Preseason rankings continue for Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE – In the preseason edition of the USA Today/ESPN Top 25 baseball coaches’ poll, the University of Arkansas is ranked No. 16 to begin the year. The release of the coaches’ poll represents the third preseason ranking for the Razorbacks.Collectively, Arkansas has fallen between spots 16 to 23 in these preseason rankings. In addition to the most recent release, the Razorbacks are No. 17 in the Baseball America poll released earlier in the week and are the 23rd-ranked team according to the preseason poll associated with Collegiate Baseball. The Razorbacks posted a 41-24 record last season and capped the year with the program’s sixth trip to Omaha and the College World Series.The Razorbacks are one of four Southeastern Conference teams in the preseason coaches’ poll with defending national champion LSU heading the pack at No. 2. Florida lands at No. 9 and Ole Miss is tucked right behind the Hogs at No. 17. Nine of the 12 teams within the SEC are represented in the poll with South Carolina, Vanderbilt, Georgia, Alabama and Kentucky also receiving votes to crack the top 25.In addition to the always-tough conference schedule, the Razorbacks will face a trio of teams also positioned within the preseason poll. Oklahoma comes in at No. 22, while both Kansas and Oral Roberts are receiving votes.The first regular-season USA Today/ESPN coaches’ poll will be released March 1. Arkansas opens the 2010 season Feb. 19-21 with a three-game series against Ball State at Baum Stadium.

Download: coaches preseason poll.pdf