2026 AVCA First Serve Showcases College Volleyball’s Elite to Open the New Season

March Madness is heading back to Wichita. The NCAA has officially selected Wichita, Kansas , to host Opening Round games for the 2027 and 2028 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship , marking a significant milestone as the men's tournament expands from 68 to 76 teams beginning in 2027. Wichita will join longtime host Dayton, Ohio , in welcoming teams during the opening days of college basketball's biggest event. The decision reinforces Wichita's reputation as one of the nation's premier college basketball destinations while introducing a new format that accommodates the expanded NCAA Tournament field. NCAA Tournament Expansion Creates New Opportunity The addition of eight teams to the NCAA Tournament required changes to the tournament's opening schedule. Beginning in 2027, both Wichita and Dayton will host three Opening Round games on Tuesday and Wednesday following Selection Sunday . The expanded format will feature 12 automatic qualifiers and 12 at-large teams competing for spots in the traditional 64-team bracket. The NCAA approved tournament expansion earlier this year, prompting a nationwide search for an additional Opening Round host city. Wichita Earns the Bid After reviewing proposals from multiple interested cities, the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee selected Wichita as the newest Opening Round site. The recommendation was later approved by the Division I Men's Basketball Oversight Committee, officially awarding Wichita hosting duties for both the 2027 and 2028 tournaments . Wichita State University will serve as the official host in partnership with Visit Wichita , Sedgwick County , and the City of Wichita . Committee Chair Keith Gill cited Wichita's passionate basketball culture and central location as major reasons behind the selection, noting that the city is well-positioned to welcome teams from across the country on short notice after Selection Sunday. INTRUST Bank Arena Returns to the National Stage All Opening Round games will be played at INTRUST Bank Arena , a venue already familiar with NCAA Tournament basketball. The downtown arena previously hosted first- and second-round NCAA Tournament games in 2018 and 2025 , while Wichita's history as an NCAA Tournament host dates back to 1956 . Over the decades, the city has welcomed numerous March Madness contests at Levitt Arena, the Kansas Coliseum, and INTRUST Bank Arena. The NCAA's decision continues Wichita's long tradition as one of college basketball's most respected host cities. Wichita's Basketball Tradition Basketball has been deeply woven into Wichita's identity for generations. The success of Wichita State University , combined with consistently strong attendance at NCAA Tournament events, has helped establish the city as one of the country's premier basketball markets. The Shockers reached the 2013 Final Four , earned a No. 1 seed in the 2014 NCAA Tournament , and built one of the nation's most passionate fan bases. That tradition played a significant role in convincing the NCAA that Wichita could successfully launch the expanded tournament. Local Leaders Celebrate the Announcement The announcement was welcomed by both university and community leaders. Wichita State Director of Athletics Kevin Saal called the selection an honor, emphasizing the city's reputation for supporting college basketball while highlighting the economic impact the tournament will have on Wichita and the surrounding region. INTRUST Bank Arena Regional General Manager A.J. Boleski also expressed excitement about bringing another national championship event to the venue and providing a first-class experience for participating teams and fans. NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball Dan Gavitt added that Wichita's central location makes it an ideal destination, allowing many participating schools and fan bases to travel efficiently during the tournament's opening days. How the Expanded Opening Round Will Work The new Opening Round format reflects the NCAA's expansion to 76 teams. The six automatic-qualifier games will feature the tournament's lowest-seeded conference champions, while the six at-large matchups will involve the final at-large teams selected to the bracket. The NCAA also plans to consider travel logistics when assigning teams to Opening Round sites, helping reduce unnecessary travel before the first round begins. The first expanded Opening Round will be held March 16–17, 2027 , with Wichita again hosting games March 14–15, 2028 . Economic and National Impact Hosting the Opening Round is expected to bring significant benefits beyond basketball. Thousands of visiting fans, student-athletes, coaches, media members, and NCAA officials will travel to Wichita over consecutive years, creating a substantial economic boost for local hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, and businesses. The announcement also strengthens Wichita's national profile as a destination capable of hosting major sporting events, continuing a trend that recently earned the city recognition as one of America's leading sports-event hosts. Looking Ahead to March Madness The expanded NCAA Tournament begins a new era for college basketball. With Wichita joining Dayton as an Opening Round host, the first days of March Madness will now feature games in two basketball-rich communities capable of welcoming teams from across the country. The additional host site provides greater flexibility for the NCAA while creating new opportunities for fans to experience the excitement of the tournament's opening games. As the sport prepares for its first 76-team bracket, Wichita is set to become one of the most important stops on the road to the Final Four. Final Takeaway The NCAA's decision to award Wichita the 2027 and 2028 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship Opening Rounds represents a major milestone for both the city and the tournament itself. Driven by the expansion to a 76-team field, Wichita's rich basketball history, central location, and proven ability to host championship events made it a natural choice to join Dayton in launching March Madness. When the expanded tournament tips off in March 2027, Wichita will once again find itself at the center of college basketball, welcoming teams and fans as the pursuit of a national championship officially begins.

