Best Pitchers At The 2025 College Baseball Showdown
Best Pitchers At The 2025 College Baseball Showdown
The nation's premier pitchers take the mound for all three weekends of the 2025 College Baseball Showdown at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
The game's best young pitching talent headlines the 2025 College Baseball Showdown, taking over Globe Life Field from Feb. 14 through March 2.
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Each of the Showdown's three weekends stream live on FloBaseball, along with a midweek matchup of College World Series hopefuls LSU and Dallas Baptist. Tune in for the premier pitchers in college baseball as they take the mound throughout the event.
Week 1: Feb. 14-16
Christian Coppola, Arizona
Rutgers transfer Christian Coppola shined in the Big Ten Conference, earning Freshman All-American honors in 2023. Coppola produced a 3.68 ERA in 13 starts and struck out 71 batters in 66 innings.
Coppola struggled in his sophomore season, but the 6-foot-5 righty could thrive with a change of scenario. Baseball America described his repertoire as "intriguing," and working with UA pitching coach Kevin Vance could reinvigorate the promising Coppola. With Arizona's pitching staff undergoing considerable change from its Pac-12-winning 2024 look, the Rutgers transfer will have the opportunity to establish himself as an ace.
Gabe Davis, Oklahoma State
College baseball may not have a more imposing figure on the mound than Oklahoma State's 6-foot-9 right-hander Gabe Davis. And, working primarily out of the bullpen in his first two seasons as a Cowboy, Davis leveraged his intimidating presence and powerful fastball to strikeout 95 batters in just 60 1/3 innings pitched.
Davis is ranked a top 50 prospect in the 2025 MLB draft, and those tuning into the College Baseball Showdown will get a sample as to why the pros are high on him.
Patrick Forbes, Louisville
Patrick Forbes work as a right-handed reliever for Louisville has commanded attention from MLB scouts. Forbes heads into 2025 among the top-rated pitching prospects of this year's college crop, thanks in part to impressive summers as a starter in the Cape Cod League.
After finishing the 2024 summer with Brewster posting a 3.29 ERA in four starts with 22 strikeouts and a 1.098 WHIP, it will be interesting to follow how Forbes' role in the Louisville pitching staff evolves.
Max Grubbs, Texas
After struggling in limited appearances as a freshman, Max Grubbs came on strong moving into the Texas starting rotation in 2024. He worked 73 2/3 innings over 18 total appearances with 12 starts, compiling a 3.67 ERA.
Another jump for Grubbs in his third year at Texas could solidify him among the best starters in the SEC. He'll begin that pursuit at Globe Life Field.
Aidan Knaak, Clemson
Aidan Knaak arrived at Clemson touted right around the top 100 prospects in the 2024 freshman class, and the Fort Myers, Florida, native did not disappoint. Knaak started 15 games and pitched 83 1/3 innings a season ago, debuting on the college level with quite a splash.
He posted a 3.67 ERA, 1.152 WHIP and struck out 108 batters. The Freshman All-American heads into his sophomore quickly establishing himself as one of the top 2026 MLB draft prospects.
Jared Spencer, Texas
Impressive coming out of the bullpen for Indiana State, Jared Spencer brings his experienced arm to Austin in 2025. The left-hander came up with seven saves during the Sycamores' memorable 2023, and he struck out 51 in 37 1/3 innings pitched.
Spencer split his time as a reliever and made the move back into the starting rotation with nine starts in 2024. His proven ability to come on in high-pressure situations or work as a starter offers the Longhorns some versatility.
Week 2: Feb. 21-23
Ben Abeldt, TCU
The game may not have had a better late-inning pitcher in 2024 than Ben Abeldt. Abeldt was a finalist for the NCBWA Stopper of the Year with his 1.83 ERA in 44 1/3 innings and 26 appearances, during which he made eight saves and put together an impressive 1.015 WHIP.
Kurt Barr, Michigan
A workhorse right-hander who made 21 appearances and 11 starts in 2024, Kurt Barr earned All-Big Ten honors with his 3.41 ERA over almost 90 innings pitched. Barr heads into his junior campaign on the right trajectory after building off a promising freshman campaign poised to be one of the best starters in the Big Ten.
