SEC Dominance: Vandy Baseball No. 2, Vols No. 12

With future No. 1 and No. 2 overall picks Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker in the starting rotation, it’s no surprise to see Vanderbilt near the top spot. But when you look down the rankings–SEC is taking over college baseball. Tennessee just creeped up to No. 12, which now makes for six SEC teams in the top 12.

As the great Larry David would say: Preeeeetty good.

The SEC is a baseball juggernaut.

Tennessee is ranked 12th in the country and 6th in the conference. pic.twitter.com/IokIe4UhvV

— Allan Bell (@AllanBell247) March 28, 2021

Everyone always hated on SEC baseball because they “weren’t playing anybody,” but how do we explain this? The conference is torching their non-conference opponents. These rankings also run off a point system, so whom they play matters.

We’re not exactly sure why Vandy sat at No. 2 last week when they have two pitchers with ERAs under one, but whatever the reason, it seems like the SEC rules college baseball. That’s a little strange given the weather out there. You’d figure we’d see more teams like UCLA and Arizona State, who have “baseball weather.” Guess not.

UCLA was the only Pac-12 school to appear in the top 12. It is, however, possible that the SEC is seen as a hybrid minor league that can help players build draft stock. Agents and players likely figure that those who can play in the best conference can play anywhere.

Jack Leiter, one of the top prospects in the 2021 MLB Draft, threw a no-hitter with 16 Ks today. 🔥

(via @SECNetwork)pic.twitter.com/jpcX3s4N5K

— MLB (@MLB) March 20, 2021