The 2026 college football season officially has its first HBCU rankings, and South Carolina State enters the year as the team to beat. The inaugural 2026 Preseason Black College Football Poll (BCFP) was released this week, placing the defending HBCU national champion Bulldogs at the top of the Football Championship Subdivision rankings. The poll, endorsed by all four NCAA HBCU athletic conferences, establishes a new national standard for ranking HBCU football programs and will provide weekly Top 10 rankings throughout the season. The preseason rankings recognize programs that excelled during the 2025 season while setting the stage for what promises to be another highly competitive year across the MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, and SIAC. South Carolina State Opens the Season at No. 1 South Carolina State claimed the No. 1 position after receiving 36 of the 48 first-place votes in the inaugural Black College Football Poll. The Bulldogs earned the top ranking following a dominant 2025 campaign that included a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship, a thrilling four-overtime victory over Prairie View A&M in the Cricket Celebration Bowl, and the HBCU national championship. Their combination of championship experience, returning talent, and coaching stability made South Carolina State the clear preseason favorite entering 2026. The Bulldogs will begin the season carrying high expectations as they attempt to defend both their conference and national titles. Prairie View A&M Begins the Year at No. 2 Prairie View A&M enters the season ranked second after an outstanding 2025 campaign. The Panthers advanced to the Celebration Bowl before falling in a memorable overtime championship game against South Carolina State. Their appearance in the national title game and strong overall record positioned Prairie View as one of the nation's top HBCU programs entering the new season. The Panthers are expected to once again contend for the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship and another trip to the Celebration Bowl. Jackson State Headlines the Top Five Jackson State opens the season ranked No. 3 after another successful SWAC campaign. The Tigers remain one of the premier programs in HBCU football and return one of the conference's most talented rosters. Jackson State's consistency over the past several seasons continues to make the Tigers a legitimate championship contender heading into 2026. Rounding out the preseason Top Five are Alabama State at No. 4 and North Carolina Central at No. 5, giving the rankings representation from both the SWAC and MEAC among the nation's elite programs. Complete 2026 FCS Black College Football Poll The inaugural preseason rankings include the following Top 10 FCS HBCU programs: South Carolina State Prairie View A&M Jackson State Alabama State North Carolina Central Florida A&M Grambling State Delaware State Southern Texas Southern The rankings highlight the depth across HBCU football, with traditional powers from both the MEAC and SWAC expected to compete for conference championships throughout the season. Johnson C. Smith Tops Division II Rankings The inaugural Black College Football Poll also introduced a Division II Top 10. Johnson C. Smith earned the No. 1 ranking after capturing the CIAA championship and making the first NCAA Division II playoff appearance in program history. The Golden Bulls received unanimous support as the preseason favorite entering the 2026 season. Albany State, Benedict, Virginia Union, and Kentucky State complete the Division II top five, showcasing the continued strength of the CIAA and SIAC. HBCU Legends Analytics Offers a Different Look Alongside the Black College Football Poll, HBCU Legends released its own Advanced Analytics preseason rankings. The computer-based model evaluates teams using three weighted categories: Overall winning percentage (40%) Conference winning percentage (30%) Postseason performance (30%) While the analytics rankings also place South Carolina State at No. 1, there are notable differences throughout the Top 10. Alabama State moves ahead of Jackson State because of its stronger overall winning percentage, while Delaware State ranks above North Carolina Central based largely on conference success. Texas Southern also climbs ahead of Grambling State in the analytics model, demonstrating how different evaluation methods can produce different preseason expectations. A New Era for HBCU Football Rankings The Black College Football Poll represents a significant milestone for HBCU football. Unlike previous media rankings, the BCFP is officially endorsed by the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), and Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). A national panel of 57 voters, including head coaches and media members, will submit weekly ballots throughout the regular season. The creation of a unified poll provides greater national visibility for HBCU football while offering fans, coaches, and players a consistent benchmark throughout the season. Championship Expectations Begin Now Although preseason rankings do not determine championships, they provide an early snapshot of the teams expected to compete for conference titles and postseason opportunities. South Carolina State begins the year with the target squarely on its back after winning the 2025 HBCU national championship, while Prairie View A&M, Jackson State, Alabama State, and North Carolina Central all enter the season with legitimate aspirations of challenging for the top spot. With weekly rankings now scheduled throughout the season, every conference matchup will carry even greater significance as teams compete for positioning in the Black College Football Poll. Final Takeaway The release of the 2026 Preseason Black College Football Poll marks the beginning of a new chapter for HBCU football. South Carolina State opens the season as the nation's top-ranked FCS HBCU program after its championship run in 2025, while Prairie View A&M, Jackson State, Alabama State, and North Carolina Central round out a talented preseason top five. With official backing from all four NCAA HBCU conferences and weekly rankings planned throughout the fall, the Black College Football Poll provides a new national platform to recognize excellence across HBCU football and spotlight the programs competing for championships in 2026.

