As the college baseball season approaches, Georgia Tech has made headlines by dominating the D1 Baseball preseason position rankings. The latest assessments reveal that Georgia Tech has players ranked among the top across various categories, solidifying its position as a powerhouse in collegiate baseball.
D1 Baseball has published its rankings for the 2026 season, featuring the top 50 players at each position. Georgia Tech stands out as the only program to have six position players in the top 15 and eight in the top 50 of their respective categories. This remarkable representation underscores the strength of the Yellow Jackets’ lineup as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Key Rankings and Players
The following Georgia Tech players have received notable rankings:
– Drew Burress – No. 1 in Outfield
– Jarren Advincula – No. 2 in Second Base
– Vahn Lackey – No. 2 in Catcher
– Alex Hernandez – No. 11 in Outfield
– Kent Schmidt – No. 13 in First Base
– Carson Kerce – No. 15 in Shortstop
– Ryan Zuckerman – No. 28 in Third Base
– Caleb Daniel – No. 41 in Outfield
– Tate McKee – No. 55 in Starting Pitcher
– Mason Patel – No. 61 in Starting Pitcher
– Justin Shadek – No. 85 in Relief Pitcher
– Charlie Willcox – No. 155 in Starting Pitcher
Georgia Tech and TCU are the only programs with all three of their outfielders ranked in the Top 50. Additionally, Georgia Tech and LSU are the only teams with representatives from each infield position among the Top 30. The Yellow Jackets lead the nation with eight players in the top 50, surpassing both LSU and TCU, and significantly outpacing their ACC rivals, North Carolina and Louisville.
Strength and Expectations for the Season
The recognition of Georgia Tech’s player roster aligns with previous comments from D1 Baseball analysts. Aaron Fitt, a prominent figure in baseball journalism, referred to the 2026 Georgia Tech lineup as “the best position player group… and it’s not even close.” Another analyst, Bradley Smart, emphasized the group’s potential, stating, “This position player group has a chance to be the best in the country. Full Stop.”
A total of 12 Georgia Tech players are recognized among the best in their positions, including four pitchers. Freshman Charlie Willcox earned a spot in the Top 200 for starting pitchers, ranking No. 155, showcasing the depth of talent within the program.
The anticipation for the 2026 season continues to grow, resulting in a record number of season tickets sold in Georgia Tech’s history. Furthermore, a program record of 10 games will be broadcast nationally on either ACC Network or ESPN2.
Entering the 2026 season, Georgia Tech is positioned as a consensus Top-5 team and the preseason favorites in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Yellow Jackets feature three preseason 1st Team All-Americans: Drew Burress (CF), Vahn Lackey (C), and Mason Patel (RHP). They are tied for the most preseason All-Americans nationally with five, including Jarren Advincula (2B) and Alex Hernandez (UTL).
Georgia Tech was ranked highest among conference teams in four different national preseason top-25 polls: No. 2 by Perfect Game, No. 4 by Baseball America, No. 4 by USA Today Coaches Poll, and No. 5 by D1 Baseball. The No. 2 ranking is the highest for the program since 2003 and the best since the 1990s when the team was ranked No. 1 in multiple seasons.
This season marks the debut for new Head Coach James Ramsey, who has spent the last seven seasons as an assistant coach. Under Ramsey’s guidance, the Yellow Jackets have led the ACC in several offensive categories, including batting average (.308) and on-base percentage (.408) since he took over the offense in 2019.
The highly anticipated season opener is scheduled for February 13, 2026, at 16:00, when Georgia Tech will host Bowling Green for a three-game series at Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium.
Season tickets for the 2026 regular season, which includes five ACC home series and various non-conference games, are available for purchase. For more information on ticket options, including premium membership opportunities, visit the official Georgia Tech Baseball Tickets page. Single game and mini-plan tickets are also on sale, offering fans a chance to witness the defending ACC Regular Season Champions in action as they strive for further success this season.
