According to Perfect Game’s preseason rankings, Auburn baseball breaks into the top 25.

Auburn Baseball Breaks Into Perfect Game’s Preseason Top 25: A New Era of Expectation and Opportunity

As college baseball gears up for the 2025 season, expectations for teams across the nation are beginning to take shape. Among the programs making significant strides is Auburn Baseball, which has found its way into the Perfect Game Preseason Top 25 rankings. This marks a significant achievement for Auburn, as they have consistently demonstrated improvement under head coach Butch Thompson and are now positioned as one of the premier teams in the country.

Being ranked in the Perfect Game Preseason Top 25 is no small feat. Perfect Game’s rankings are recognized as one of the most respected in the industry, factoring in a team’s talent, coaching staff, previous performance, and overall trajectory. For Auburn, this recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and vision that has been instilled into the program over the years. It reflects both the current state of Auburn baseball and the bright future that lies ahead.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at what this preseason ranking means for Auburn Baseball, the key players and elements that have contributed to their rise, and what fans can expect from the Tigers as they enter this exciting new season.

Auburn’s Position in Perfect Game’s Preseason Rankings

In the 2025 preseason rankings, Auburn Baseball is slotted at #23, making its debut in the Perfect Game Top 25 for the first time in several years. This ranking places them among some of the most prestigious college baseball programs in the nation, including traditional powers like LSU, Vanderbilt, and Texas.

The fact that Auburn has broken into this elite tier reflects the program’s trajectory and their ability to compete at the highest level. Auburn’s placement at #23 signals that the Tigers are expected to be a major force in the SEC and in the national landscape of college baseball. The Tigers’ ranking underscores how far they have come under Butch Thompson’s leadership, which has reshaped the culture of the program and revitalized Auburn’s position in the SEC.

The Rise of Auburn Baseball Under Coach Butch Thompson

Auburn’s rise to a national ranking in the Perfect Game preseason poll can be largely attributed to the leadership of head coach Butch Thompson. Since taking the reins of the program in 2015, Thompson has transformed Auburn baseball into a consistent contender in one of the most competitive conferences in college baseball.

Under Thompson, the Tigers have made regular appearances in the NCAA Tournament, and in 2019, they advanced to the College World Series, a remarkable feat that raised the profile of the program significantly. Thompson’s emphasis on strong pitching, balanced offense, and defensive excellence has established a winning formula for Auburn, and the Tigers’ continued success on the recruiting trail has been crucial to the team’s rise.

Thompson has not only built a strong program, but he has also created an environment that attracts high-caliber talent. This year’s ranking in the Perfect Game Top 25 is a direct result of Thompson’s ability to recruit and develop top-tier players, both from the high school ranks and the transfer portal.

Key Players Driving Auburn’s Preseason Ranking

Auburn’s preseason ranking is the result of both experienced players and promising newcomers who are set to make an impact in 2025. The Tigers’ roster boasts a mix of talented veterans, rising stars, and new faces who are poised to contribute right away.

Pitching Staff

Auburn’s pitching staff is one of the most significant factors in their success and their high preseason ranking. In the 2024 season, the Tigers showcased a dominant pitching rotation, and in 2025, they are expected to have one of the strongest rotations in the country.

The pitching staff is anchored by Joseph Gonzalez, a right-handed pitcher who has consistently been one of Auburn’s most reliable arms over the past few seasons. Gonzalez is known for his strong command and ability to get key outs in high-pressure situations. His experience and leadership on the mound make him a crucial part of Auburn’s success in 2025.

In addition to Gonzalez, Dylan Ray and Tanner Tully will be vital pieces in the Tigers’ rotation. Ray has shown flashes of brilliance with his electric stuff, and Tully’s ability to generate strikeouts will be a key asset as well. With these arms at the forefront of the rotation, Auburn’s pitching staff is expected to be both deep and dominant in 2025.

Additionally, Auburn’s bullpen is loaded with talent, including Chandler Best, who has proven to be a reliable option out of the pen. With a combination of power arms and pitchers capable of executing a variety of pitches, Auburn’s pitching staff is poised to continue to be one of the best in the SEC.

Offensive Weapons

While Auburn is known for its pitching prowess, the team has also made significant strides offensively, which has helped propel them into the Top 25. The Tigers’ offense is headlined by Bryce Matthews, a powerful hitter with a knack for driving in runs. Matthews has the potential to be one of the top offensive players in the SEC this season, and his ability to produce in clutch situations will be crucial for Auburn’s success.

Another key contributor to Auburn’s offense is Cole Foster, a versatile player who can both hit for power and get on base consistently. Foster’s ability to provide consistent offensive production throughout the season will be a major factor in Auburn’s ability to compete against top-tier SEC teams.

The Tigers have also bolstered their offense with some key additions from the transfer portal. Kason Howell, an outfielder, brings speed and power to the lineup, while Trey Lipscomb, another transfer, is expected to contribute immediately as an impact bat. With these additions, Auburn’s offense looks balanced and capable of putting up runs against some of the best pitching staffs in the country.

Defense and Coaching

Auburn’s success in 2025 will not just come from its pitchers and hitters but also from its ability to play fundamentally sound defense. Coach Thompson’s emphasis on defense has been a hallmark of the program since his arrival, and this season is no exception. The Tigers are expected to have a solid infield, with Brody Moore at shortstop and Steven Williams at third base. Both players have shown the ability to make difficult plays and will be relied upon to anchor the defense throughout the season.

The coaching staff’s attention to detail in fielding fundamentals will be a significant asset, especially in the SEC, where games are often decided by one or two crucial plays. The Tigers will need to be efficient and error-free to avoid giving opponents extra opportunities.

The SEC Landscape and Auburn’s Potential for Success

The SEC remains the toughest conference in college baseball, with perennial powerhouses like LSU, Vanderbilt, Florida, and Ole Miss consistently dominating the rankings. The competition is fierce, but Auburn’s placement in the Perfect Game Top 25 demonstrates that they are no longer just one of the middle-tier programs in the conference—they are among the elite teams that have a legitimate chance of competing for an SEC title.

Auburn will need to perform consistently in conference play to secure a high seed for the NCAA Tournament and make a deep run in the postseason. The Tigers’ strong pitching staff, powerful offense, and solid defense will allow them to compete with the best, but they will need to stay healthy and continue to perform at a high level in one of the most challenging conferences in the country.

What Fans Can Expect in 2025

For Auburn baseball fans, the 2025 season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With the Tigers ranked in the Perfect Game Preseason Top 25, there is a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the program. The combination of experienced players and emerging stars has created a potent mix of talent, and expectations are high for what this team can achieve.

Fans can expect Auburn baseball to compete at the highest level, both in the SEC and nationally. The Tigers are poised to make a push for an NCAA Regional and potentially a Super Regional berth, with aspirations of making a deep run in the College World Series.

With strong leadership from Butch Thompson, an experienced roster, and a combination of talent and depth, Auburn baseball is on the rise, and the 2025 season is set to be a defining one for the program.