Florida State Baseball Opens 2025 Season with High Expectations

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida State University baseball launches its 2025 season on Friday, hosting James Madison for a three-game series at Dick Howser Stadium, starting at 5:00 p.m. The Seminoles, ranked No. 9 by D1Baseball, aim for another successful campaign after reaching the College World Series semifinals last year.

Last season, Florida State recorded 49 wins, showcasing a powerful offense that led the team to its latest postseason. This year, however, the Seminoles will face challenges, including the loss of key offensive players like James Tibbs III, Jaime Ferrer, and Cam Smith. As head coach Link Jarrett prepares his team, he emphasizes the importance of the pitching staff and the depth it possesses.

Facing a backdrop of injuries endured last season, the Seminoles return junior left-hander Jamie Arnold, who earned Preseason Pitcher of the Year honors. Arnold had a standout year, finishing as one of the nation’s top pitchers and has drawn attention as a likely top pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. “His added confidence and mechanical adjustments have made him a dominant force,” says Brett Nevitt, a college baseball expert at 247Sports.

In reflecting on the previous season, Nevitt notes the resilience of the 2024 Seminoles, praising their ability to respond to challenges despite setbacks due to injuries. “They were able to just mash their way to many wins, especially in midweek games,” said Nevitt. “That character allowed them to bounce back from tough situations.”

This year, the Seminoles welcome several newcomers to fill the offensive void. Players to watch include freshmen Hunter Carns, ranked No. 1 among catchers in his high school class, and Myles Bailey, a first baseman with substantial raw power. Both are expected to have significant roles early in the season.

Jarrett’s lineup is likely to incorporate a mix of power and small-ball strategies as the team adjusts to new offensive dynamics. The returning quartet of Jaxson West, Drew Faurot, Alex Lodise, and Cal Fisher aim to build on their experiences while upping their production.

As FSU shifts focus to its pitching rotation, three new arms from the transfer portal will complement Arnold’s leadership on the mound. Joey Volini and Wes Mendes join Arnold and will be essential to the success of the rotation. Volini, consistently effective in the preseason, has left a strong impression on coaching staff with his ability to execute pitches under pressure.

“This team has a lot of talent,” Jarrett said in a press conference leading up to the season opener, discussing the depth and versatility of the roster. “Consistency will play a vital role, especially as we face a demanding schedule.”

The Seminoles’ opening series against James Madison promises to be competitive; JMU finished last season with a 36-25 record and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. “Every game in this series will be crucial for setting the tone for the season,” said Jarrett.