The Beavers are no strangers to Omaha, having won three national championships in the past two decades. Despite being a West Coast team in a Southeastern-dominated market, Oregon State routinely recruits and develops top pitching talent.
While Vanderbilt may hardly scream “dark horse” based on its reputation, the Commodores are being overlooked because of an up-and-down 2024 season. Still, with FanDuel pricing them at +3400, there’s good value in a team that knows how to win in Omaha. Never underestimate Tim Corbin’s team when it matters the most.
Georgia Tech, one of the most unpredictable teams in the odds rankings, is at +2200 on DraftKings but drops to +4500 on Bet365. That difference highlights the uncertainty surrounding the Yellow Jackets. However, they have a potent offense that can compete with anyone, and if their pitching improves, Tech could surprise the field.
The Seminoles are putting together something special under Link Jarrett. Following a solid performance in the ACC, FSU is lingering around +1800 on FanDuel, but DraftKings has them at +2500, which might be a deal for a team with Omaha history and a much-improved bullpen.
The Demon Deacons, ranked first in 2023, mainly went unnoticed this season. They sit as high as +4000 on FanDuel, with a lot of upside if they can rediscover their recent form. Wake Forest’s strength comes from its balance, great pitching depth, and a lineup that grinds out at-bats.
The Anteaters may be the longest bet on the board, but at +6600 on BetMGM, the potential payout is tempting. UC Irvine is frequently a mid-major nightmare in the postseason, and if they hit a hot streak at the correct time, their West Coast flair might irritate powerhouse SEC opponents in Nebraska.
