Casagrande: The season for history in Alabama

It might be flying under the radar, but the state of Alabama is experiencing a monumental year in the world of college athletics. While some of the biggest headlines remain in the shadows, the sheer volume of achievement across the state is impossible to ignore.

Diamond Dominance

Last week served as a prime example of the state's baseball prowess, with three separate institutions hosting NCAA baseball super regionals. Both Alabama and Troy punched their tickets to Omaha for the Men’s College World Series after sweeping their respective series. Meanwhile, No. 4 seed Auburn saw its historic run conclude against Mississippi.

The atmosphere was electric across the board, as all three programs broke stadium attendance records, with Troy completely shattering its previous high-water mark. For the Trojans, this marks their first-ever trip to Omaha, while Alabama returns for the first time since 1999.

Championship Pedigrees

The success extends far beyond the diamond. The Auburn men’s golf team secured its second NCAA title in the last three years, solidifying the program as a burgeoning dynasty. They join the Jacksonville State women’s bowling program in that elite category; the Gamecock bowlers claimed their second NCAA crown in three seasons as well.

Other programs also made significant noise on the national stage. Auburn’s women’s tennis team entered the NCAA tournament as the No. 1 seed and reached the national championship round before finishing as runners-up to Texas A&M.

The Tide’s Balanced Season

Alabama continues to showcase one of the most well-rounded athletic departments in the country. It stands as the only school to earn appearances in the College Football Playoff, both basketball tournaments, and the World Series for both baseball and softball this academic year. While the Crimson Tide softball team, a No. 1 overall seed, saw its championship hopes end after two losses to Texas Tech in the semifinals, the baseball team remains in the hunt.

This consistent performance is reflected in the Learfield Director’s Cup standings. Currently, Alabama sits at 19th with more points expected from baseball and track. Auburn, which topped Alabama in the standings last spring, is currently 34th, while Jacksonville State holds the 99th spot.

Whether it’s Tuscaloosa’s all-around balance or the top-tier moments achieved by Auburn and Jacksonville State, the 2025-26 athletic calendar has been defined by its depth. And for Alabama baseball, there is still one more chapter to write in Omaha.