DALLAS (NCBWA) The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association continues its tradition of NCAA Division I polls for the 24rd year with its 2021 weekly surveys, and the undefeated Arkansas Raozrbacks (10-0) lead the poll for the first time in 2021.
Arkansas holds down the No. 1 position in the survey for the second week in succession after Florida and Ole Miss topped the first two polls.
As is the case early in the campaign, two teams made large moves up the ladder as Boston College leapt eight places from No. 29 to No. 21 and undefeated (10-0) South Carolina went 4-0 last week to advance six spots from No. 13 to No. 7. Four new teams also joined the Top 30 in Arizona State at No. 27, Oregon at No. 29, and Stanford and West Virginia in a tie at No. 30.
There have been 10 conferences represented in the first four standings of 2021, and there were 15 different conferences included in the COVID-19 abbreviated NCBWA polls in 2020. Eight conferences graced the March 8 standings.
The 2021 poll voters come from among 34 college baseball writers and related media persons from throughout the nation. The '21 season will feature 298 NCAA Division I baseball-playing schools, and for more information or to join the NCBWA please go to ncbwa.com.
Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists of the sport. Members receive a membership card, directory, newsletter updates and official votes in the Dick Howser Trophy, Regional Players of the Year and NCBWA All-America voting. The NCBWA also sponsors Division I Players of the Week, the Stopper of the Year, and publication and writing contests.