Image credit:
Texas A&M’s Braden Montgomery (Photo by Eddie Kelly / ProLook Photos)

Texas A&M remains No. 1 in the Baseball America Top 25 after winning a series at Alabama.

The Aggies went 3-1 on the week and their offense exploded for 53 runs in four games. They lead the nation in wins (35) and remain atop the rankings for the second straight week.

The top four teams remained unchanged this week, as Arkansas, Tennessee and Clemson follow A&M. Duke rounds out the top five.

Two new teams join the Top 25, as Arizona and Indiana State move into the rankings at Nos. 23 and 24. Both teams are ranked for the first time this year and are in first place in their respective conferences, the Pac-12 and Missouri Valley.

Dallas Baptist and Lamar dropped out of the Top 25 after losing series. 

The staff of Baseball America determines the Top 25 rankings. Records indicated are through April 21.

Weekend Record reflects a team’s weekend results as a collective unit in an effort to incorporate tournament results and not just reflect a team’s record in weekend series. 

Related content

1. Texas A&M

Previous ranking: No. 1
Last week: 3-1
Overall: 35-5, 13-5 in SEC (11-5 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 9-1

Results

April 16: Air Force: W 15-5 (7)
April 19-20: @ (12) Alabama: W 10-5, W 18-9, L 10-9

Upcoming

April 23: Houston
April 26-28: Georgia

The Aggies kept rolling and became the first team this season to win a series at Alabama, something Arkansas, South Carolina and Tennessee all previously failed to do. A&M broke out its big bats to do so, scoring 38 runs in the series. The Aggies hit nine home runs in the series, including two each from Jackson Appel, Braden Montgomery and Caden Sorrell. A&M this week hosts Georgia in what could be another slugfest, as the Bulldogs rank second in the country in home runs.

2. Arkansas

Previous ranking: No. 2
Last week: 4-1
Overall: 34-6, 14-4 in SEC (7-3 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 9-1

Results

April 16-17: Texas Tech: W 9-8, W 5-4
April 19-20: @ (19) South Carolina: W 2-1, L 6-3, W 9-6

Upcoming

April 23: vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (North Little Rock, Ark.)
April 26-28: Florida

After last week taking its first series loss of the season, Arkansas bounced back in a big way. First, it swept Texas Tech in a midweek series, including erasing a seven-run deficit in Tuesday’s victory. Then it grabbed a huge road series win at South Carolina. The Razorbacks got quality starts in its two wins from Hagen Smith (6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 5 BB, 11 K) and Brady Tygart (6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 6 K) to lead the way. Arkansas this weekend returns home to host Florida.

3. Tennessee

Previous ranking: No. 3
Last week: 3-1
Overall: 33-7, 12-6 in SEC (8-5 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 9-1

Results

April 16: Bellarmine: W 20-5
April 19-21: @ (7) Kentucky: L 5-3, W 9-4, W 13-11

Upcoming

April 23: Western Carolina
April 25-27: Missouri

Tennessee continued to roll with a statement road series win at No. 7 Kentucky. After dropping the first game, the Volunteers responded with wins Saturday and Sunday. In the finale, they stormed back from a 6-2 deficit due in large part to three home runs off the bat of Christian Moore who this weekend went 9-for-15 with nine RBIs and four homers. Kavares Tears delivered what was perhaps the swing of the weekend, as on Sunday he blasted the go-ahead, two-run home run. The Vols this week return home and will take on Western Carolina and Missouri.

4. Clemson

Previous ranking: No. 2
Last week: 3-1
Overall: 32-7, 13-5 in ACC (4-1 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 9-1

Results

April 16: Charlotte: W 8-5
April 19-20: Pittsburgh: W 6-4, L 8-4, W 9-2

Upcoming

April 23: @ Georgia
April 26-28: @ Louisville

After last week losing its first series of the season, Clemson bounced back with a solid week at home. After splitting the first two games of its series against Pitt, Clemson left no doubt in the series finale. Jimmy Obertop homered three times in that game and went 7-for-14 with five home runs in the series to lead the Tigers. They have a tough week on the road ahead, starting Tuesday with a rivalry game at Georgia before a trip to Louisville on the weekend.

