Duke Baseball Eyes First College World Series Since 1961

CLEMSON, S.C. — Duke Baseball is looking to break historical barriers and make its first appearance at the College World Series since 1961. Under head coach Chris Pollard, the Blue Devils have enjoyed success, claiming two ACC Tournament championships in four years and stepping into the 2025 season ranked in the top 12 nationally.

This year’s squad features a blend of returning talent and key transfers as they gear up for a three-game series against Cincinnati to open the season. With significant renovations at Jack Coombs Field aimed at enhancing team performance, the Blue Devils are poised for an explosive campaign.

A pivotal strength of the Blue Devils is their deep pitching rotation led by returning southpaw Kyle Johnson and junior right-hander Andrew Healy. “We have 11 players on this roster that have started a Division 1 baseball game on the mound,” Pollard noted, emphasizing the depth of experience within his pitching lineup.

However, the team will face challenges as they transition from a bullpen-heavy approach to a more traditional starting rotation for upcoming ACC play. The losses of key players such as ace Jonathan Santucci and closer Charlie Beilenson will require new arms to step up significantly.

Pollard’s staff is cautiously optimistic about the influx of talent through the transfer portal, highlighted by graduate transfers Jake Hyde from Georgetown and Jake Berger from Harvard. Both players were brought on board to fill gaps left by departing stars and add depth to an already competitive roster.

Among the returning playmakers, sophomore AJ Gracia has emerged as a player to watch. Gracia set freshman program records with 14 home runs and 58 RBIs last season and is projected as a top MLB draft pick in 2026. His offensive prowess, along with seasoned players like Ben Miller and Wallace Clark, positions Duke to maintain a formidable lineup.

“Ben Rounds is another grad transfer that’s going to hit in the top of our lineup,” Pollard added, tying together the excitement surrounding the program’s new acquisitions. Rounds, who posted a .403 batting average at Harvard, brings game-changing potential for Duke.

The Blue Devils will have a mix of home and away matchups, with 17 games on the road against various competitors, adding an element of challenge to their 56-game schedule. Early in April, Duke will face a crucial series against North Carolina, a rival that has historically dominated their encounters.

Nonetheless, Pollard and his team are looking to capitalize on the momentum built during last season’s successful run, hoping to carry it forward into this season. “We’re hoping this year is the year we finally return to Omaha,” Pollard remarked, emphasizing the team’s determination and elevated expectations.

As the season unfolds, Duke is set on leveraging both its talent and enhanced facilities to bring home a championship and rewrite their place in college baseball history.