The Arkansas Razorbacks, affectionately known as the “OmaHogs,” have once again captured the hearts of fans across the country with their return to college baseball’s biggest stage — the Men’s College World Series in Omaha. Under the leadership of head coach Dave Van Horn, who has become synonymous with consistent excellence in Fayetteville, the 2025 OmaHogs have combined grit, talent, and experience in a thrilling season that has fans believing this could finally be the year.
Coming off a strong 2024 season that ended just short of Omaha, the Hogs entered 2025 with high expectations. With a core group of seasoned veterans and a crop of dynamic underclassmen, Arkansas opened the season ranked in the top five nationally. The team wasted no time proving they belonged among the elite, compiling one of the nation’s best records through a grueling SEC schedule — widely considered the toughest conference in college baseball.
Much of Arkansas’s success this season has stemmed from its dominant pitching staff. Anchored by junior ace left-hander Brady Tygart and flame-throwing closer Gage Wood, the staff has consistently silenced powerful lineups. Tygart, who flirted with a no-hitter against LSU in early April, has been a steady Friday-night force, while Wood has become a late-inning nightmare for hitters with a fastball that consistently touches 98 mph.
Offensively, the OmaHogs have been powered by a deep and versatile lineup. Senior outfielder Kendall Diggs has been the heart of the batting order, delivering clutch hits in key moments, while sophomore catcher Parker Rowland has been rock-solid behind the plate and in the batter’s box. Freshman phenom Jaxon Whiteside, a homegrown Arkansas product, has provided a spark with his combination of speed and power, earning national attention as a future star.
The defining moment of the 2025 season came during the Fayetteville Super Regional, where the Hogs faced perennial powerhouse Stanford. After dropping Game 1 in a tense 3-2 contest, Arkansas roared back with dominant wins in Games 2 and 3, showcasing the team’s resilience and determination. The scene at Baum-Walker Stadium — a sea of cardinal and white — erupted as the team dogpiled on the mound, officially punching its ticket to Omaha.
But for this team, just reaching Omaha is not enough. The program’s last trip to the finals came in 2018, a heartbreaking runner-up finish that still lingers in the minds of long-time fans. Coach Van Horn, now in his 23rd season at the helm, has built a powerhouse — one that’s hungry to bring the first national championship in program history back to Fayetteville.
As the 2025 College World Series begins, the OmaHogs carry with them not only immense talent but also a sense of destiny. They play for more than just wins — they play for each other, for their coach, and for the fans who’ve filled Baum-Walker Stadium all season long. With every pitch, every swing, and every roar from the dugout, Arkansas is writing the next chapter in its storied baseball legacy — one they hope ends with a trophy raised high under the lights of Omaha.