College football fans finally have their first detailed look at how the 2026 season is expected to unfold. ESPN has released its preseason Football Power Index (FPI) Top 25 rankings, placing Ohio State at No. 1 ahead of a loaded field featuring Texas, Notre Dame, Oregon, and Georgia. The rankings combine advanced analytics, roster strength, schedule difficulty, recruiting, and thousands of season simulations to project each team's expected performance. With conference realignment continuing to reshape the landscape and several powerhouse programs entering the year with new faces at quarterback and coaching staff, the race toward the College Football Playoff appears as competitive as ever. Ohio State Opens the Season as ESPN's Top Team The Buckeyes claim the No. 1 spot despite entering a season with one of the nation's toughest schedules. Ryan Day returns one of college football's premier offensive playmakers in wide receiver Jeremiah Smith , while quarterback Julian Sayin enters the season as a Heisman Trophy contender. Although Ohio State must replace several defensive contributors, ESPN's projections believe the Buckeyes possess enough overall talent to survive difficult road trips to Texas, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, and USC while remaining the national championship favorite. Texas Headlines Another National Championship Push Coming in at No. 2, Texas continues to ride the momentum surrounding quarterback Arch Manning , who developed into one of college football's most efficient passers during the 2025 campaign. The Longhorns return explosive skill-position talent while veteran defensive coordinator Will Muschamp takes over leadership of the defense. ESPN believes improving the running game will be the biggest factor separating Texas from a championship season. With one of the country's most talented rosters, the Longhorns once again enter the year as one of the favorites to compete for both the SEC title and the College Football Playoff. Notre Dame Looks Ready to Return Notre Dame begins the season ranked third after narrowly missing the College Football Playoff a year ago. Quarterback CJ Carr leads an experienced offense, while nine of the Fighting Irish's top ten tacklers return on defense. That combination of offensive continuity and defensive experience gives Notre Dame legitimate national championship aspirations entering the season. If Carr continues his development, the Irish could become one of the nation's most complete teams. Oregon and Georgia Round Out the Top Five Oregon enters the season ranked fourth after another strong playoff appearance. Head coach Dan Lanning retains quarterback Dante Moore , surrounded by elite skill-position talent and one of the nation's deepest defensive units. The Ducks remain favorites to contend for another Big Ten championship. Georgia checks in fifth despite winning back-to-back SEC championships. Quarterback Gunner Stockton and running back Nate Frazier return to lead the Bulldogs, although replacing key defensive contributors and navigating difficult road games at Alabama and Ole Miss will test Kirby Smart's program throughout the season. Defending Champion Indiana Starts Sixth One of the biggest storylines entering 2026 is defending national champion Indiana , which begins the season ranked sixth. The Hoosiers surprised college football with an undefeated championship run in 2025, but now face the challenge every champion eventually encounters—proving the breakthrough season was no fluke. Indiana brings in experienced quarterback Josh Hoover , hoping to offset significant roster turnover while defending its national title. Miami, Alabama, and LSU Remain Strong Contenders The middle of the top ten features several familiar championship contenders. Miami lands seventh after adding transfer quarterback Darian Mensah to an offense already featuring standout running back Mark Fletcher . If the Hurricanes successfully rebuild their defensive front, another playoff appearance is within reach. Alabama starts eighth as pressure increases on head coach Kalen DeBoer following an early playoff exit last season. Replacing the starting quarterback while rebuilding a struggling rushing attack will determine whether the Crimson Tide can return to championship form. LSU sits ninth after assembling one of the nation's best transfer classes. New quarterback Sam Leavitt joins an already talented receiving corps as expectations rise under new leadership in Baton Rouge. Texas Tech Cracks the National Top Ten Perhaps the most intriguing ranking belongs to Texas Tech , which enters the season tenth. The reigning Big 12 champions must replace several key defenders along with quarterback Brendan Sorsby, but ESPN projects the Red Raiders to remain one of the nation's strongest teams