LSU - March 14-March 16
Kicking off conference play, the Missouri Tigers travel to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to face the LSU Tigers. Ranked No. 3 in the preseason polls, LSU is coming off a 43-23 (13-17 SEC) season in 2024. One of those losses came against Mizzou, and LSU's season ended in the Regional finals.
Under head coach Jay Johnson, now in his 13th season, LSU aims to return to the National Championship, a title they last claimed in 2023.
Offensively, LSU lost only one player to the MLB Draft, but it was their top bat. Additionally, five players who appeared in at least 60 games in 2024 departed via graduation or transfer. Despite these losses, much of the lineup will have a familiar look. Key contributors from 2024, including sophomore Steven Milam (.326 batting average), junior Jared Jones (.747 slugging percentage), and sophomores Ashton Larson (.827 OPS) and Josh Pearson (2024 All-Tournament Team), are expected to lead the lineup in 2025.
Behind them, the roster will feature a mix of talented freshmen and transfers. With the nation’s top-rated recruiting class and several key transfers, LSU is well-positioned to reload. Freshmen like catcher Cade Arrambide, outfielder Derek Curiel, and first baseman Ryan Costello are among the highly touted newcomers expected to make an impact. Transfers, including junior Chris Stanfield and redshirt junior Tanner Reaves, will also play significant roles in bolstering the lineup.
On the pitching side, LSU will have a much different look in 2025. The Tigers lost eight pitchers from the 2024 roster to the MLB Draft, including their top two starters and most of their key bullpen arms. Additional departures due to graduation and transfers have left the staff with significant gaps to fill. As a result, LSU will rely on players stepping into bigger roles or transfers making an immediate impact.
One notable newcomer is transfer Anthony Eyanson, a preseason All-American who posted a 3.07 ERA and a 6-2 record in 2024 with UC San Diego. Sophomore Kate Anderson, who made nine starts in 18 appearances last season, will also be a key figure in the rotation after finishing 2024 with a 3.99 ERA over 38 innings.
In the bullpen, LSU retained a few key arms, including junior Gavin Guidry, who recorded a 2.59 ERA last year. However, much like their lineup, the Tigers’ bullpen will rely heavily on freshmen and transfers. Redshirt junior Grant Fontenot and freshman Will Schmidt are among the standout newcomers from LSU’s highly touted recruiting class expected to make an impact in 2025.
Guys to look out for:
- Daniel Dickinson
- William Schmidt
- Ethan Frey