College World Series odds, futures: Picks by expert who is 79-54 - CBS Sports

The 2026 College World Series opens with a pronounced SEC presence, reinforcing the conference’s hold on the Omaha stage. Five of the eight teams in the field are from the SEC, including the frontrunners Georgia and Texas, who sit at +260 and +350 respectively in the latest odds. North Carolina, Ole Miss and West Virginia follow with +390, +650 and +750, while longshots Alabama, Oklahoma and Troy round out the field at +1200, +1500 and +3500. The bracket sets up potential marquee matchups that could shape the championship race.

SportsLine's David Bearman, posting a 79-54-3 record this season, delivers his top futures picks for the event. He views Texas at +350 as a strong outright winner, citing its overall pitching depth and potent lineup as decisive factors. Bearman notes a Georgia–Texas final is plausible, with Texas' Dylan Volantis facing Georgia's Joey Volchko in projected aces duels that could tilt the outcome. He also hints at a surprising longshot that could yield a big return.

Bearman’s analysis emphasizes pitching depth, roster balance, and the impact of on-field conditions in Omaha, where the ultimate champion tends to combine offense with shutdown pitching. The SEC-heavy lineup suggests a brutal path through the bracket, but upsets are a familiar feature of the College World Series. Fans are advised to consult SportsLine for Bearman’s full set of picks and line movements as the event unfolds. The 2026 CWS promises drama, power-hitting, and unpredictable twists across eight teams in Omaha.