thanks to quarterback Will Hammond , who returns after recovering from an ACL injury. If the defense develops quickly, Texas Tech could again challenge for a conference championship and another College Football Playoff appearance. Teams Looking to Break Through Several additional programs enter the preseason with realistic hopes of reaching the playoff. Texas A&M, Oklahoma, USC, Ole Miss, Michigan, Tennessee, Penn State, Florida, Clemson, BYU, Missouri, Auburn, South Carolina, SMU, and Iowa all earned Top 25 recognition. Many of these teams feature new coaching staffs, transfer quarterbacks, or significantly rebuilt rosters, making the middle of the rankings particularly difficult to predict. Programs like Michigan, USC, Oklahoma, and Penn State believe they possess enough talent to climb quickly if early-season results go their way. ESPN's Complete 2026 Preseason Top 25 Ohio State Texas Notre Dame Oregon Georgia Indiana Miami Alabama LSU Texas Tech Texas A&M Oklahoma USC Ole Miss Michigan Tennessee Penn State Florida Clemson BYU Missouri Auburn South Carolina SMU Iowa A Season Filled With Championship Expectations Unlike recent years, the 2026 preseason enters without one overwhelming favorite. Ohio State occupies the top spot, but Texas, Notre Dame, Oregon, Georgia, Indiana, Miami, Alabama, and LSU all appear capable of competing for the national championship. With expanded playoff expectations, major coaching changes, elite transfer additions, and several returning star quarterbacks, the 2026 college football season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive campaigns in recent memory. The preseason rankings provide an early snapshot of where programs stand entering August, but as history has repeatedly shown, the race for the College Football Playoff will ultimately be decided on the field rather than in July projections.

OMAHA, Neb. — Oklahoma completed one of the most remarkable postseason runs in recent college baseball history Monday night, defeating North Carolina 13–2 in the decisive third game of the Men’s College World Series Finals at Charles Schwab Field. The Sooners captured their third national championship and first since 1994, finishing an improbable run through the NCAA Tournament with a dominant performance on college baseball’s biggest stage. The victory improved Oklahoma to 43–23 and secured the program’s third national title, joining championship teams from 1951 and 1994. North Carolina concluded its outstanding season at 54–14–1, falling one win short of capturing its first national championship. Sooners Take Control Early For the third consecutive game in the championship series, Oklahoma scored first. The Sooners broke through in the second inning when Kyle Branch lined an RBI single to right field, scoring Dasan Harris. Later in the inning, a wild pitch allowed Dayton Tockey to cross home plate and extend the lead to 2–0. Oklahoma added another run in the third inning after Jaxon Willits doubled down the left-field line and later scored on an RBI single by Brendan Brock, pushing the advantage to 3–0. The early offensive pressure immediately placed North Carolina on its heels. Tar Heels Briefly Respond North Carolina generated its first scoring opportunity in the bottom of the third inning. Jake Schaffner singled and Owen Hull drew a walk before Gavin Gallaher delivered an RBI single up the middle, scoring Schaffner and cutting the deficit to 3–1. The hit marked Gallaher’s 10th RBI of the College World Series. The Tar Heels appeared poised to build further momentum, but Oklahoma reliever LJ Mercurius entered and escaped the inning without allowing additional damage. That sequence proved to be one of the game's turning points. Fourth Inning Breaks the Game Open The decisive stretch came in the fourth inning. North Carolina reliever Walker McDuffie issued consecutive walks before freshman standout Caden Glauber entered in relief. Glauber, who had helped the Tar Heels compile a remarkable 29–0 record in games he appeared, struggled with his command. After a bases-loaded walk to Deiten Lachance forced in a run, Willits delivered a two-run single to right field, extending Oklahoma’s lead to 6–1. The three-run inning provided the Sooners with complete control and ended North Carolina’s undefeated streak in games featuring Glauber. Mercurius Dominates in Relief One of the most important performances of the championship game came from Oklahoma’s bullpen. Mercurius entered with one out in the third inning and delivered 5.2 outstanding innings of relief. The junior right-hander allowed just one run while scattering four hits and striking out five batters. His ability to neutralize North Carolina’s offense prevented the Tar Heels from mounting any sustained comeback effort. Mercurius earned the victory and