Troy University's baseball team made a significant mark during the 2025 College World Series, despite not winning the championship. After finishing just shy of 40 wins and achieving a strong conference record, Troy was left excluded from the previous year's tournament, raising serious concerns about the NCAA selection process for smaller programs. Their subsequent run to Omaha, though ending in a loss, positioned them as a testament to the parity claim in college baseball—a concept that many argue is undermined by the exclusion of capable non-power conference teams. Troy's journey emphasizes the need for a revised perspective on selection criteria to ensure fair opportunities for all programs.

By the Numbers
  • Troy ended the 2025 season with a record of 39 wins and 21 losses.
  • The Trojans reached the College World Series after winning four straight games against SEC teams.
State of Play
  • College baseball continues to highlight disparities between power conference teams and mid-major programs during the selection process.
  • The selection committee faces increasing scrutiny over its criteria, with calls for fair evaluations of teams beyond just their league strength.
What's Next

The narrative surrounding Troy could spark changes in NCAA selection protocols, prompting discussions on how to best recognize and reward mid-major excellence in future tournaments. The hope is for broader reforms that give credible paths for programs like Troy to advance without excessive scrutiny.

Bottom Line

Troy's run in the College World Series challenges the NCAA to reassess its selection process, promoting a more equitable approach that values performance over conference affiliation, ultimately advocating for an environment where all programs can contend fairly.