For the first time in over 60 years, West Virginia University’s baseball team is headed to the NCAA tournament for the third consecutive year—a historic achievement that underscores the program’s growing success.
The Mountaineers, ranked 24th nationally with a 41-14 record, were selected Monday as the No. 2 seed in the Clemson Regional of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. They’ll open tournament play on Friday against Kentucky (29-24) from the SEC.
“It’s been 61 years since we’ve made back-to-back-to-back regionals,” said head coach Steve Sabins. “To be able to continue what we started and keep winning ball games—it’s all about getting to this tournament.”
A Rare Milestone in Mountaineer History
The last time WVU appeared in three straight NCAA tournaments was between 1961 and 1964 under legendary coach Steve Harrick. Now, under Sabins’ leadership—and with a nod to the groundwork laid by former coach Randy Mazey—the program is once again making postseason waves.
Despite stumbling late in the season, losing nine of their last 13 games, WVU’s Big 12 regular season title and record 41 wins were enough to secure a spot. The team enters the regional round in a double-elimination format, familiar territory after last year’s breakthrough run in Tucson, where WVU won the regional as a No. 3 seed and reached its first-ever Super Regional.
Tough Opponents Await
This year, WVU faces a familiar foe in Kentucky, who defeated the Mountaineers 10-0 in last year’s regional. Meanwhile, host team Clemson (44-16)—the No. 11 overall seed—will play USC Upstate in the other opening game. The winners and losers will face off in subsequent matchups, continuing until one team advances.
Whoever emerges from the Clemson Regional will take on the winner of the Baton Rouge Regional, hosted by No. 6 seed LSU.
“Built on Opportunity”
Sabins remains optimistic about what lies ahead.
“You have an opportunity to do special things, once you get your foot in the door,” he said. “From the very beginning, our team has been built on opportunity. If you get into the tournament, you’ve got a shot.”
That opportunity comes with rewards. Sabins secured a contract extension through 2030, adding $525,000 to his final year, bringing his total six-year deal to $2.775 million. He also earned $55,000 in bonuses this season—$30,000 for the Big 12 title and $25,000 for making the NCAA tournament.
A Chance to Regain Momentum
While the Mountaineers stumbled at the end—getting knocked out of the Big 12 tournament by Arizona and shut out twice by Kansas—they still hold one of the program’s strongest résumés to date. WVU’s offense has shown flashes of brilliance, and outfielder Kyle West believes this team can’t be underestimated.
“We’re no slouch by any means,” West said. “When people look at the scouting reports, they’ll see we’ve got some of the best offensive numbers. No team can be taken lightly at this point of the year.”
With a renewed shot at making history, WVU baseball heads into the Clemson Regional with everything to gain and nothing to lose.