became one of the key figures in Oklahoma’s championship run. Branch Delivers Career Night Sophomore second baseman Kyle Branch authored the best game of his collegiate career. Branch finished 3-for-4 with a home run and a career-high six RBIs. He drove in Oklahoma’s first run of the game and continued producing throughout the evening. In the eighth inning, Branch delivered the exclamation point by launching a three-run home run to left field, extending the lead and effectively ending any hopes of a North Carolina comeback. His six RBIs tied one of the highest totals ever recorded in a College World Series championship game. Willits Earns Most Outstanding Player Honors While Branch supplied the power, Jaxon Willits continued his incredible postseason performance. The Oklahoma shortstop went 3-for-4 with a double, two walks, and two RBIs while reaching base five times. He finished the College World Series with a school-record 13 hits and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Willits batted .500 during Omaha play and served as one of the catalysts behind Oklahoma’s offensive success. His consistency throughout the postseason made him one of the most valuable players in the country during the tournament. Tockey Adds More Power The Sooners continued their postseason power surge in the fifth inning. Tockey crushed a solo home run to right field, extending Oklahoma’s lead to 7–1. The blast marked his sixth home run of the NCAA Tournament after hitting only three during the regular season. Oklahoma’s ability to generate home-run power throughout the postseason became one of the defining characteristics of its championship run. The Sooners finished the season with 95 home runs, their highest total since 2010. North Carolina Unable to Recover The Tar Heels struggled to generate offense after Gallaher’s third-inning RBI. North Carolina managed only two runs despite entering the championship series with one of the nation’s most productive lineups. The Sooners’ pitching staff consistently worked ahead in counts and limited opportunities with runners in scoring position. North Carolina’s only additional run came in the seventh inning, but Mercurius quickly extinguished the threat and preserved Oklahoma’s comfortable advantage. The loss prevented the Tar Heels from securing the program’s first national championship despite one of the best seasons in school history. Oklahoma Completes Historic Run The championship capped one of the most impressive NCAA Tournament runs in recent memory. After finishing 11th during SEC regular-season play, Oklahoma defeated a gauntlet of elite opponents, including national seeds Georgia Tech, Kansas, Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina. The Sooners knocked off five national seeds during their championship journey and relied on a combination of freshman pitching and explosive offense. Over the course of the NCAA Tournament, Oklahoma scored 118 runs and hit a remarkable number of home runs while steadily building momentum toward Omaha. The title also marked head coach Skip Johnson’s first national championship and Oklahoma’s first since winning it all in 1994. Final Takeaway Oklahoma’s 13–2 victory over North Carolina was the perfect ending to a remarkable postseason run. The Sooners combined timely hitting, dominant relief pitching, and relentless offensive pressure to capture the 2026 national championship. Kyle Branch’s six-RBI performance, Jaxon Willits’ Most Outstanding Player campaign, and LJ Mercurius’ shutdown relief outing highlighted a complete team effort. With the victory, Oklahoma secured its third national championship and completed one of the most memorable College World Series runs in program history.

OMAHA, Neb. — North Carolina refused to let its season end Sunday afternoon, defeating Oklahoma 6–2 in Game 2 of the Men's College World Series Finals at Charles Schwab Field. Freshman standout Caden Glauber delivered five dominant scoreless innings in relief, while the Tar Heels responded after an early deficit to even the best-of-three championship series at one game apiece. The victory improved North Carolina to 54–13–1 and forced a decisive Game 3 for the national championship. Oklahoma dropped to 42–23 as its nine-game winning streak came to an end after one of the hottest postseason stretches in program history. Sooners Strike First Once Again For the eighth consecutive game, Oklahoma scored first. Jason Walk opened the bottom of the first inning with a single before Camden Johnson worked a four-pitch walk. The Sooners executed a successful double steal, and a throwing error by North Carolina catcher Colin Hynek allowed Walk to score from third. Moments later, Jaxon Willits ripped a double off the wall in right-center field to bring home Johnson and give Oklahoma an