Alterations in NCAA baseball seeding procedure for 2026: Top 32 teams to secure seedings
The NCAA Division I Baseball postseason is set for a significant change in 2026, with the Selection Committee expanding its seeding process to include the top 32 teams. This replaces the previous format that seeded only the top 16 teams nationally.
A More Detailed and Comprehensive Ordering
Under the new seeding format, the top 32 seeds will set the foundation for hosting and placement. These seeds will be ranked and ordered, providing a more detailed and comprehensive ordering for regional placement. The teams outside the top 32 seeds will be grouped into regional groupings likely based on geographic proximity and competitive fairness, following the seeding of the top 32.
Enhancing Transparency and Balance
This change aims to enhance transparency and balance across all regional competitions in the postseason. Schools who were on the cusp of garnering a top-16 seed and host bid during regional play will benefit from added clarity with this change.
The College World Series and Super Regionals
The College World Series' eight-team bracket will be set during the summer, and the Super Regional play in the 2026 season will follow a best-of-three format. The winners of regional play move on to Supers, where the venue hosts are determined by overall seeding or the selection committee based on factors like facilities, revenue, and hotel accommodations.
A Look Back and Ahead
Last season, a record-setting eight SEC teams were national seeds in baseball. However, an SEC team like Alabama, with a strong national RPI ranking (No. 13) and 33-22 overall record, just missed out on hosting a regional during the spring. Under the new seeding format, Alabama could have had a No. 17 or No. 18 seed.
The tournament field expanded to 64 teams in 1999, and the best-of-three format at the College World Series began in 2003. This grouping process is already used in Division I soccer and volleyball postseason formats.
In 2026, the Division I Baseball season will have 64 teams in 16 different four-team regions. The 2026 NCAA Division I Baseball postseason promises to be an exciting and more inclusive event, with a wider range of teams competing for the coveted championship.
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