The FSU Seminoles had another successful season in 2025, making it all the way to the Super Regional round, where they fell just one game short of making it back to the College World Series. Link Jarrett and the rest of the coaching staff will look to build on that success, but two of Baseball America’s experts think it will be tough to do.
In their “way too early” top 25 for the 2026 season, Jacob Rudner and Peter Flaherty ranked FSU as the No. 12 team in the country. The duo pointed out that FSU’s 11 draft picks in the 2025 MLB draft have thinned out their roster, and they will be counting on several new players to step up.
Replacing that kind of production is a monumental task. The Seminoles will lean on a solid transfer class headlined by former FAU lefthander Trey Beard, but many of their additions will be stepping up significantly in competition level—a calculated risk for a program with so much to replace.
Coach Link Jarrett has restored stability and national relevance to the program he once starred for as a player. But with the core of his Omaha team now off to pro ball, 2026 may present the toughest challenge of his young coaching tenure in Tallahassee.
The good news for FSU is that they are returning several key pieces who are ready to take the next step. Myles Bailey emerged as one of the premier power hitters in the country and will look to be even better as a sophomore. Hunter Carns and Cal Fisher are also back to help anchor a lineup that Jarrett is certainly qualified to get the most out of. Chase Williams will also be looking to stay healthy and contribute for a full season.
While losing starting pitchers Jamie Arnold and Joey Volini hurts, they return Wes Mendes and are adding Beard out of the portal. Mendes showcased his potential last season and is ready to compete with Beard to be their next Friday starter and potential early draft pick.
The Seminoles are one of seven ACC programs to make Baseball America’s way too early ranking, with No. 8 Georgia Tech and No. 9 Virginia both cracking the top 10. No. 13 North Carolina, No. 16 Miami, No. 18 Clemson, and No. 20 Louisville round out the list.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Baseball America thinks 2026 could be Link Jarrett’s ‘toughest challenge’
Reporting by JD McCarthy, FSU Wire / FSU Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
