Tampa looks to retain its Division II World Series crown

The defending Division II World Series champion University of Tampa continues to look every bit like a program built for another deep postseason run. The Spartans hold the No. 2 spot in the latest ABCA Division II Coaches Poll, released March 31, 2026, maintaining their position among the nation’s elite after a strong 26–4 start to the season.

UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA NEWS – SPORTS TALK FLORIDA

Catawba remains No. 1, while Tampa sits just five points behind in a tightly contested national race. Meanwhile, Rollins checks in at No. 13, and Eckerd rounds out the poll at No. 30, giving the Sunshine State Conference three teams in the national Top 30.

Full March 31, 2026 Division II Coaches Poll

Below are the complete rankings from this week’s ABCA poll:

1. Catawba (N.C.) – 26–6 – 297
2. Tampa (Fla.) – 26–4 – 292
3. Colorado Mesa – 30–3 – 282
4. North Greenville (S.C.) – 28–7 – 270
5. West Florida – 26–6 – 260
6. West Alabama – 25–7 – 250
7. Central Missouri – 24–5 – 240
8. Grand Valley State (Mich.) – 24–4 – 230
9. Pittsburg State (Kan.) – 26–6 – 220
10. North Georgia – 28–8 – 210
11. Francis Marion (S.C.) – 27–7 – 200
12. Lenoir‑Rhyne (N.C.) – 24–6‑1 – 190
13. Rollins (Fla.) – 20–8 – 180
14. Point Loma (Calif.) – 28–7 – 170
15. Rogers State (Okla.) – 27–4 – 162
16. Young Harris (Ga.) – 27–7 – 153
17. Augustana (S.D.) – 21–6 – 140
18. Westmont (Calif.) – 20–6 – 130
19. Wingate (N.C.) – 26–8 – 120
20. West Chester (Pa.) – 19–4 – 110
21. Cal State Monterey Bay – 22–8 – 100
22. Seton Hill (Pa.) – 21–5 – 90
23. Belmont Abbey (N.C.) – 26–8 – 80
24. Texas‑Tyler – 26–8 – 70
25. St. Mary’s (Texas) – 25–9 – 60
26. Minnesota State Mankato – 18–6 – 50
27. Bentley (Mass.) – 18–7 – 40
28. Wayne State (Mich.) – 21–5 – 30
29. Millersville (Pa.) – 20–7 – 20
30. Eckerd (Fla.) – 21–8 – 10

Sunshine State Conference Well Represented

With Tampa at No. 2, Rollins at No. 13, and Eckerd at No. 30, the Sunshine State Conference continues to showcase its depth and national relevance. Several other SSC programs also appear in the “others receiving votes” category, reinforcing the league’s reputation as one of the toughest in Division II baseball.

Tampa Looks Ready to Defend Its Crown

Once again, the nine‑time national champion University of Tampa appears poised for another championship push. The Spartans’ combination of pitching depth, lineup balance and postseason experience has them firmly in the national spotlight. As the season moves toward April, Tampa looks every bit like a program ready to defend its World Series crown and chase title No. 10.