2026 College World Series Opens in Omaha with Eight Teams

The 2026 NCAA Division I College World Series began Friday, June 12, in Omaha, Nebraska, with eight teams competing for the national championship. The opening day featured a doubleheader at Charles Schwab Field, with West Virginia facing Troy at 2 p.m. ET, followed by North Carolina versus Ole Miss at 7 p.m. ET. All games are being broadcast on ESPN, with streaming available through various services.

This year’s field is notable for its complete turnover from the 2025 event, with none of last year’s participants returning. It includes two first-time participants: West Virginia and Troy, who met in the opening game. The Southeastern Conference holds a dominant position, sending a record five teams to Omaha: Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, Texas, and Oklahoma. This extends the conference's recent streak, as the SEC has won the past six national titles awarded, dating back to 2019.

The tournament follows a double-elimination bracket format. The eight teams are divided into two brackets, with the winners of each bracket advancing to a best-of-three championship series scheduled for June 20-22. The full schedule continues through Saturday, June 13, with Alabama playing Oklahoma and...