Head-to-Head
UscvsArizona State
#30 vs #32 — 2026 Preseason Power 25
TierContender
2025 Record37-23 (18-12 Big Ten)
PostseasonNCAA Tournament
Key Players
Rhylan Thomas (.318, 14 HR)Jagger Haynes (3.34 ERA, 101 K)Chase Davis (.301, 18 HR — from Arizona)
BSI Outlook
Chase Davis, Tommy Troy, and Landon Marceaux change the math. Haynes and Tredwell give USC an ace-closer combination that can win a regional. Davis and Thomas give them an offensive ceiling that can win a super. Year 3 under Stankiewicz is where results need to follow the talent.
TierDark Horse
2025 Record36-22 (15-15 Big 12)
PostseasonNone
Key Players
Joe Lampe (.311, 12 HR)Jacob Aguayo (3.92 ERA, 91 K)Conor Davis (.289, 13 HR — from Auburn)
BSI Outlook
More national titles than any Big 12 program. Lampe is a legitimate All-American candidate. The portal brought SEC power, Pac-12 defense, and Big 12 speed. If Aguayo tightens his command and Peery makes the sophomore jump, a Regional host is the ceiling.
BSI Verdict
Usc holds the edge as a Contender, but Arizona State at the Dark Horse level has the talent to flip the script.