5. Duke

Previous ranking: No. 6
Last week: 3-1
Overall:  29-11, 13-8 in ACC (6-4 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 8-2

Results

April 16: Gardner-Webb: W 2-1
April 19-21: @ Virginia Tech: W 9-8 (11), L 2-1 (11), W 13-10

Upcoming

April 23: @ Campbell
April 26-28: (6) Florida State

The Blue Devils picked up a trio of hard-fought wins this week, headlined by a series win over Virginia Tech. Veteran Ben Miller was the hero Friday night, as after belting a game-tying home run in the top of the ninth he laced the game-winning RBI single in the top of the 11th. In the finale, the Blue Devils stormed back from a 9-4 seventh-inning deficit to take the series. They crushed six home runs—including two from freshman AJ Gracia—and Charlie Beilenson, who fired four scoreless innings to earn the win Friday, slammed the door with a scoreless ninth inning. A difficult week lies ahead for Duke, which will take on Campbell before a weekend showdown against Florida State.

6. Florida State

Previous ranking: No. 5
Last week: 1-3
Overall: 31-8, 11-7 in ACC (3-5 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 8-2

Results

April 16: Mercer: L 13-6
April 19-21: @ (14) Wake Forest: L 5-4, W 9-6, L 10-9

Upcoming

April 23: North Florida
April 26-28: @ (5) Duke

The Seminoles endured a tough week. They lost a non-conference game for the first time this season, falling on Tuesday to Mercer. Florida State then traveled to Wake Forest for what turned out to be a thrilling series, though one that it came up just shy in. All three games were decided in the final innings and Florida State’s win in the middle game came when it scored three runs in the ninth inning on an RBI double from Marco Dinges and a two-run home run from Jaime Ferrer. Florida State this weekend faces another difficult road series, as it visits Duke.

7. Kentucky

Previous ranking: No. 7
Last week: 2-2
Overall: 32-7, 15-3 in SEC (7-2 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 8-2

Results

April 16: @ Louisville: W 17-13
April 19-21: (3) Tennessee: W 5-3, L 9-4, L 13-11

Upcoming

April 26-28: @ (22) South Carolina

After picking up a pair of big wins to begin the week, Kentucky dropped the final two games of its series against Tennessee. Sunday’s loss was particularly hard to swallow given the fact it led 6-2 in the sixth inning. The biggest bright spot this week for the Wildcats was outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt, who went 10-for-18 with three doubles, four home runs and 11 RBIs across four games. Kentucky is still atop the SEC standings and will travel this weekend to South Carolina.

8. East Carolina

Previous ranking: No. 10
Last week: 4-0
Overall: 32-7, 11-4 in American (3-1 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 9-1

Results

April 16: @ William & Mary: W 14-13 (13)
April 19-20: Wichita State: W 6-4, W 11-7, W 11-4

Upcoming

April 23: (17) NC State
April 26-28: @ Memphis

The Pirates rolled to a 4-0 week and have now won nine of their last 10 games. It wasn’t easy for ECU, however. On Tuesday at William & Mary, ECU needed 13 innings to put the Pride away, despite getting them down to their final out in the ninth and 11th inning. Against Wichita State, ECU fell behind early in both games of Saturday’s doubleheader before exploding for 11 runs in each game. ECU this week takes on in-state rival NC State before traveling to Memphis.

9. Vanderbilt

Previous ranking: No. 13
Last week: 3-1
Overall: 29-11, 10-8 in SEC (6-7 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 8-2

Results

April 16: @ Lipscomb: W 15-4 (7)
April 18-20: Florida: W 10-5, W 5-2, L 6-2

Upcoming

April 23: Tennessee-Martin
April 26-28: Mississippi State

After getting swept last week at Texas A&M, Vanderbilt bounced back with a solid week in Nashville. After blowing out crosstown rival Lipscomb on Tuesday, it won a series against Florida. Catcher Alan Espinal went 5-for-14 and homered twice to lead the lineup against the Gators. Vanderbilt remains at home this week, welcoming Mississippi State to Hawkins Field.

