The Golden Standard: 7 Reasons Why Oral Roberts University Baseball Is A Mid-Major Powerhouse In 2025

Oral Roberts University baseball remains one of the most compelling and consistently successful mid-major programs in the nation as the Golden Eagles prepare for their 2025 campaign. Following a historic run to the College World Series (CWS) in 2023 and a challenging, yet competitive, 2024 season, the program is poised to continue its dominance in the Summit League and prove that their success on the national stage was not a fluke. As of December 17, 2025, the buzz surrounds a challenging 2025 schedule and key roster additions designed to return ORU to Omaha.

The Golden Eagles’ identity is built on a foundation of elite coaching, a tradition of winning conference titles, and an unwavering commitment to developing Major League talent. Their recent success has cemented their status as a national baseball entity, demanding respect from Power Five opponents and setting a high bar for all competitors in the Summit League.

The Architect of Success: Head Coach Ryan Folmar and Program Profile

The stability and sustained excellence of the Oral Roberts baseball program are directly tied to its leadership and deep history. The Golden Eagles have long been a baseball powerhouse, but their recent resurgence to national prominence highlights the effectiveness of the current coaching staff.

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• University: Oral Roberts University (ORU)
• Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
• Team Nickname: Golden Eagles
• Conference: The Summit League (NCAA Division I)
• Home Field: J.L. Johnson Stadium
• Head Coach: Ryan Folmar
• Folmar's Tenure: 13th season (as of 2025)
• Folmar's Achievements: Six-time Summit League Coach of the Year. He is also closing in on a significant career win milestone, further cementing his legacy.
• Program History: The Golden Eagles have won over 20 Summit League Championships.
• Historic Achievement: 2023 College World Series Appearance (First time since 1978).

Head Coach Ryan Folmar, a former ORU player himself, has cultivated a winning culture that consistently produces top-tier talent and deep postseason runs. His leadership is the cornerstone of the program's persistent success in the Summit League and its growing national reputation.

1. The Legacy of the 2023 College World Series Run

The single most important factor driving current national attention to ORU Baseball is the monumental 2023 season. This historic campaign saw the Golden Eagles reach the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, for the first time in 45 years.

The team’s journey was a classic underdog story. They fought their way through the NCAA Tournament, culminating in a dramatic victory in the Eugene Super Regional against the Oregon Ducks. In Omaha, they continued to shock the country, defeating TCU with a dramatic 9th-inning, three-run home run by Blaze Brothers. This performance proved that Oral Roberts is a program capable of competing with and beating the absolute best in Division I College Baseball, fundamentally changing the perception of the Golden Eagles on a national scale.

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2. Summit League Dominance: A Consistent Championship Pedigree

While the national spotlight is new, dominance in the Summit League is the norm for the Golden Eagles. Oral Roberts has consistently been the team to beat, claiming its 21st Summit League Championship title recently, showcasing an unparalleled pedigree in the conference.

The 2024 season, despite a final overall record of 27-32-1, still saw the team finish strong in conference play and clinch a share of the regular season Summit League title. This level of sustained excellence, year after year, provides a powerful recruiting tool and a deep well of confidence for the program. Teams like North Dakota State, Omaha, and South Dakota State consistently battle ORU, but the Golden Eagles remain the benchmark for success.

3. Key Players to Watch in the 2025 Golden Eagles Lineup

The 2025 roster is generating significant buzz, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and high-ceiling newcomers. The team is looking to maximize its offensive potential to power through a challenging schedule. Key position players expected to make a major impact include:

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• Jack Schark: A highly touted transfer from Central Missouri, Schark is projected to be a major force in the infield, bringing a career .349 batting average pedigree to the Golden Eagles lineup.
• Makani Tanaka: A consistent presence in the lineup, Tanaka is one of the players who logged significant playing time in the previous major season, providing veteran leadership and production.
• Cooper Combs: Another reliable player who has been a staple in the ORU lineup, Combs’s experience will be invaluable, especially in tight conference matchups.

These players, along with others, will be tasked with providing the run support needed to navigate both the Summit League schedule and the tough non-conference slate, aiming for another NCAA Tournament berth.

4. The Challenging 2025 Schedule: A Test of National Intent

The Oral Roberts University baseball team has revealed a demanding 2025 schedule that reflects the program’s ambition and desire to prove its 2023 success was not an anomaly. Playing a rigorous non-conference schedule is a deliberate strategy to boost the team's RPI (Ratings Percentage Index), which is crucial for securing a favorable seed in the NCAA Tournament.

This approach means the Golden Eagles will face top-tier opponents early in the season, providing immediate tests and opportunities for marquee wins. The 2024 season, for instance, saw them play national powers like the #1 Arkansas Razorbacks and sweep regional opponents like Little Rock. The 2025 schedule is designed to replicate and exceed that level of competition, ensuring the team is battle-tested before Summit League play begins.

5. State-of-the-Art Facilities: J.L. Johnson Stadium and Chapman Park

A major advantage for the ORU Golden Eagles is their commitment to facilities, which aids in both player development and recruiting. The team plays its home games at the historic J.L. Johnson Stadium in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The stadium, dedicated in 1977, offers a fantastic collegiate baseball experience with a seating capacity of 2,418 chairback seats. Notably, the playing surface features a unique combination of an AstroTurf infield and a natural grass outfield, providing a consistent and durable playing environment. Furthermore, the program utilizes the H.A. Chapman Indoor Practice Facility for year-round training, ensuring the team can hone their skills regardless of the Oklahoma weather.

6. Developing Major League Talent: The ORU Pipeline

Oral Roberts has a strong history of producing professional baseball players, a key factor in attracting top recruits. The program’s pipeline to Major League Baseball (MLB) is a testament to the quality of coaching and player development at ORU. Notable alumni who have gone on to play in the MLB include Mike Moore and Mike Mason, among others.

The recent success on the field, especially the 2023 CWS run, has only amplified the exposure for the current roster, making the Golden Eagles a must-watch program for MLB scouts. This reputation as a developer of talent ensures the program can continue to attract high-potential players, further fueling their long-term success.

7. The Golden Eagles’ Mindset: Relentless Postseason Ambition

The 2024 season concluded at the Norman Regional, where the team saw their campaign end. However, the experience of a deep regional run, even after the high of the CWS, reinforces the program's relentless postseason ambition. The goal for the 2025 season is clear: secure the Summit League title and earn a favorable seed to avoid the challenges of a difficult path, as seen in past tournaments. The team’s focus is not just on winning the conference, but on earning the respect and seeding necessary from the NCAA committee to make another serious run at the College World Series.