The Arizona State Sun Devils baseball team has once again earned a spot in the NCAA postseason, marking their 43rd overall appearance and securing the third seed in the upcoming Lincoln Regional of the 2026 NCAA Baseball Tournament.
A Historic Seed and a Familiar Rival
Hosted by the University of Nebraska, the regional will feature the Sun Devils facing Ole Miss in the opening game, followed by matchups against Nebraska and South Dakota State. The Sun Devils bring a strong track record, having never been swept in a weekend series this season and maintaining a 3-0 all-time record against Ole Miss.
At the heart of Arizona State's lineup is Landon Hairston, who captured the Big 12 Player of the Year honor after setting a school record with 28 home runs in a single season. His power surge has been a key driver in the team's 11-2 record in weekend series and its consistent performance in advanced metrics that place the squad among the nation's leaders in strikeouts and swing‑and‑miss rates.
The Sun Devils' rivalry with Nebraska adds extra intrigue, as the two programs have traded historic victories, with Arizona State holding a 7-5 edge in the all-time series. This season, the team posted a perfect 16-0 record in conference play over the past four years, underscoring their durability and depth.
Arizona State's journey to the Lincoln Regional also marks a first for South Dakota State University, which will make its program debut in the tournament. The Sun Devils' perfect 3-0 record against Ole Miss and their never‑before‑faced opponent status against South Dakota State highlight the unique storylines that will unfold when the regional begins.