Auburn Tigers Slip in Latest USA TODAY Baseball Coaches Poll
April 22, 2025 – The Auburn Tigers baseball team has experienced a slight setback in the national rankings, dropping two spots to number 11 in the latest USA TODAY Baseball Coaches Poll released on Monday. This shift comes despite a recent overall record of 27 wins and 13 losses, with a Southeastern Conference (SEC) record of 9 wins and 9 losses.
The USA TODAY Sports Board of Coaches, comprised of 31 head coaches from Division I institutions who are members of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA), conducts the weekly poll. Each coach submits a Top 25 ranking, with points awarded on a descending scale from 25 for a first-place vote down to one point for a 25th-place vote.
This week’s poll sees Texas sitting atop the rankings with a formidable 33-5 overall record and 16-2 in conference play, garnering 29 first-place votes and a total of 748 points. Following closely behind are Clemson (35-7) and Oregon State (30-7) in second and third place, respectively. SEC powerhouses Arkansas (34-7) and LSU (34-7) round out the top five, indicating the continued strength of the conference on the national stage.
Auburn’s drop from ninth to eleventh reflects the highly competitive nature of college baseball, particularly within the SEC. While the Tigers have maintained a winning overall record, their even conference standing places them in the middle tier of a conference that boasts multiple top-ten teams. The SEC currently has several teams ranked in the top 25, including Texas (1), Arkansas (4), LSU (5), Tennessee (6), Vanderbilt (10), Georgia (9), Oklahoma (13), Alabama (17), and Mississippi (18). This illustrates the weekly challenges Auburn faces against some of the nation’s elite programs.
Looking at Auburn’s season so far, the Tigers have demonstrated both strengths and areas for potential improvement. They began the season strong, showcasing their offensive capabilities in several high-scoring victories. Key wins against ranked opponents early in the season propelled them into the top ten of the polls. However, the demanding SEC schedule has presented tough challenges, resulting in series losses against top-tier teams.
The methodology of the USA TODAY Baseball Coaches Poll emphasizes the subjective evaluation of the coaches based on team performance, strength of schedule, and other factors. While records and statistics play a role, the poll ultimately reflects the coaches’ assessment of the top teams in the nation at a given time. Auburn’s slight dip suggests that while they are still considered a strong program, other teams may have demonstrated more compelling performances in recent weeks.
It’s important to note that college baseball rankings can fluctuate significantly throughout the season. Teams can rise and fall based on their weekly results, especially as conference play intensifies. Auburn will have opportunities in the remaining weeks of the regular season to improve their standing both in the SEC and in the national polls. Strong performances in crucial conference matchups could see them climb back up the rankings as the postseason approaches.
The ultimate goal for Auburn, like all teams in contention, is to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament and make a run towards the College World Series. The national rankings serve as an indicator of their progress and a benchmark against the nation’s best. As the season progresses, the focus will shift towards regional and super-regional play, where teams must perform at their peak to advance.
For Auburn, the road ahead in the SEC will be critical. Each weekend series presents a new challenge against talented opposition. The ability to consistently win conference games will be paramount for their postseason aspirations and their standing in future polls. The team’s performance in upcoming matchups will provide a clearer picture of their trajectory as they aim to make a deep run in the 2025 college baseball season.
