The NC State baseball program is gearing up for an exciting 2025 season, with high hopes of making another trip to the College World Series. To understand the team's potential, we must first look back at the tumultuous yet triumphant 2024 campaign. The year began with promise but faced several challenges, including a mid-season slump and significant personnel changes. Despite these hurdles, the Pack rallied to secure a spot in Omaha for the third time in eleven years. This article will delve into the key players who have moved on, setting the stage for the upcoming season.

A Year of Trials and Triumphs: Reviewing the 2024 Season

In the early spring of 2024, NC State started strong with a 12-2 record, only to face a challenging four-game losing streak that included losses to UNCG and Georgia Tech. Doubts emerged about the team's resilience, but they quickly bounced back with a six-game winning run, highlighted by victories over Coastal Carolina and Duke. However, another five-game skid followed, raising concerns about their competitiveness in the ACC.

What transpired next was nothing short of remarkable. From that point onward, the Wolfpack did not lose an ACC series, defeating top-tier teams like Clemson, North Carolina, and Virginia. They also split a series with Florida State and swept Wake Forest, ending the regular season on a high note. In postseason play, they hosted an NCAA Regional where they went undefeated, advancing to the Super Regional against Georgia. After a thrilling three-game series, the Pack emerged victorious, securing their place in the College World Series.

Unfortunately, the momentum didn't carry over to Omaha. A late lead loss to Kentucky and a one-run defeat to Florida marked the end of their season. Nevertheless, the 2024 team will be remembered for its perseverance and ability to rise above adversity, despite facing significant injuries and illnesses.

Moving On: Key Departures from the 2024 Squad

As the 2024 season concludes, several standout players have moved on, leaving big shoes to fill for the 2025 roster. Among those departing are:

• Eli Serrano, a versatile outfielder drafted by the Mets, known for his impressive batting average and memorable performances in crucial games.
• Jacob Cozart, an All-American catcher drafted by the Guardians, who excelled in both hitting and defense during his tenure.
• Alec Makarewicz, a powerhouse hitter who set single-season records for doubles, home runs, and RBIs, signing with the White Sox as a free agent.
• Sam Highfill, a two-way player who made history by starting in multiple College World Series games, now signed with the Phillies.
• Logan Whitaker, a resilient pitcher who overcame numerous setbacks to shine in the postseason, drafted by the Twins.

These departures represent a significant loss of talent and leadership. Players like Eli Serrano, Jacob Cozart, and Alec Makarewicz were instrumental in the team's success, contributing both on and off the field. Their absence will undoubtedly impact the dynamic of the 2025 squad.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities for 2025

Replacing such a talented group of players will be no easy task. However, it also presents an opportunity for new talent to step up and make their mark. The coaching staff will need to focus on integrating newcomers while leveraging the experience of returning players. The non-conference schedule and ACC matchups will provide valuable opportunities to gauge the team's readiness for the challenges ahead.

From a journalist's perspective, the departure of so many key figures underscores the cyclical nature of college sports. Each season brings change, and with it, new stories to tell. The 2025 NC State baseball team will have to navigate this transition, proving that they can uphold the tradition of excellence established by their predecessors. It will be fascinating to see how they adapt and grow, setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling chapter in Wolfpack baseball history.