10. Wake Forest

Previous ranking: No. 14
Last week: 2-2
Overall: 26-13, 11-10 in ACC (7-9 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 7-3

Results

April 16: vs. UNC Wilmington (Durham, N.C.): L 8-5
April 19-20: (5) Florida State: W 5-4, L 9-6, W 10-9

Upcoming

April 23: @ Elon
April 26-28: @ Notre Dame

Wake lost a tough game Tuesday against UNCW but bounced back for a hard-fought series win against Florida State. The series came down to the wire and the Demon Deacons scored the winning run when Cameron Gill raced home from third on a wild pitch to walk off with the victory. For the third time in four weeks, Wake this weekend will be back on the road in ACC play, this time visiting Notre Dame.

11. Virginia

Previous ranking: No. 9
Last week: 2-3
Overall:  29-11, 12-9 in ACC (7-4 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 7-3

Results

April 16: @ Old Dominion: L 7-4

April 17: George Mason: W 11-5
April 19-21: Georgia Tech: L 13-2 (8), W 8-7 (11), L 17-12

Upcoming

April 23: Liberty
April 25-27: @ Boston College

Following an upset loss at Old Dominion, Virginia dropped its series against Georgia Tech in underwhelming fashion. It bounced back from a run-rule loss in the series opener by notching a hard-fought, 11-inning win Saturday, but gave up a whopping 25 hits in Sunday’s shootout loss. A handful of hitters enjoyed productive weekends, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the struggles on the mound. The ‘Hoos this week will host Liberty before heading north to take on a struggling Boston College team.

12. North Carolina

Previous ranking: No. 11
Last week: 1-3
Overall:  30-10, 15-6 in ACC (7-8 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 6-4

Results

April 16: (21) Coastal Carolina: L 5-4
April 18-20: @ (22) NC State: L 9-8, L 5-4, W 14-3

Upcoming

April 23: Gardner-Webb
April 26-28: Virginia Tech

The Tar Heels lost a trio of tough, one-run games this week. On Tuesday, UNC lost at home to Coastal Carolina, snapping their 27-game home winning streak that dated to last season. It then lost the first two games of its series at NC State, with both losses coming in the late innings. The Tar Heels bounced back for a blowout victory in Saturday’s finale, led by four-hit days from Vance Honeycutt and Colby Wilkerson. UNC returns home for four games this week and will look to start a new winning streak at Boshamer Stadium.

13. Oregon State

Previous ranking: No. 8
Last week: 1-4
Overall: 30-9, 10-7 in Pac-12 (1-1 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 8-2

Results

April 16-17: @ Nevada: W 12-5, L 11-10
April 19-21: @ California: L 10-8, L 8-7, L 4-3

Upcoming

April 23: vs. Portland
April 26-28: (18) Oregon

It was a week to forget for the Beavers, who after blowing a six-run lead Wednesday at Nevada were swept by California. Their lineup was relatively productive, but their pitching and defense both struggled and surrendered far too many free bases. Oregon State will look to get back to its winning ways this weekend as it hosts Oregon in a rivalry series.

14. UC Irvine

Previous ranking: No. 15
Last week: 3-1
Overall: 28-8, 11-4 in Big West (2-1 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 9-1

Results

April 17: Southern California: L 12-4
April 19-21: vs/@ San Diego State: W 4-3, W 9-8, W 7-6 (10)

Upcoming

April 23: @ UCLA
April 26-28: @ UC Riverside

UCI bounced back from its midweek loss against USC by notching a trio of one-run wins—including two in come-from-behind fashion—against San Diego State. The Anteaters on Saturday trailed 6-3 in the ninth inning before exploding for six runs in the inning, and on Sunday they erased a 6-1 seventh inning deficit en route to an extra-inning victory. Will Bermudez paced the offense with seven RBIs, while Nick Pinto (7.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 11 K) spun his fifth quality start in the last six weeks. UCI this week will hit the road for four games against UCLA and UC Riverside.

15. Coastal Carolina

Previous ranking: No. 21
Last week: 3-1
Overall: 27-12, 11-7 in Sun Belt (5-3 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 8-2

Results

April 16: @ (11) North Carolina: W 5-4
April 19-20: (20) Louisiana: W 9-1, L 8-6, W 12-10

Upcoming

April 23-24: @ Creighton 
April 26-28: Troy

The Chanticleers had a big week. First, they took down North Carolina in Chapel Hill, becoming the first team this season to beat the Tar Heels in Boshamer Stadium. Then, they won the first-place showdown against Louisiana, outslugging the Ragin’ Cajuns. Second baseman Blake Barthol (6-for-12, 3 2B) and outfielder Graham Brown (6-for-14, 3 2B, 2 HR) led the way for Coastal. The Chanticleers have another tough week ahead, as they first travel to Creighton for a mid-week series before welcoming Troy to Springs Brooks Stadium.

