2022 College Top 25 Preview: No. 12 Florida State

Last season: 31-24 (20-16 in ACC), reached Regionals
Final ranking: NO
Coach (recording at school): Mike Martin Jr. (43-29, two years)

The good news: Florida State was led last year by lefties Parker Messick and Bryce Hubbart, who excelled in their first full seasons in college baseball. Messick was named ACC Pitcher of the Year after playing at a high level at 8-2, 3.10 with 126 strikeouts in 90 innings and Hubbart at 6-5, 3.80 with 94 strikeouts in 71 innings. After their spring performances followed by strong summers — Messick with the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team and Hubbart in the Cape Cod League — they return for 2022 looking like perhaps the nation’s best 1-2 hit and ready to a strong pitching in the state of Florida to lead staff. With options behind them in the rotation, the Seminoles are returning veteran assists Davis Hare and Jonah Scolaro and bringing more powerful weapons to their recruit class. After leading the ACC in ERA in 2021, Florida State could do so again in 2022.

The bad news: In addition to having the 2021 ACC Pitcher of the Year on its list, Florida State also had the conference’s Player of the Year in catcher Mat Nelson. But Nelson is now in pro ball, having drafted 35th overall and leaving a big hole in the lineup. He led the Seminoles in almost every offensive category while also maintaining a top-notch pitching staff. Colton Vincent, a fourth-year junior, has big shoes to fill behind the plate, while replacing Nelson’s offensive performance will fall to the entire team. Florida State wasn’t an offensive juggernaut last season and will be turning to some newcomers to bolster its offense. Transfers Jordan Carrion (Florida), Brett Roberts (Tennessee Tech) and Alex Toral (Miami) will join the lineup, as will freshman slugger James Tibbs. Outfielder AJ Shaver, a respected recruit in 2020, could also provide a boost after missing all but the opening weekend through injury. A resurgence of fifth-year outfielder Reese Albert would also be a welcome sight for the Seminoles.

Players to Know: Parker Messick, LHP

Messick was a standout as Florida State’s Friday starter in 2021, becoming the second player to be named ACC Pitcher and Freshman of the Year in the same season. He also appeared and saw time as the DH when Florida State needed help with their lineup, hitting .225/.279/.300 with a home run in 40 at-bats. Messick is unlikely to reprise his role as a two-way player, but he will be central to Florida State’s chances in 2022.

Way to Omaha: The Seminoles were better than their postseason performance in 2021, earning a tough tie after playing an expanded ACC roster. A normal 2022 slate and its overall skill level should bring Florida State back into the hosting conversation. It will take some new players to step up offensively, whether they be newcomers like Roberts and Toral or veterans like Albert and Vincent. This probably isn’t a classic high-octane Florida State offense, but with its pitching staff, it doesn’t have to be either. As long as the lineup generates consistent support, Messick and Hubbart and a deep bullpen can lead the Seminoles to a deep postseason run.

2022 College Top 25 Preview: No. 15 East Carolina

East Carolina has its sights set on Omaha again.

Lineup 2022