early 2–0 advantage. The quick start continued Oklahoma’s aggressive offensive approach that had fueled its run to the championship series. Mercurius Dominates Early Freshman right-hander Xander Mercurius looked nearly unhittable through the first two innings. Mercurius struck out the side in the opening frame and recorded six strikeouts among the first seven outs he collected. North Carolina’s first six outs all came via strikeout as the Oklahoma freshman overwhelmed the Tar Heel lineup with a lively fastball and sharp off-speed pitches. However, the momentum changed dramatically during the third inning. Tar Heels Rally to Take the Lead North Carolina finally broke through in the top of the third. Carter French started the inning with a walk before Rom Kellis V singled to center field. Jake Schaffner then lined a two-run triple down the right-field line, tying the game at 2–2. Moments later, Schaffner crossed the plate on a wild pitch, giving the Tar Heels their first lead of the afternoon at 3–2. Mercurius threw 50 pitches during the inning as North Carolina forced him into several difficult situations and completely shifted the game's momentum. Hull Provides More Breathing Room North Carolina extended its lead in the fifth inning. Owen Hull opened the frame by launching a solo home run to right field, his ninth home run of the season and second of the College World Series. The blast pushed the Tar Heels' advantage to 4–2 and gave the pitching staff valuable breathing room. Hull’s home run proved especially significant because Oklahoma would not score again after the opening inning. Glauber Takes Over the Game The defining performance belonged to freshman reliever Caden Glauber. Starter Ryan Lynch allowed two first-inning runs before settling down and striking out five batters over four-plus innings. After Lynch exited in the fifth inning with discomfort in his left oblique, Glauber entered and immediately shut down Oklahoma’s offense. The freshman retired the side with three strikeouts in the fifth inning and never allowed the Sooners to regain momentum. Over five scoreless innings, Glauber surrendered only one hit, walked two, and struck out eight batters while earning his 12th victory of the season. The outing improved North Carolina to a remarkable 29–0 this season when Glauber appeared. Nicholson Delivers the Knockout Blow The Tar Heels added the final runs of the afternoon in the seventh inning. After a runner reached base, Cooper Nicholson crushed a two-run home run to right field, extending North Carolina’s lead to 6–2. The home run gave the Tar Heels enough separation to comfortably protect the lead during the final two innings. North Carolina held Oklahoma scoreless over the final eight innings after the Sooners’ fast start. Oklahoma Offense Goes Quiet Following its two-run first inning, Oklahoma struggled to generate offense against North Carolina’s pitching. The Sooners managed just two hits over the final eight innings after entering the championship series averaging more than nine runs per game during the NCAA Tournament. They finished with only four hits, their fewest since March, while being held scoreless for their longest stretch of the postseason. Mercurius absorbed the loss despite recording eight strikeouts in four innings. Defense Seals the Victory Oklahoma mounted one final threat in the bottom of the ninth inning after Glauber issued consecutive walks. With two runners aboard, Dasan Harris grounded sharply to second baseman Gavin Gallaher. Gallaher stepped on second base before throwing to first to complete a game-ending 4-3 double play, a call that was upheld following replay review. The defensive play ended Oklahoma’s comeback hopes and sent the championship series to a decisive third game. Championship Decider Set North Carolina improved to 11 consecutive victories following a loss this season, continuing a trend of bouncing back throughout its remarkable postseason run. Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s nine-game winning streak ended, but the Sooners remained one win away from capturing their first national championship since 1994. Both teams entered Monday night's Game 3 with everything on the line. Final Takeaway North Carolina’s 6–2 victory over Oklahoma showcased resilience, timely offense, and dominant relief pitching. After falling behind early, the Tar Heels rallied behind Jake Schaffner’s game-changing triple before Owen Hull and Cooper Nicholson added home runs to provide insurance. Caden Glauber delivered one of the finest relief performances of the College World Series, silencing Oklahoma’s explosive offense over the final five innings. With the victory, North Carolina evened the College World Series Finals and forced a winner-take-all Game 3 for the 2026 national championship.

