Handicapping 8 fanbases, from Texas A&M to Tennessee, in 2024's College World Series Jello Shot challenge

Texas A&M looks like a strong favorite, but don't count out Tennessee, Kentucky or Florida State.

Eight teams will begin their quest for an NCAA title when the College World Series begins June 14. Eight fanbases have already descended upon Rocco’s Pizza to drink a whole bunch of mostly bad gelatin shots in a show of misplaced team pride.

One of Omaha’s strongest new traditions is Rocco’s Jello Shot Challenge, which pits fans against each other in a race to see who can get alcohol-related diabetes the hardest. Boosters from across the country will litter Nebraska’s landfills with the detritus of pre-made gelatin drinks in hopes of displaying their team’s dominance (and donating money to a good cause).

Last year, that meant LSU ordering up nearly 70,000 (!) shots and more than $140,000 in donations to food banks on campuses across the CWS spectrum.

Heroes get remembered but legends never die. This year will be talked about for ages. Thanks to the @LSUbaseball faithful and all the fans that made it fun. Thanks to @getjevo for making an absolutely absurd amount of delicious shots. Thank y'all for following along. pic.twitter.com/SmhKubGp7l

— CWS Jello Shot Challenge (@CWSShotBoard) June 27, 2023

Not coincidentally, LSU was our betting favorite for last year’s event. So, once more, we head into the breach of neutral spirits and pre-made goo in hopes of finding a winner. Based off past challenges, here’s what we know about how the leaderboard will unfold:

a) getting further in the bracket is going to lead to more shots

b) SEC teams are going to show out, because they care deeply about bragging rights regardless of how stupid the competition is

c) teams making a run to their first title have something to prove

d) nerd schools (Vanderbilt, Stanford, Duke, etc) will be a competitor in name only.

There’s a little more to unpack knowing last year’s results as well. Tennessee had the second-lowest odds in my book, but managed only a sixth-place finish — 1,100 fewer shots than Oral Roberts! Part of that weak showing, however, was due to a 1-2 record that quickly escorted the Volunteers off the premises.

This year they’re the top seed, which should provide more cover for buying bad drinks. Virginia and Florida are also back in the field. The Cavaliers got whooped by everyone last year because their alumni are smart enough to know not to spend $5 on a quarter’s worth of bad liquor and sugar. They can safely be ignored on the standings, even if they win this year’s title. Welp, let’s make some fake odds:

• Texas A&M: +300
• Kentucky: +400
• Florida State: +400
• Tennessee: +450
• NC State: +500
• Florida: +500
• North Carolina: +600
• Virginia: +1200

The favorite: Texas A&M (+300)

The Aggies were here in 2022 and finished in third place despite a 2-2 record that fell short of the finals. But that was before Ole Miss, then LSU, reset the record books with truly bonkers amounts of shots.

A&M has a top five ranking and the firepower to stick around in Omaha. More importantly, they have a rich alumni fanbase that’s been immersed in wacky, over the top cheerleading their entire lives.

Someone with a pinky ring and a thick portfolio of “energy stocks” gonna buy a semi trailer full of jello shots and do some weird Yell Leader stuff after a win. There’s no safer bet at this year’s World Series.

The value bet: Florida State (+400)

If the Aggies are eliminated early, Florida State could use its righteous, but misplaced, frustration from this winter’s College Football Playoff snub and turn it into $300,000 worth of jello shots. This is the program’s first Omaha trip since 2019, so fans have missed out on all the important years of the Rocco’s challenge. This is their chance to leave an impact.

Do not buy: Virginia (+1200)

The Cavaliers have been here before. Their fans understand the shots are bad. Sure, last year’s sad performance was thanks in large part to an early exit, but Virginia may not finish in the top three even if it rallies to a national title. They’ve got better things to drink (we all have better things to drink. These premade shots are butt).