By Kendrick Marshall
HBCU Sports
https://hbcusports.com/
When a mid-major baseball program takes down LSU and Florida in back-to-back weeks, the conversation can’t be confined to “nice upsets.”
It’s time to talk respect — specifically, Top 25 respect. Bethune-Cookman has more than earned it.
The Wildcats didn’t just sneak past two SEC giants. They outplayed them, showing poise at the plate and precision on the mound that mirrored a national contender.
Against then-No. 24 LSU, Bethune-Cookman displayed power at the plate and a shutdown pitching staff in a 10-7 win a week ago.
On Tuesday night in Gainesville, the Wildcats’ offense took control early and never backed down, silencing one of the most electric home crowds in college baseball in an electric 13-7 victory over the No. 20-ranked Gators.
Bethune-Cookman makes another statement
Bethune-Cookman’s run under head coach Jonathan Hernandez is steeped in discipline and belief. Hernandez has built a program capable of competing with anyone — not just in the SWAC, but across Division I. His roster blends everything you’d want in a college baseball program. Elite hitters. A solid defense and a pitching staff that can go toe-to-toe with the nation’s best.
Look at the metrics. The Wildcats feature a .294 team batting average. That’s better than college baseball powers Vanderbilt, Clemson, and LSU. They are among the national leaders in ERA at 4.50. It ranks higher than pitching-rich Michigan, Wake Forest, and Rice.
Why the Wildcats should be ranked
More importantly than the numbers, they’ve proven they can win on the road against elite teams. That’s what the polls are supposed to reward.
While B-CU has beaten Power 4 teams before in its history, this version of the Wildcats has left little doubt in these most recent contests.
Too often, the Top 25 becomes a closed circle — reserved for name-brand programs.
But if the poll truly values big-time wins, Bethune-Cookman checks that box. Knocking off LSU and Florida isn’t just impressive for an HBCU program; it’s impressive period.
The Wildcats have gone from a cute little story to undeniable in seven days.
Bethune-Cookman has done everything a program can do to demand respect. Now, it’s time the rest of college baseball answers that call.
