2023 College Top 25 Preview: No. 23 Texas Tech

Last season: 39-22 (15-9 in Big 12), lost in regional final
Final step: Number 25
Coach (on school record): Tim Tadlock (340-172, nine seasons)

Good news: There’s a lot that’s new for Texas Tech this season, but as always, the Red Raiders have accumulated a lot of talent. Both the Red Raiders’ traditional recruiting class (No. 15) and transfer class (No. 21) sit at 25 in the fall, a core of their young talent. The Red Raiders have a roster full of young, athletic players ready to break out this spring. Big seasons from rookies like outfielders Jerick Curtis or Gage Harrelson or infielders Tracer Lopez or Travis Sanders or transfers like Austin Green or Gavin Cash remain to be seen, but the Red Raiders will undoubtedly have some surprises in the lineup. With so much uncertainty and change in the lineup, Texas Tech can count on Hudson White to lock things down behind the plate. Last season he hit .260/.369/.395 with six home runs and was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year. White, fifth-year DH Coleman and sophomore outfielder Owen Washburn provide a solid offensive core for the Red Raider newcomers to build around.

Bad news: Texas Tech is looking for some young players as it loses a lot of experience from last year’s team. After all, Jace Jung was drafted 12th overall, opening a huge hole in the lineup. Righthanders Brandon Birdsell and Andrew Morris were also drafted in the top five rounds, which means the Red Raiders will have to replace their main two starting pitchers. All departures mean that whether it’s new players or returning players in big roles, they have to leave. But throughout Tadlock’s tenure, Texas Tech has proven adept at reloading. Former transfers like pitcher Jack Duckhart (Oregon State), outfielder Nolan Hester (Wofford) and righty Jack Washburn (Mississippi) could be crucial in that regard. All three are in their fourth or fifth season of college baseball and can help first- and second-year players moving forward.

Player to know: Owen Washburn, OF.

Washburn was the 2021 Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year and carried his prep success into college. He earned Big 12 All-Freshman honors last year after hitting .277/.369/.433 with seven home runs and starting all but two games for the Red Raiders. Now, the Red Raiders are looking for him to step into a bigger role at the heart of the order. The left-handed hitter has a good feel for the game and strong power potential.

Directions to Omaha: Texas Tech will go as far as its young talent will go. If the new wave of Red Raiders blossoms quickly, they have the potential to compete in the Big 12 and nationally. But with so many new players entering the mix, there are likely to be some growing pains, both in the lineup and on the mound.

2023 College Top 25 Preview: No. 21 Southern Mississippi

If Southern Miss makes its first trip to Omaha since 2009, it will be a fresh-faced pitching staff to push the Golden Eagles forward.