The 2026 College World Series Begins with Georgia and North Carolina as Co-Favorites
The 2026 College World Series kicked off on Saturday, featuring Georgia and North Carolina as co-favorites to win the championship, according to DraftKings odds. The tournament marks the first time since 2025 that the previous champion, LSU, will not compete, as the Tigers failed to qualify after a regional exit.
Why Georgia and North Carolina Are Co-Favorites
Georgia, ranked No. 3 nationally, leads the field with standout player Daniel Jackson, a Golden Spikes finalist and SEC Player of the Year. Jackson, who hit .396 with 31 home runs and 86 RBIs, is considered a top prospect for the MLB Draft. The Bulldogs, making their first CWS appearance since 2008, face Texas in their opening game. North Carolina, aiming to become the third ACC school to win the title, boasts a top-10 team ERA of 3.86, led by Golden Spikes semifinalist Jason DeCaro.
The Absence of Power Conference Teams
For the first time since 1976, no teams from California or Florida will compete in the College World Series. Top-seeded UCLA, Florida, and Florida State were eliminated in their respective regionals. This absence contrasts with the SEC’s dominance, which has claimed six consecutive titles, including LSU’s back-to-back wins in 2023 and 2025.
SEC’s Dominance and Bracket Structure
The SEC is represented by five teams in the 2026 tournament, ensuring at least one finalist. Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma form Bracket 2, dubbed a “mini-SEC Tournament,” while Ole Miss is the sole SEC team in Bracket 1. BetMGM notes that Texas, with 39 all-time CWS appearances, is the most bet-on team, though its odds have improved from +2000 to +300.
Troy’s Historic Run as an Underdog
Troy, a Sun Belt school with a 38-30 record, becomes the first 30-loss team to reach the CWS since 2008. The Trojans, led by Sun Belt Player of the Year Jimmy Janicki, who ranks among national leaders in RBIs and hits, face West Virginia in the opening game. Their presence echoes Fresno State’s 2008 championship run, when a 29-loss team won the title.
What to Watch for in the Tournament
The CWS final is projected as a Georgia vs. North Carolina matchup at +470 odds. FanDuel offers SEC teams at -190 vs. the field, highlighting the conference’s strength. Meanwhile, West Virginia, a +750 underdog at BetMGM, faces the highest betting volume despite its longshot status.
Key Stats and Odds
– Co-favorites: Georgia (+275), North Carolina (+275)
– SEC teams: Georgia, Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma, Ole Miss
– Underdog story: Troy (38-30), the first 30-loss team in CWS history
– Historical context: The last non-power conference winner was Coastal Carolina in 2016