16. Oklahoma

Previous ranking: No. 25
Last week: 3-0
Overall: 24-14, 14-4 in Big 12 (4-2 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 6-4

Results

April 18-20: @ BYU: W 10-8, W 12-6, W 10-7

Upcoming

April 23: Wichita State

April 26-28: Texas

The Sooners stayed crimson hot with a sweep at BYU to run their winning streak to seven games, including back-to-back conference sweeps. Oklahoma has swept four conference series in a season for the first time since the Big 12’s creation in 1996 and it tops the league standings. Senior outfielder Bryce Madron led the way at BYU, going 7-for-13 with four home runs and three doubles in the series. Oklahoma faces a big week ahead, including the Red River Rivalry against Texas.

17. NC State

Previous ranking: No. 22
Last week: 2-2
Overall: 22-15, 11-10 in ACC (7-4 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 8-2

Results

April 16: Campbell: L 11-7 (12)
April 18-20: (11) North Carolina: W 9-8, W 5-4, L 14-3

Upcoming

April 23: @ (8) East Carolina
April 26-28: Ball State

NC State rode the momentum it built from its series win at Clemson into this weekend and picked up another big-time series win against rival North Carolina. In Thursday’s series opener, the Wolfpack weathered a Tar Heel comeback and won in walk-off fashion thanks to a Brandon Butterworth solo blast. On Friday, the Pack mounted a comeback of their own and scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to clinch the series. Butterworth was again the hero, as after he laced an RBI single he came around to score the go-ahead run on a passed ball. After a marquee midweek tilt against No. 8 East Carolina, NC State this weekend hosts Ball State.

18. Oregon

Previous ranking: No. 16
Last week: 2-2
Overall: 27-12, 11-7 in Pac-12 (0-1 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 8-2

Results

April 16: Gonzaga: W 14-9
April 19-21: @ Stanford: L 19-7, W 17-5, L 10-7

Upcoming

April 22: San Francisco 
April 26-28: @ (13) Oregon State

Oregon dropped a pair of games at Stanford for its first Pac-12 series loss of the season. Its starting pitching struggled and allowed a total of 19 earned runs across 15 innings. The offense collected double-digit hits in each of the three games and Jacob Walsh (8-for-12) and Chase Meggers (6-for-13) led the charge with four and six RBIs, respectively. The Ducks have a huge rivalry series this weekend as they travel to Corvallis to take on Oregon State.

19. Oklahoma State

Previous ranking: No. 17
Last week: 1-3
Overall: 26-14, 11-7 in Big 12 (3-4 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 7-3

Results

April 16: (23) Dallas Baptist: L 8-7
April 19-21: Kansas State: L 6-5 (12), L 7-2, W 6-4

Upcoming

April 23: @ Oral Roberts
April 25-27: BYU

While it salvaged the week with a 6-4 win Sunday, Oklahoma State fell to Dallas Baptist before losing its series against Kansas State. After an explosive weekend against Cincinnati, the Cowboys’ bats remained relatively quiet and were unable to produce many fireworks. Sam Garcia—who has not issued a walk in his last four starts (24.2 IP)—spun a quality start and allowed only two runs across six innings. Oklahoma State will aim to get back on track with a midweek matchup at Oral Roberts before a home series against BYU.

20. Alabama

Previous ranking: No. 12
Last week: 1-3
Overall: 25-15, 7-11 in SEC (8-9 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 7-3

Results

April 16: UAB: L 5-2
April 18-20: (1) Texas A&M: L 10-5, L 18-9, W 10-9

Upcoming

April 23: Samford
April 25-27: @ Mississippi

The Crimson Tide followed up their thrilling series win over previously top-ranked Arkansas with a rough week that included a midweek loss to UAB and a series loss to Texas A&M. However, they were able to salvage the series with a one-run win in the finale to build some momentum as they head into the new week. Alabama’s offense fared well as it averaged eight runs per game and notched double-digit hits in each game this weekend. Veteran Mac Guscette led the charge with a pair of grand slams and 11 RBIs. Alabama has yet another tough series on tap this weekend as it travels to take on Ole Miss at Swayze Field.