OMAHA, Neb. — Oklahoma moved within one victory of a national championship Saturday afternoon, defeating No. 5 North Carolina 9–3 in Game 1 of the Men's College World Series championship series at Charles Schwab Field. Catcher Deiten LaChance blasted two home runs and drove in three runs as the Sooners continued their remarkable postseason run with their ninth consecutive victory. The win improved Oklahoma to 42–22, while North Carolina fell to 53–13–1 and saw its five-game winning streak come to an end. The Sooners took a 1–0 lead in the best-of-three championship series and moved within one win of capturing the program’s first national title since 1994. Sooners Strike First Oklahoma wasted little time grabbing the early advantage. After Camden Johnson singled and advanced into scoring position on a wild pitch, LaChance crushed a two-run home run to right-center field, giving the Sooners a 2–0 lead in the opening inning. The blast was his 17th home run of the season and immediately set the tone for Oklahoma’s offense. Although North Carolina starter Jason DeCaro struck out the side in the inning, Oklahoma capitalized on its opportunities to build an early lead. Tar Heels Answer Immediately North Carolina responded with an explosive first inning of its own. Jake Schaffner and Owen Hull opened the frame with consecutive hits before Gavin Gallaher lined a two-run single up the middle to tie the game at 2–2. Erik Paulsen followed with a double, and Colin Hynek lifted a sacrifice fly to score Gallaher, giving the Tar Heels their only lead of the afternoon at 3–2. The first inning featured five runs and suggested the opener could become a high-scoring affair. Instead, Oklahoma’s pitching settled down while North Carolina’s offense went quiet. LaChance Delivers Again The Sooners erased the deficit in the third inning. With two outs, LaChance launched his second home run of the afternoon, this time sending a fastball over the left-field wall to tie the game at 3–3. The junior catcher became just the fifth player in College World Series Finals history to hit two home runs in a championship game. LaChance finished 3-for-5 with three RBIs and continued one of the hottest stretches of his collegiate career. His two-homer performance sparked another offensive outburst for Oklahoma. Four-Run Fourth Changes Everything The decisive inning came in the fourth. Brendan Brock drew a walk before Dasan Harris doubled into the corner. With two outs, Kyle Branch lined a two-run single to center field, giving Oklahoma a 5–3 lead. Branch then stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch, and scored on Jason Walk’s RBI single. After Walk stole second base, Camden Johnson added another RBI single to extend the advantage to 7–3 and chase DeCaro from the game. The four-run inning shifted complete control to the Sooners. Rager Recovers After Tough Start Freshman left-hander Cord Rager overcame a rocky first inning to deliver another strong postseason outing. After surrendering three runs in the opening frame, Rager settled into rhythm and retired hitters efficiently over the next four innings. He finished with five innings pitched, allowing three earned runs while striking out five batters to earn the victory. The freshman continued an outstanding NCAA Tournament in which he emerged as one of Oklahoma’s biggest postseason stars. His ability to regroup after early adversity proved critical. Bullpen Slams the Door Oklahoma’s bullpen once again played a major role. Junior left-hander Gavyn Jones delivered 2.1 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking out four batters in his first College World Series appearance. LJ Mercurius followed by tossing 1.2 hitless innings with two strikeouts to finish the victory. Together, the relievers held North Carolina scoreless over the final four innings and prevented the Tar Heels from generating another serious threat. Sooners Add Insurance Oklahoma continued extending its lead during the late innings. In the sixth, Dayton Tockey doubled and later scored on Walk’s second RBI single of the afternoon, making the score 8–3. The Sooners added one final run in the ninth inning as steady rain began falling over Charles Schwab Field, closing out the 9–3 victory. Oklahoma finished with 14 hits and received multi-hit performances from five different players. North Carolina Cannot Capitalize After its productive first inning, North Carolina’s offense struggled against Oklahoma pitching. Schaffner finished 3-for-4, while Gallaher drove in two runs to extend his hitting streak to 14 games. However, the Tar Heels were held scoreless over their final eight innings and managed only five additional hits after the opening frame. DeCaro took the loss after allowing seven earned runs over 3.2 innings despite recording six strikeouts. The bullpen stabilized the game, but Oklahoma’s early offensive surge proved too much to overcome. Oklahoma Continues Historic Run The victory represented another milestone in Oklahoma’s remarkable postseason. The Sooners recorded their ninth consecutive win and tied the NCAA Tournament record with eight victories over nationally seeded opponents. Oklahoma also extended its home-run streak to 11 consecutive games while continuing one of the most explosive offensive stretches in program history. With the win, Oklahoma moved within one victory of securing its third national championship. Final Takeaway Oklahoma’s 9–3 victory over North Carolina showcased the balanced formula that carried the Sooners to the brink of a national title. Deiten LaChance’s two-home run performance, Cord Rager’s resilient outing, and another dominant bullpen effort allowed Oklahoma to seize control of the championship series. North Carolina struck early but could not generate offense after the first inning, while Oklahoma continued its relentless postseason surge. With the victory, the Sooners took a 1–0 lead in the College World Series Finals and moved one win away from capturing the 2026 national championship.

