The college baseball season is approaching, and the Big Ten preseason poll has been released, with the Oregon Ducks taking the lead. Hoping to replicate their football team’s success, the Ducks are expected to clinch the Big Ten regular season baseball championship in their inaugural year in the conference, outpacing Nebraska, Indiana, UCLA, Michigan, and USC in the rankings. It’s evident where the hierarchy lies in the Big Ten.
The Ducks top the Big Ten poll and have two players recognized by the conference: sophomore shortstop Maddox Molony and junior outfielder Mason Neville, who have both received accolades ahead of the season’s kickoff.
Although Oregon has only made one College World Series appearance in its long history, the last being in 1954, their baseball program has seen recent success with multiple NCAA Tournament entries and several conference championships.
As they transition into their new environment, Oregon will face adjustments. With the target squarely on their backs as preseason favorites, familiar rivals like USC and UCLA await, while new challenges against teams such as Michigan and Indiana loom on the horizon. The 2025 season promises to be one of the most exciting for Oregon baseball, beginning with their matchup against Toledo this Friday.
