DALLAS (NCBWA) The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association continues its tradition of NCAA Division I polls for the 24rd year with its 2021 weekly surveys, and the undefeated Arkansas Razorbacks (7-0) lead the poll for the first time in 2021.
Arkansas joins fellow Southeastern Conference stalwarts to hold down the No. 1 position in the early surveys.
There were also several big movers on the standings as Oregon State (with a 4-0 week) climbed from receiving votes nine places to No. 21. Arizona (also 4-0 last week) jumped seven sports from No. 29 to No. 22 while Oklahoma State (going 4-0) moved up six place from No. 20 to No. 14. ACC power North Carolina (was 2-1 in a conference series against NC State) also raised its ranking from receiving votes to No. 24.
There have been 10 conferences represented in the first three standings of 2021, and there were 15 different conferences included in the COVID-19 abbreviated NCBWA polls in 2020.
The 2021 poll voters come from among 40 college baseball writers and related media persons from throughout the nation. After a preseason Top 35 listing, the remainder of the polls will feature a national Top 30 beginning with the Feb. 22 NCBWA DI regular season poll. The '21 season will feature 298 NCAA Division I baseball-playing schools. For more information or to join the NCBWA, please go to ncbwa.com.
Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists of the sport. Members receive a membership card, directory, newsletter updates and official votes in the Dick Howser Trophy, Regional Players of the Year and NCBWA All-America voting. The NCBWA also sponsors Division I Players of the Week, the Stopper of the Year, and publication and writing contests.