The Gators will start 2021 where they left off in 2020 — ranked No.1, according to D1Baseball’s Preseason Top 25 rankings.
Despite the early end to the season, the 2020 Florida baseball team was one of the strongest the organization has seen. After a 16-1 start heading into what was meant to be opening SEC weekend, the Gators were on the path to a successful season.
The team’s bright potential was never fulfilled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but UF may have its shot in 2021.
After all, the Gators didn’t see much roster turnover due to the extra year of eligibility and the shortened 2020 MLB Draft. Eight starting position players and all three of the weekend starters on the mound have returned for the 2021 season.
This is the third time Florida started the season as No.1 in the short six-year history of the site’s rankings, according to D1Baseball. The two previous seasons, 2016 and 2018, ended with the Gators in Omaha at the College World Series.
D1Baseball is the third outlet to name the Gators the top team in college baseball. Collegiate Baseball Newspaper announced the Gators at No.1 in December, followed by Perfect Game on Jan. 6.
More outlets have yet to release their rankings, but the Gators are expected to enter the 2021 season as the unanimous No.1 team.
Contact Sara Kate Dyson at skatedyson@alligator.org or follow her on Twitter at @sarakatedyson