Gabe Gaeckle, Arkansas
California import Gabe Gaeckle adapted to the SEC impressively. He garnered unanimous Freshman All-American recognition with his 2.32 ERA compiled in 22 appearances out of the bullpen, during which Gaeckle struck out 57 and walked only 19.
Gaeckle's role for the Razorbacks in 2025 will be an interesting storyline to follow early in the season. With Arkansas replacing the sensational Hagen Smith, the Razorbacks could be on the hunt for a new ace. Gaeckle might be ready to step into that role.
Jerrod Jenkins, Dallas Baptist*
Jerrod Jenkins helped fuel Dallas Baptist's road to the NCAA Tournament in 2024 with his late-season performance. Working into the starting rotation in the back-half of the campaign, Jenkins threw in five games during his final eight starts in which he allowed no earned runs — including a critical, C-USA Championship win over FIU.
DBU takes to Globe Life Field for part of the College Baseball Showdown's midweek showcases. Jenkins' ability to start of come out of the bullpen effectively could have in line for an appearance at the Texas Rangers' home when DBU takes on LSU.
Chase Shores, LSU*
A UCL injury cut short promising right-hander Chase Shores' 2023, and he missed the 2024 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Shores makes his return in 2025, and the 6-foot-8 hurler should be an imposing presence staring down batters from the mound.
* = midweek participants
Week 3: Feb. 28-March 2
Ethan Calder, Baylor
Ethan Calder solidified himself as one of Baylor's most dangerous pitchers in his second season primarily coming out of the Bears bullpen. The lefty produced a 3.23 ERA in 21 appearances and 55 2/3 innings of work, during which he struck out 41 and walked only 12.
After two strong seasons as a reliever, Calder could be a starting rotation candidate for the Bears in 2025. No matter what capacity he operates, he's an important part of the Bears pitching staff.
Mason Koch, Auburn
Creighton transfer Mason Koch arrives on the Plains having had a promising 2024 in the BIG EAST. Koch's first full collegiate season saw him make 25 appearances for Creighton, striking out 60 batters in just 38 1/3 innings.
Dax Whitney, Oregon State
Ranked ninth among all incoming freshmen righties by Perfect Game, the youngster from Idaho Dax Whitney is perhaps the most intriguing pitcher to follow in the early going for Oregon State.
Whitney was the Idaho Gatorade Player of the Year with his 0.27 ERA and 130 strikeouts in the 2024 high school season.
Blaine Wynk, Ohio State
Blaine Wynk had no trouble settling right in upon his transfer to Ohio State from Div. II Findlay. The 6-foot-3 right-hander earned All-Big Ten honors in 2024 with 38 strikeouts in 40 innings pitched, maintaining a strong 3.38 ERA.
Wynk heads into his second season with the Buckeyes as one of the most promising candidates to break out among the entire collection of Big Ten pitchers.
What Teams Are Playing In the 2025 College Baseball Showdown?
Here are the teams:
- University of Arizona
- Auburn University
- Baylor University
- Clemson University
- Ohio State University
- Kansas State University
- Oklahoma State University
- Oregon State University
- University of Louisville
- University of Texas
- University of Michigan
- University of Arkansas
- Ole Miss
- LSU
- TCU
How To Stream The 2025 College Baseball Showdown?
The first weekend of competition at the Shriners Children's College Showdown is Feb. 14-16 at Globe Life Field. It is streaming on FloCollege and the FloSports app.
Replays, highlights, and breaking news from the event will be on both platforms.
How To Watch The 2025 College Baseball Showdown Weekend 2
The second weekend, Feb. 21-23, at Globe Life Field is called the College Baseball Series. It is streaming on FloCollege and the FloSports app.
Replays, highlights, and breaking news from the event will be on both platforms.
How To Watch The 2025 College Baseball Showdown Weekend 3
The second weekend, Feb. 28-Mar. 2, at Globe Life Field is called the College Baseball Series. It is streaming on FloCollege and the FloSports app.
Replays, highlights, and breaking news from the event will be on both platforms.
FloBaseball Archived Footage
Video footage from the event will be archived and stored in a video library for FloBaseball subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscription.
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