1. Florida: The unanimous selection as the top team in the nation returns six hitters who had a big impact last year and the top of their rotation from last year will stay intact. Sophomore catcher Mike Zunino headlines a stellar offense after compiling a batting average of .371 and 19 home runs and earning Southeastern Conference Player of the Year and All-American honors.
2. South Carolina: The two-time defending champions will be looking to make it a three-peat this year in Omaha, Neb. The Gamecocks' lineup will be built around junior first baseman Christian Walker, but they have plenty of holes to fill with five hitters gone from last year. The pitching staff is led by senior lefty Michael Roth, who led the nation with a 1.06 ERA last year.
3. Stanford: Junior pitchers Mark Appel, a first round talent come draft time, Brett Mooneyham, who missed last year with a finger injury and is expected to make a strong return, joins him in a good rotation. The right side of the Cardinal infield is as good as any, with juniors Stephen Piscotty and Kenny Diekroeger at third and short respectively.
4. North Carolina: Sophomore third baseman Colin Moran was the national Freshman of the Year last year, and leads an offense which will benefit from the power that junior college transfer Cody Stubbs brings to the table. Sophomore pitcher Kent Emanuel will look to improve on a strong freshman season where he finished with a 2.33 ERA. A solid bullpen will no doubt help as the Tar Heels look to make it six trips to Omaha in seven years.
5. Texas: The Longhorns will look to pitching and defense to punch their ticket to the College World Series. Sophomore Sam Stafford returns to lead the pitching staff after failing to reach an agreement with the New York Yankees who drafted him 88th overall last summer. The offense lacks power, but coach Augie Garrido always finds ways to win.
6. Texas A&M: The Aggies have a fast lineup chock full of athletes who will put plenty of pressure on opposing teams, led by junior right fielder Tyler Naquin, the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year. Junior Michael Wacha and senior Ross Stripling combine for an excellent one-two punch in the starting rotation.
7. Rice: Coach Wayne Graham has turned Rice into a powerhouse, and they look to get back to Omaha, as they have not appeared in the College World Series since 2008. The Owls' strength resides in their bullpen, and sophomore pitcher Austin Kubitza is an ace starter. The offense will center around junior Michael Ratterree, who moves from second base to left field this year.
8. Arkansas: The Razorback offense is headlined by freshman All-American Dominic Ficociello, but the real strength is in their pitching staff. Junior D.J. Baxendale and sophomore Ryne Stanek are set to lead one of the nation's finest pitching staffs.
9. Florida State: Florida State's offense was stellar in 2011, leading the nation in doubles and walks, and returns five regulars this year, including all four infielders. While their offense will no doubt be strong, their pitching staff is a big question mark now that last year's ace Sean Gilmartin is gone.
10. Georgia Tech: After three straight regional losses at home, the Yellow Jackets are hoping to return to Omaha once again. Four freshmen saw significant playing time last year, and their experience will help a balanced lineup led by senior first baseman Jake Davies and sophomore right fielder Daniel Palka.
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