in 2025

1. Carson Wiggins, RHP

Wiggins is one of the Razorbacks' most exciting signees for 2025. He ranks 77th in the top 200 prospects for next year's draft as per MLB Pipeline and follows Tyson Lewis, who was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds this year, in the top-ranked prospects by Perfect Game.

With the Razorbacks losing a majority of their bullpen in the draft, Wiggins will be keen to make an impression in his freshman season. Armed with a fastball maxing out at 99mph and a slider averaging between 83-85mph, he could be one of the biggest assets for the Razorbacks in 2025.

2. Gabe Gaeckle, RHP

Gaeckle produced a solid freshman season for the Razorbacks this year. He finished the season 3-3 while recording 57 strikeouts with an ERA of 2.32 in 42.2 innings pitched.

With a full season of NCAA Baseball under his belt, Van Horn will expect him to take on a bigger role in his sophomore season.

3. Wehiwa Aloy, INF

Aloy was one of the star hitters for the Razorbacks in his sophomore season this year. He led the Razorbacks in home runs (14), RBIs (56) and at-bats (237) while recording an average of .270.

Aloy is projected to be a first-round pick in next year's draft. With expectations mounting, he will be expected to lead the Razorbacks' hitting line-up in his junior season to help them achieve their goals and increase his stock ahead of the draft.

Predicting Arkansas Razorbacks' 2025 baseball season

The Razorbacks' 2025 recruiting class is ranked 17th per Perfect Game. Given their loss of key players in this year's draft, the Razorbacks need to make more additions in the off-season to mount a serious challenge in 2025.

With the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners joining the SEC, the Razorbacks could face stiffer competition in the regular season. However, Van Horn's experience developing his roster should see the Razorbacks make the postseason and return to the College World Series in Omaha. However, they are among the dark horses to win the NCAA Tournament.