DALLAS (NCBWA) – The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association continues its tradition of NCAA Division I polls for the ninth year with its 2006 preseason predictions and weekly surveys. Weekly polls will continue through June 27, following the NCAA World Series in Omaha, Neb.

The Florida Gators, the national runners-up in Omaha last season, have grabbed the top spot without yet playing a game. The Gators open their 2006 campaign with a 3-game set this weekend vs. Cincinnati. Texas, which suffered a 3-game sweep at the hands of San Diego, dropped to 0-3. The Toreros are No. 22 in this week's poll. The Longhorns and No. 3 Rice (1-0) are among six teams headed to the Houston College Classic this weekend.

This week's poll has representation by 11 different conferences among the 284 baseball-playing schools in the NCAA Division I ranks. With South Carolina entered the rankings, the SEC leads all conferences with seven schools, followed by the ACC with six.

Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists of the sport. Members receive a membership card, directory, newsletter updates and official votes in the Dick Howser Trophy, Regional Players of the Year and NCBWA All-America voting. The NCBWA also sponsors the Pro-Line Cap Division I Players of the Week, the Stopper of the Year, and publication and writing contests.