DALLAS (NCBWA) –  The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association continues its tradition of NCAA Division I polls for the 24rd year with its 2021 weekly surveys, and undefeated Arkansas leads the poll for the first time in 2021.

The Vanderbilt Commdores are  No. 1 in this week’s survey to bring the Southeastern Conference’s 2021 tally to four different schools atop the NCBWA Top 30 along with Arkansas, Florida and Ole Miss.

Texas (moving up from No. 14 to 9) and Tennessee (climbing from No. 11 to 10) are newcomers to the Top 10 this week while Florida State (4-0 last week with a win over Florida and a three-game sweep at Miami, Fla.) of the ACC is new to the Top 30 at No. 23 along with Louisiana Tech of Conference USA at No. 26 after downing Ole Miss and Tulane in four contests last week.

There have been 11 conferences (eight this week) represented in the first five standings of 2021, and there were 15 different conferences included in the COVID-19 abbreviated NCBWA polls in 2020. Seven conferences graced the March 15 standings.

The 2021 poll voters come from among 34 college baseball writers and related media persons from throughout the nation. The ’21 season features 302 NCAA Division I baseball-playing schools, and for more information or to join the NCBWA please go to ncbwa.com.

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 Division I Players of the Week, the Stopper of the Year, and publication and writing contests.