OMAHA, Neb. — Oklahoma continued its remarkable postseason surge Wednesday night, defeating No. 3 Georgia 11–4 in the College World Series semifinals at Charles Schwab Field. Powered by five home runs and another dominant freshman pitching performance, the Sooners advanced to the College World Series championship series and moved within two wins of a national title. The victory improved Oklahoma to 41–22 and extended its winning streak to eight games. Georgia finished a historic season at 53–14 after setting a school record for victories and reaching Omaha for the first time since 2008. Sooners Strike First Oklahoma once again established momentum early. Jason Walk broke a scoreless tie in the third inning with a towering solo home run to dead center field, giving the Sooners a 1–0 lead. The blast extended Walk’s hitting streak and continued his outstanding postseason run from the leadoff spot. The Sooners added to the lead in the fourth inning when Trey Gambill launched a solo home run into the Oklahoma bullpen. Moments later, Brendan Brock singled and Dasan Harris followed with a two-run blast to right-center field, extending Oklahoma’s advantage to 4–0. The offensive outburst immediately placed pressure on Georgia and chased starter Paul Farley from the game. Freshman Wesloski Delivers Again Oklahoma continued its trend of relying on freshman pitchers in Omaha. Nick Wesloski made just his second start of the season and delivered another impressive outing. The freshman right-hander worked 5.2 innings, allowing four hits and three runs, though only one was earned. He struck out four batters and consistently limited Georgia’s opportunities to build momentum. Wesloski joined Cord Rager and Xander Mercurius as the third consecutive freshman starter for Oklahoma during the College World Series. The trio combined to allow only a handful of earned runs across three starts, giving the Sooners one of the most surprising pitching stories of the tournament. Georgia Tries to Climb Back The Bulldogs battled throughout the middle innings. In the fifth inning, senior shortstop Kolby Branch doubled and later scored on a base hit from Ryan Black, cutting the deficit to 4–1. Georgia created another opportunity in the sixth when it loaded the bases against reliever LJ Mercurius. Back-to-back bases-loaded walks to Branch and Black trimmed Oklahoma’s lead to 5–3 and briefly brought the Bulldogs back into contention. However, Mercurius escaped further damage by inducing a key defensive play to end the threat. That sequence proved to be one of the most important moments of the game. Harris and Walk Take Over After surviving Georgia’s rally, Oklahoma immediately answered. The Sooners scored in the seventh inning when Jaxon Willits delivered an RBI double to score Kyle Branch, extending the lead to 6–3. Then the Oklahoma power display resumed in the eighth. Harris crushed his second home run of the game, a two-run shot into the right-field stands. Shortly afterward, Walk launched his second solo homer of the night, pushing the advantage to 9–3. The back-to-back offensive blows effectively ended any hopes of a Georgia comeback. Both players entered the game with only four home runs on the season and produced the first multi-home run games of their careers on college baseball’s biggest stage. Gambill Leads 15-Hit Attack While Harris and Walk provided the power, Trey Gambill delivered one of the best all-around performances of the postseason. The designated hitter finished 4-for-5 with three RBIs, including a home run and a double. His four-hit performance marked the first four-hit game of his collegiate career. Brendan Brock added three hits, while Willits and Deiten Lachance each contributed two hits. Six different Sooners recorded multi-hit games as Oklahoma finished with 15 hits. The balanced production continued a postseason stretch in which Oklahoma averaged more than 10 runs per game. Oklahoma’s Historic Power Surge Continues The five-home-run performance further solidified Oklahoma’s status as the hottest offense in college baseball. The Sooners tied their season high with five home runs and increased their NCAA Tournament total to 26, establishing a new program postseason record. Oklahoma also became one of the most prolific power-hitting teams ever to play at Charles Schwab Field, where offense is often difficult to generate. During their eight-game winning streak, the Sooners averaged more than 10 runs per contest while defeating conference champions and national seeds throughout the postseason. Their path included victories over Georgia Tech, Kansas, Alabama, and Georgia. Branch Provides Final Highlight for Georgia Despite the loss, Georgia received a memorable moment from one of its program legends. Kolby Branch hit a solo home run in his final collegiate at-bat, giving him 20 home runs for the season and 56 for his career. The senior finished one of the most decorated careers in school history while helping lead Georgia to a school-record 53 wins. The Bulldogs also captured both the SEC regular-season championship and SEC Tournament title before reaching the College World Series. Championship Series Set With the victory, Oklahoma advanced to the College World Series Finals for the second time in five seasons. The Sooners earned a matchup against North Carolina in the best-of-three championship series beginning Saturday in Omaha. Oklahoma previously reached the finals in 2022 before finishing as national runner-up. North Carolina entered the series after defeating West Virginia earlier Wednesday to reach its first championship series since 2007. Final Takeaway Oklahoma’s 11–4 victory over Georgia showcased the formula that has fueled one of the nation’s most impressive postseason runs. The Sooners combined elite power hitting, timely pitching, and relentless offensive pressure to eliminate another national contender. Georgia produced another historic season and finished with a school-record 53 wins, but Oklahoma’s five-home-run explosion proved too much to overcome. With the win, the Sooners advanced to the College World Series championship series and moved within two victories of their first national championship since 1994.