All MLB The Show 25 College Teams, Ranked Best to Worst

Playing at the college level is always fun. The question is, which one should you choose?

Like with many other sports, college is an ideal testing ground for refining your skills and getting noticed. Since it’s a major part of a baseball player’s journey, MLB The Show 25 gives you the college baseball experience through Road To The Show. Pick a college, show off your skills, and start swinging.

Recommended Videos

We wish it were that simple, though. With eight exceptional colleges vying for your commitment, you need to select the best one for you. Each has its strengths and drawbacks, but some are better than others. To clear up all the confusion, we’re going to be ranking all college teams in MLB The Show 25. Go through their pitches and choose the ideal team for yourself.

Choosing The Perfect School

Operation Sports App Screenshot

Operation Sports App

Your ultimate companion for sports gaming. Access in-depth coverage, thoughtful discussion, and a community built around the games—and sports—you love.

Your ultimate sports gaming companion.

4.8

The eight available colleges in MLB The Show 25 are:

  • LSU Tigers
  • Texas Longhorns
  • UCLA Bruins
  • Vanderbilt Commodores
  • TCU Horned Frogs
  • Cal State Fullerton Titans
  • Tennessee Volunteers
  • South Carolina Gamecocks

Each college specializes in a different attribute, so the final choice depends on what you’re looking for. All of them are rated out of five stars based on relative exposure and skill development. That said, picking the right team is critical to advancing your career in the right direction.

All MLB The Show 25 College Teams Ranked Best To Worst

Image: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Cal State Fullerton Titans

  • Exposure: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Skill Development: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pitch: “Once a dominant force in college baseball, Cal State Fullerton is ready to reclaim its throne.”

Cal State might have fallen off a bit since their prime, but they’re ready to get to the top. They are based in Fullerton, California, and have sent a ton of major names to MLB. These include Justin Turner, Matt Chapman, and Michael Lorenzen.

The Fullerton Titans offer the perk of Contact if you sign with them. They can offer full stars on skill development without compromising on exposure.

Tennessee Volunteers

  • Exposure: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Skill Development: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pitch: “We’re building something special at Tennessee, a dynasty in the making. But every dynasty needs a leader, and we think you’re the one to keep this train rolling full steam ahead.”

The Tennessee Volunteers operate out of Knoxville, Tennessee, and have one of the highest exposure and skill development stats. Players like Todd Helton, Garrett Crochet, and Christian Moore are older graduates. Upon signing, the Volunteers offer the Contact perk.

LSU Tigers

  • Exposure: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Skill Development: ⭐⭐⭐

Pitch: “At LSU, we set the standard for excellence in college sports, especially baseball. Fresh off our 2023 championship, we’re not done yet.”

The LSU Tigers have been home to big-time names like Paul Skenes, Dylan Crews, and Alex Bregman. Their history of top draft picks is proof that they deserve your talent. They have found success recently with some big names going to the Majors, so exposure here is maxed out. Additionally, the LSU Tigers are also one of the few colleges offering gold perk packages. So, you’ll receive a gold Power perk package upon joining.

While the LSU Tigers shine in exposure, they fall short in skill development.

Texas Longhorns

  • Exposure: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Skill Development: ⭐⭐⭐

Pitch: “With 6 national championships under our belt, Texas knows how to win, but it’s been too long since our last one.”

Based in Austin, Texas, the Texas Longhorns have produced some big names like Roger Clemens and Brandon Belt. They also offer a gold perk package, similar to the LSU Tigers. However, while LSU provides the power perk, the Texas Longhorns provide the Defense perk upon signing. They also feature amazing exposure but lack skill development.

TCU Horned Frogs

  • Exposure: ⭐⭐⭐
  • Skill Development: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pitch: “We’ve been knocking on the door in Omaha, but we need a game-changer like you to kick it down and bring home the championship.”

The name might be comedic, but the Horned Frogs are not to be messed with. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, the TCU Horned Frogs have helped cultivate talented players like Nick Lodolo, Matt Carpenter, and Jake Arrieta. Becoming a Horned Frog means receiving the perk package for Power. Similar to Cal State, they offer full stars on skill development, but exposure is underwhelming.

South Carolina Gamecocks

  • Exposure: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Skill Development: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pitch: “As the most recent back-to-back champions, we know what it takes to win. Now we’re looking for the next superstar to lead us back to glory.”

Located in Columbia, South Carolina, we have the South Carolina Gamecocks. They have several notable alumni such as Christian Walker, Clarke Schmidt, and Whit Merrifield. Upon signing, you’ll receive the Contact perk, similar to Cal State. The South Carolina Gamecocks are a solid choice with an overall good exposure and skill development rating.

UCLA Bruins

  • Exposure: ⭐⭐⭐
  • Skill Development: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pitch: “After winning the national championship in 2013, UCLA is hungry to return to the top of college baseball.”

UCLA has produced MLB players such as Gerrit Cole, Matt McLain, and Jackie Robinson. Additionally, they are the only university to offer the perk for speed, which makes them stand out. Skill development here is good, but you’ll have to compromise on exposure.

Vanderbilt Commodores

  • Exposure: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Skill Development: ⭐⭐⭐

Pitch: “Vandy is the launching pad for MLB superstars, and we see that same potential in you.”

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, the Vanderbilt Commodores are always looking for bright players with big potential. Notable alumni include Dansby Swanson, Walker Buehler, and Bryan Reynolds. The Commodores are the last team to offer a gold perk package, which might sound appealing to some.

If you sign with them, you’ll receive the contact perk. However, both exposure and skill development are average, making it a poor choice.

Author
Image of Shahmeer Shahzad
Shahmeer Shahzad
As a lifelong gamer, Shahmeer lives and breathes sports. Whether it’s draining threes in NBA 2K, scoring screamers in EA FC, or chasing pole in F1, he’s all in for the adrenaline. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him cheering on his favorite club, FC Barcelona, or yelling at Ferrari’s questionable race strategies.