OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Vanderbilt returns most of its everyday lineup, features the top two pitchers in college baseball and won the most recent national championship.

Still, the Commodores aren't even considered the team to beat in the Southeastern Conference, let alone the nation, not with Florida's roster overflowing with talent at nearly every position.

Among other top contenders to reach the College World Series in Omaha in June are UCLA, Texas Tech and Louisville. The season opens Friday.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Arkansas was so close to winning its first national championship in baseball last year that Casey Martin, from his position at third base, started seeing the celebratory dogpile in his mind's eye.

Oregon State was batting in the top of the ninth inning with two outs and a runner on third base. Arkansas led 3-2 and was on the verge of a two-game sweep in the College World Series finals.