When the 2024 HBCU baseball season ended, all eyes were on the 2025 season. Each program looks to strengthen its rosters and find replacements for players likely to step up their game.
There is still a long way to go before the 2025 season starts, and numerous wins would have to happen, but maybe there is some poetic justice after last season.
This past BCWS, a great collection of talent in the championship series was witnessed by all in attendance. You had lefty and righty skillsets on the mound with a phenomenal cast of pitchers and hitters at the plate, and they gave everything needed on both ends: power, defense, and speed at all levels.
Among all HBCU Baseball, NCAA D II, and NAIA baseball programs, four currently stand out as legitimate contenders for the coveted Black College World Series return trip.
The Edward Waters University Tigers, Miles Golden Bears, Talladega College Tornadoes, and the Wiley University Wildcats are among the favorites for a return trip to win the 2025 Black College World Series.
Much thought went into this process. Recruiting, returning players, and overall team makeup are factors.
Here, we look at those four teams.
1. Edward Waters University Tigers
The Edward Waters Tigers transitioned from an NAIA program in 2019 and won their first Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) conference title during the regular season in 2024. Along with winning the SIAC after officially becoming a full-time member of NCAA Division II and the SIAC in 2024, they earned the highest contender to return to the BCWS in 2025.
Their trajectory under head coach Reginal Johnson looks promising. They are returning key positions and pitching to its roster. They have the core of their roster intact, and a good recruiting class makes them a dangerous side for 2025.
2. Miles College Golden Bears
The Tigers fared decently in 2024, making it to the postseason before Edward Waters eliminated them in a thrilling 14-13 (12) inning loss in the BCWS. However, they look set to have one of the most talented rosters in 2025 as they plan to add more players through the transfer portal.
Their 2025 recruiting class features top-notch players and returning players. The threat posed by head coach Milton Barney, a former DI head baseball coach, cannot be ignored.
3. Talladega College Tornadoes
Talladega made the Black College World Series finals for the first time in program history. Their offense stood out and enjoyed a stellar season completed with a 40-18 season, one of the best in the program’s history to help the Tornadoes make a deep postseason run that included the NAIA National Tournament.
Along with a returning roster and talented recruits, head coach Marcos Dominguez is laying the foundations to mount a solid challenge next year and could end their wait for both elusive BCWS and NAIA titles in 2025.
4. Wiley College Wildcats
Wiley enjoyed a dominant season under head coach Kendrick Biggs in 2024. They won four games in the 2024 Gulf Coast Atlantic Conference (GCAC) Baseball Championship, losing the conference title game. Finished the regular season at 29-21, made the BCWS selection field, making its second straight appearance. One game away from playing in the NAIA tournament.
Wiley still has a talented roster. Their 2025 recruiting class currently ranks as one of the tops in the GCAC, combined with their plans to add talented players to their roster. The Wildcats have the credentials for a return trip to the BCWS and NAIA Opening Round Appearance 1976, 1983, and 2007.
Authors Note: Post appears on the Black College World Series website.