“PUT SOME RESPECT ON THEIR NAME”: Arkansas Baseball’s Postseason Legacy Under Dave Van Horn Speaks for Itself
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As postseason baseball heats up and the NCAA Tournament approaches, so too does the annual cycle of critiques and doubts surrounding Arkansas Baseball—specifically, the postseason track record of longtime head coach Dave Van Horn. But for those quick to question the program’s success or Van Horn’s leadership, a deeper look at the numbers reveals a truth few programs in America can claim: Arkansas is not just relevant—they are elite.
Since 2018, the Razorbacks have made three College World Series appearances in a six-year stretch (2018, 2019, 2022), averaging a trip to Omaha every other season. Put into context, that statistic alone places Arkansas in rare air nationally. No other program in the country has more College World Series appearances over that same time frame. Not LSU. Not Florida. Not Vanderbilt. Not even perennial powers like Stanford or Texas. Arkansas stands alone at the top.
Dominance Across the Board
But postseason trips to Omaha only scratch the surface of the sustained dominance this program has enjoyed under Van Horn in recent years. The Razorbacks have not only been postseason fixtures—they’ve also thrived during the regular season, conquered the SEC, and consistently played with the pressure and expectations of national relevance.
Since 2018, Arkansas has captured the SEC West Division title an incredible five times: in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2024. In 2021, the Hogs went a step further and captured the SEC regular season championship, an accomplishment they repeated in 2023, beating out the most talented programs in the deepest baseball conference in America.
Arkansas has also led the nation in overall wins during this stretch, further emphasizing the consistency with which Van Horn’s squads perform throughout the course of grueling 50+ game seasons. This isn’t just a team that gets hot at the right time—it’s a machine that churns out excellence year in and year out.
“The Last Step”: Chasing a National Title
Despite the impressive numbers, Arkansas baseball’s critics remain vocal, particularly when it comes to one thing: the lack of a national championship. It’s the final hurdle left to clear. And while that elusive title remains the only unchecked box in Van Horn’s illustrious career, it’s only because of his incredible success that Arkansas is even in position to view that championship as an expected goal.
“We’ve built something here where anything less than Omaha feels like a letdown,” said one former Arkansas player. “That speaks volumes about the culture and standard Coach Van Horn has created.”
Indeed, the College World Series—which used to be an aspiration—is now a realistic, recurring expectation in Fayetteville. And that’s not something that happens by accident. It’s the byproduct of two decades of elite recruiting, player development, and game-day preparation under Van Horn.
Since taking over in 2003, Van Horn has turned Arkansas into one of the most respected programs in the nation, both in the eyes of opposing coaches and MLB scouts. His teams routinely feature professional-level talent, and his ability to reload year after year—even amid the chaos of the transfer portal and MLB Draft—has made Arkansas a model of consistency.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
It’s one thing to talk about culture, momentum, and fan passion. It’s another to back it up with facts:
3 College World Series appearances since 2018 (most in the nation)
5 Division Titles in the last 7 seasons
2 SEC Regular Season Championships (2021, 2023)
Most total wins in the country during this span
Consistent NCAA Tournament host and regional favorite
When critics label Van Horn’s resume as “underwhelming” due to the lack of a national title, they ignore the broader picture. Only one team wins it all each year, and Arkansas has been among the handful of legitimate contenders on a near-annual basis. In fact, few programs have knocked on the door as consistently without getting over the hump.
But history suggests that continued proximity to greatness eventually results in a breakthrough. Whether it’s this year, next year, or soon after, Arkansas is better positioned than almost anyone to finally hoist that elusive trophy.
Fans Want It All—Because DVH Made That Belief Possible
Arkansas fans are some of the most passionate in the country, and with that comes a set of expectations that few programs carry. But here’s the reality: that expectation to win a national championship every year exists only because Dave Van Horn built a program capable of doing so.
Before Van Horn, Arkansas was not widely considered a baseball powerhouse. Now? The “OmaHogs” moniker isn’t just clever—it’s earned.
And yet, with each postseason stumble—like the heartbreaking runner-up finish in 2018 or early exits in 2020 or 2023—the critics return. But to reduce Van Horn’s legacy to “no national title” is to ignore the depth of success that has transformed Arkansas baseball into one of the nation’s most elite operations.
A Legacy Still Being Written
At 63 years old, Dave Van Horn doesn’t seem to be slowing down. His recruiting classes remain stacked, his teams remain disciplined and explosive, and his presence in the dugout continues to command respect. The Razorbacks will head into the postseason again this year as a team no one wants to face—and once again, they’ll do so under Van Horn’s watch.
So the next time someone questions Arkansas’ postseason success or tries to discredit Van Horn’s legacy with lazy takes and shallow analysis, remind them of the facts:
No one has done it more consistently. No one has done it better across the board. And no one should be doubting what’s been built in Fayetteville.
It’s time to stop the disrespect. Because when you talk about Arkansas Baseball and Dave Van Horn, there’s only one thing left to say:
Put some RESPECT on their name.
