What began as a "casual" event for fans to partake in has blown up and turned into a must-do College World Series bucket list item for fans who travel to the Mecca of college baseball to experience the feels and emotions of the sport's most sacred grounds up front.

The Cardinals enter the Men’s College World Series for the sixth time in program history, and the first time since 2019. After winning the team’s first regional championship in three years, Louisville beat ACC rival Miami in the Super Regional.

The NCAA Men's College World Series kicks off Friday in Omaha with eight teams vying for a national championship.

The eight teams in Omaha have combined for 74 appearances in the College World Series and 16 national championships.

Six conferences and an independent will be represented at the College World Series. None were among the final eight in Omaha a year ago.

Our predictions and picks for Day 1 of the 2025 College World Series featuring Coastal Carolina vs. Arizona and Louisville vs. Oregon State.