A deep look at the Sun Devils' prospects
The Arizona State Sun Devils concluded the regular season with a 37‑19 overall record, finishing third in the Big 12 and earning a No. 3 seed in the Lincoln Regional despite a modest RPI ranking. The seeding has not dampened optimism among analysts who see the team as a genuine threat to reach Omaha.
Carter Bahns, a prominent college baseball commentator, has labeled the Sun Devils a "legitimate College World Series contender," while Jacob Rudner points to Arizona State and Ole Miss as the two most dangerous non‑host teams in the tournament. Mark Schofield adds that Baseball America ranks the club No. 14 overall, underscoring its national respect.
At the heart of the lineup is sophomore slugger Landon Hairston, who boasts a .413 batting average and 28 home runs, positioning him as the premier offensive weapon in the regional. Hairston’s performance has also earned him a semifinalist spot for the 2026 Golden Spikes Award and has propelled him to the top of several national offensive categories.
The Sun Devils’ offense is among the nation’s best, ranking sixth in both batting average and slugging percentage. Taylor Hodges, another analyst, believes the team’s combination of power and consistency could be enough to capture the regional title and advance to the College World Series.
The regional field includes formidable opponents such as Nebraska, Ole Miss and South Dakota State. Rudner emphasizes that both Ole Miss and Arizona State are among the hardest‑hitting squads in the country, suggesting that the competition will be intense but that the Sun Devils are well‑equipped to handle it.
If the Sun Devils can navigate the regional, they would join a storied program that has historically been a staple in Omaha. The blend of elite hitting, strong pitching depth and a high‑caliber coaching staff positions Arizona State to potentially make a deep tournament run.