Diamond Hogs Ranked 23rd in USA Today/ESPN Preseason Coaches Poll

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- The USA Today/ESPN Preseason Top 25 Coaches Poll was released Wednesday with Arkansas cracking the top 25 at No. 23. The Hogs are coming off of a 39-22 record in 2005 and a runner-up finish at the NCAA Austin Regional where they took eventual national champion Texas to the limit. The Razorbacks are one of seven SEC teams ranked in the initial top 25 poll. Florida, coming off of a runner-up finish at last seasons College World Series leads the pack at No. 2. Tennessee, fresh off of an appearance at the CWS last season comes in at No. 12 South Carolina is the third-highest ranked SEC team at No. 17 with LSU at No. 19, Mississippi State at No. 21 and Mississippi at No. 22. The Hogs have advanced to the NCAA Tournament in all three of Van Horns seasons in Fayetteville. His 2004 squad captured the SEC Championship and then advanced to the College World Series. Arkansas opens its season on Friday, Feb. 10, in Mobile, Ala., against George Mason. The home schedule begins on Friday, Feb. 24, with a doubleheader against Louisiana Tech. For tickets visit www.hogwired.com or call 1-800-982-4647.