21. West Virginia

Previous ranking: No. 18
Last week: 1-3
Overall: 23-16, 11-7 in Big 12 (5-1 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 4-3-3

Results

April 16: Pittsburgh: W 6-3
April 19-21: @ Texas Tech: L 15-2, L 6-4, L 3-1

Upcoming

April 24: Penn State
April 26-28: Baylor

After picking up a huge series sweep last week against UCF, West Virginia this weekend fell flat and was soundly swept by Texas Tech. The Mountaineers’ offense was stifled by the Red Raiders’ pitching staff and was held to just seven runs across three games. Hayden Cooper was excellent in relief and allowed only one earned run across six innings, while likely top-10 overall pick JJ Wetherholt led the offense with a pair of RBIs. West Virginia returns home this weekend for a series against Baylor.

22. South Carolina

Previous ranking: No. 19
Last week: 2-2
Overall: 27-13, 9-9 in SEC (6-8 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 5-5

Results

April 16: @ The Citadel: W 4-3
April 19-20: (2) Arkansas: L 2-1, W 6-3, L 9-6

Upcoming

April 26-28: (7) Kentucky

South Carolina’s recent struggles continued as they dropped their third series in the last four weeks. However, its arms went punch-for-punch with the best pitching staff in college baseball and were the main reason why the Gamecocks were able to secure a game two win. Roman Kimball (2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K), Eli Jones (4 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K) and Dylan Eskew (5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K) all turned in solid starts, while veteran Parker Noland led the offense with three RBIs. South Carolina will look to reverse course this weekend as it hosts Kentucky.

23. Arizona

Previous ranking: NR
Last week: 3-1
Overall: 24-14, 13-5 in Pac-12 (3-4 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 6-4

Results

April 16: @ Grand Canyon: L 5-4
April 19-21: Washington State: W 8-7, W 7-1, W 7-6 (11)

Upcoming

April 24: @ New Mexico State
April 26-28: @ Washington

Arizona joins the Top 25 for the first time this season after sweeping Washington State. The Wildcats have won 14 of their last 15 games and that surge has carried them to first place in the Pac-12. Against Washington State, center fielder Brendan Summerhill went 7-for-13 to lead the offense and Clark Candiotti (6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 4 K) and Jackson Kent (6 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 5 K) both delivered quality starts on the mound. Arizona will this week look to continue its hot streak as it hits the road to New Mexico State and Washington.

24. Indiana State

Previous ranking: NR
Last week: 2-1
Overall: 29-8, 12-3 in Missouri Valley (0-1 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 9-1

Results

April 19-21: @ Illinois State: L 4-3, W 10-1, W 11-1 (7)

Upcoming

April 26-28: @ Southern Illinois

Indiana State enters the Top 25 for the first time this season after a series win at Illinois State. The Sycamores are in first place in the Missouri Valley and have won 15 straight conference series, a streak that dates to last season. The Sycamores held the Redbirds to six runs on the weekend and got quality starts from Brennyn Cutts (7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 6 K) and Luke Hayden (7 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 11 K). Indiana State will look to stay hot as it this weekend visits Southern Illinois. 

25. Louisiana

Previous ranking: No. 20
Last week: 3-2
Overall: 31-11, 15-3 in Sun Belt (1-4 vs. Top 25)
Weekend record: 7-3

Results

April 16-17: @/vs. Southeastern Louisiana: W 15-8, W 8-1
April 19-20: @ (21) Coastal Carolina: L 9-1, W 8-6, L 12-10

Upcoming

April 24: Houston Christian
April 26-28: Southern Miss

For the first time this season, Louisiana was handed a Sun Belt series loss. The Ragin’ Cajuns were bested by Coastal Carolina in what was a fantastic series that came down to a decisive third game. It was a back-and-forth affair in which Louisiana took a 10-8 lead into the sixth inning, but the Chanticleers’ high-powered offense pushed across three runs and never looked back. It was a rare off week for the Louisiana pitching staff—outside of LP Langevin (5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB 10 K)—but Duncan Pastore and Conor Higgs paced the offense with five and four RBIs, respectively. Louisiana has another tricky series ahead this weekend as it hosts Southern Mississippi.