Alabama State University in the Large School Division and Florida Memorial University in the Small School Division are ranked No. 1 in their respective Black College Nines HBCU Baseball Pre-Season 2024 Top 10 Polls presented by Guardian Baseball.
The Alabama State baseball team returns several starters at key positions at the plate and on the mound. The Hornets brought in more pitching depth to the lineup that will make an impact after finishing the 2023 season 41-18 overall and 26-4 in the SWAC Conference. Veterans will continue to lead both offensively and on the defensive side. Starting pitching from last season will return along with some key bullpen guys will also return.
Bethune Cookman University, after going 33-27 overall last season, has the 21st top recruiting class in the nation this year is ranked No. 2, with Florida A&M University No. 3, Grambling State University No. 4 and Jackson State University is the No. 5 preseason pick.
In the small school division, Florida Memorial concluded last season winning the Black College World Series earning its first HBCU national baseball title and will begin the 2024 season in the top spot in Black College Nines’ 2024 small school preseason Top 10 poll.
The Lions return key position players only losing one key member from the national title team. There is talent at every position and FMU has a talented recruiting class. The Florida Memorial pitching staff is expected to be much stronger than last season.
The remaining teams in the small school poll, made up of NCAA Division II schools as well as those in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), include Talladega College, returning its entire roster from the 28-18 record last season, in the No. 2 position, followed by No. 3 Rust College, Albany State University at No. 4, and Savannah State University is preseason No. 5.
Black College Nines is dedicated to preserving the tradition of baseball at historically black colleges and universities with our coverage of HBCU baseball.
Staff selections for the two divisional preseason polls are as follows…
Large School Division
1. Alabama State University
2. Bethune Cookman University
3. Florida A&M University
4. Grambling State University
5. Jackson State University
6. Prairie View A&M University
7. Southern University
8. Texas Southern University
9. North Carolina A&T University
10. Coppin State University
Small School Division
1. Florida Memorial University
2. Talladega College
3. Rust College
4. Albany State University
5. Savannah State University
6. Edward Waters University
7. Bluefield State University
8. Paine College
9. West Virginia State University
10t. Dillard University
10t. Wiley University
Receiving Votes:Kentucky State University
Poll Release Dates and Results:
Pre-Season
Week 1 (March 6, 2024)
Week 2 (March 20, 2024)
Week 3 (April 3, 2024)
Week 4 (April 17, 2024)
Week 5 (April 24, 2024)
Week 6 (May 1, 2024)
Week 7 (May 16, 2024)
Week 8 (May 23, 2024)
Final Poll (May 30, 2024)