EAST
3. Tennessee (15-3)
The Vols started their season with losses to Arizona and Grand Canyon and more recently lost to Boston College in 10 innings, but they still have the best rotation in the SEC (team ERA: 2.05), including star pitcher Chase Dollander.
6. Florida (16-3)
The Gators are first or second in the SEC in every hitting category, but they have lost top outfielder Wyatt Langford for an uncertain length of time to injury. Two-way player Jac Caglianone (1.77 ERA, .508 BA) is a key piece.
14. South Carolina (17-1)
The Gamecocks have the third-best ERA in the SEC and a starting rotation with a 4.9 strikeout-to-walk ratio, but the lineup, which includes four transfers, needs to get better. It is currently 10th in the SEC.
Kentucky (15-2)
The Wildcats have unknowns on the mound, with freshmen and mid-major transfers making waves. But so far, they boast the fourth-best ERA (2.84) and opposing batting average (.163).
Missouri (12-3)
The Tigers came up with two big wins at the College Baseball Showdown over Texas and TCU, they’ve brought in transfers to beef up their bullpen, but the lineup top-to-bottom doesn’t measure up to other SEC teams.
Georgia (13-4)
Georgia’s Charlie Condon is No. 2 in the nation in batting average (.531) and slugging percentage (1.031). So far, the Bulldogs have found one strong arm in LHP Liam Sullivan, but is that enough for a pennant run?
Vanderbilt (13-5)
The Commodores load up their nonconference schedule to stay high in the RPI rankings. Enrique Bradfield Jr. is perhaps the best leadoff hitter in the nation, but the hitters behind him in the lineup are still a question mark.
WEST
LSU (16-1)
The Tigers steamrolled through their nonconference schedule, and they’re well-rounded: A powerful lineup combined with a staff that has limited opponents to a .163 batting average makes it dangerous.
7. Arkansas (14-2)
Arkansas has to replace 73.6% of its home run production from last year, but infielders Peyton Stovall and Brady Slavens have helped. Early defeats included a first-weekend 18-6 loss to TCU and a 12-3 loss to Eastern Illinois.
11. Ole Miss (14-3)
Five members of the Rebels’ lineup are batting .365 or better so far, but their main concern is on the mound. Ole Miss has lost two key pieces to its staff — reliable reliever Josh Mallitz and ace Hunter Elliott — to injuries.
15. Texas A&M (13-4)
The Aggies suffered losses against Lamar, Portland and No. 2 Louisville, but they’re back on track with an eight-game winning streak. The lineup is experienced but still finding consistency at the plate.
24. Auburn (13-3-1)
The Tigers are missing Friday ace Joseph Gonzalez, who hasn’t pitched since Feb. 18 because of a shoulder injury, but the lineup is filled with veteran players who have carried the team through nonconference play.
26. Alabama (16-2)
The Crimson Tide’s lineup is surprising. True freshman Colton Shelby already has 10 home runs this year with an OPS of 1.321. Alabama holds the No. 1 batting average and No. 2 slugging percentage in the SEC.
Mississippi State (12-5)
The Bulldogs have struggled finding a reliable starting rotation with a 4.71 team ERA, which ranks 10th in the SEC. A lineup of veterans and transfers has helped, but they can’t make up for shortcomings on the mound.
Rankings are from Collegiate Baseball Newspaper as of March 13.
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