Arkansas head baseball coach Dave Van Horn has put an end to swirling rumors suggesting he might retire after the 2025 season. In a direct statement to Tom Shatel of the Omaha World-Herald, Van Horn dismissed any talk of stepping away from the program, saying firmly, “I’m not retiring. I’m not going anywhere.”
Speculation about Van Horn’s potential retirement gained traction as he wrapped up his 23rd season leading the Razorbacks. Some believed the veteran coach might call it a career, especially given the ups and downs of recent seasons. However, Van Horn’s clear declaration has now silenced that talk.
His strong statement comes at a high point, as he has once again guided Arkansas back to the College World Series marking the program’s eighth trip under his leadership. This achievement is especially meaningful following back-to-back years in which the team failed to advance past the Fayetteville Regional, a rare stumble not seen since the 2006-07 seasons.
Following Arkansas’ Super Regional victory over Tennessee, an emotional Dave Van Horn expressed just how much the win meant to him and his team. Reaching the College World Series was especially significant for this group, and Van Horn didn’t hold back in acknowledging their achievement.
He shared that returning to Omaha was a powerful moment, not just for the program, but for the players who battled through the season’s challenges. The journey to Charles Schwab Field symbolized their resilience and growth throughout the year.
Van Horn made sure his players knew how proud he was of their effort and determination. Finishing the season on college baseball’s biggest stage, he told them, was a testament to everything they had poured into the year on and off the field.
After Arkansas’ Super Regional win, Dave Van Horn spoke glowingly about his team, emphasizing the unique bond and energy they’ve brought to the season. “I’ve said this all year, this is a special group,” he shared. Van Horn highlighted how much fun the players had together, their chemistry, and how enjoyable they were to coach both on and off the field.
He praised their personalities and camaraderie, noting how their positive spirit made the season even more meaningful. According to Van Horn, it wasn’t just about their talent it was the way they clicked as a team that stood out to him.
Van Horn admitted that it would’ve been difficult to accept if such a talented and close-knit group hadn’t made it to Omaha. Despite not securing an SEC regular season title, tournament crown, or championship rings, he felt they deserved this trip to the College World Series as validation for the season they had.
“If we would’ve lost this series, it would’ve been like, this is the best team that didn’t do anything. Now, it’s one of the best teams that’s ever come through here. You never know how it’s going to go from here, but they’re down to the final eight, and that’s a championship to me. That’s big.”
Although Dave Van Horn has built an impressive legacy during his tenure at Arkansas, a national championship still eludes him. This year, however, presents a prime opportunity. The Razorbacks enter the College World Series as the No. 3 overall seed and the highest-ranked team in the field making them a legitimate title contender. Had this been Van Horn’s final season, it would’ve been a fitting conclusion to a remarkable career. But instead, he’s made it clear he’s not done yet.
Arkansas is set to begin its College World Series campaign on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. ET, facing off against a familiar SEC foe in LSU. The two teams met earlier this season in Baton Rouge, where LSU claimed the first two games of the series before falling short of a sweep. That earlier showdown adds even more intrigue to this high-stakes CWS opener.
This time, the Razorbacks are aiming to flip the script and avoid any early tournament stumble. With Omaha as the stage and a national title still within reach, Van Horn and his team are determined to make this postseason run their most memorable yet.
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