The LSU Tigers are back on top—and in dominant fashion. After a blistering run through the heart of the SEC schedule, the Tigers have clawed their way to the No. 1 spot in the USA TODAY Sports College Baseball Rankings, reclaiming a perch that once felt like a birthright. LSU, a program rich in tradition and championship pedigree, is once again the talk of college baseball.
For a team that began the season with sky-high expectations and national championship aspirations, the climb back to the top has been anything but smooth. Early in the season, LSU stumbled against non-conference opponents and faced criticism for inconsistent pitching. But behind a relentless offense, much-improved bullpen, and a coaching staff that never lost faith, the Tigers have found their stride when it matters most.
At the heart of LSU’s resurgence is head coach Jay Johnson, who took over in 2021 with the promise of revitalizing the program. Now in his fourth season in Baton Rouge, Johnson has not only lived up to expectations—he has arguably exceeded them. Under his guidance, LSU has become an offensive juggernaut, regularly torching opposing pitchers and setting the tone with aggressive base running and timely hitting.
Johnson’s leadership has fostered a clubhouse culture defined by resilience and unity. After each game, win or lose, the Tigers gather in the outfield for a team talk—not just to review what happened between the lines but to reinforce the team’s bond. “It’s not just about baseball,” Johnson said. “It’s about building young men who are accountable, driven, and passionate. We want to win, but we want to do it the right way.”
That mindset has paid off. The Tigers are currently riding a double-digit winning streak, including a sweep over a top-10 Arkansas team that had previously looked like the class of the SEC. In those three games, LSU outscored the Razorbacks 27-8, using a mix of power hitting, small ball, and lockdown pitching to make a loud statement to the rest of the nation.
The pitching, which was once a liability early in the season, has turned into one of the team’s strengths. Much of that credit goes to pitching coach Wes Johnson, who implemented a more analytical approach midseason. The results have been staggering. Starters are lasting deeper into games, walk rates have plummeted, and the bullpen has become nearly untouchable in late innings.
Junior right-hander Cade Hansen has emerged as LSU’s ace. With a fastball that touches 97 mph and a devastating slider, Hansen has become nearly unhittable in SEC play. He boasts a 1.89 ERA and leads the conference in strikeouts. Hansen’s dominance has drawn the attention of MLB scouts, many of whom now project him as a first-round pick in the upcoming draft.
“I’ve never felt more locked in,” Hansen said after his most recent outing, a complete-game shutout against Florida. “This team gives me confidence every time I step on the mound. When the offense is scoring runs and the defense is making plays, all I have to do is attack the zone.”
Speaking of offense, LSU’s lineup is stacked with talent from top to bottom. Leading the way is junior outfielder Carter Holmes, who’s having a season for the ages. Holmes is batting .412 with 18 home runs, 57 RBIs, and an on-base percentage north of .500. He’s the catalyst for LSU’s offensive fireworks and a surefire Golden Spikes Award candidate.
Holmes isn’t alone. Sophomore second baseman Jackson Thorne has broken out in a big way, slugging .627 and providing stellar defense up the middle. Freshman phenom Diego Ramos has also turned heads, delivering clutch hits and showing poise beyond his years. Together, this trio has helped LSU lead the nation in team batting average and slugging percentage.
“We’re just having fun out there,” Holmes said. “Everyone feeds off each other. One guy gets a hit, and it feels like a domino effect. The energy in the dugout is unbelievable right now.”
LSU’s dominance isn’t limited to individual accolades or gaudy offensive numbers. It’s in the way they play the game—fast, fearless, and fundamentally sound. They execute bunts, steal bases, turn double plays, and make the extra effort that separates contenders from champions. Their attention to detail is unmatched, and their hunger is palpable.
This run to No. 1 has also been fueled by a passionate fanbase that’s never wavered. Alex Box Stadium has been a fortress this season, with sellout crowds bringing postseason-level intensity to every home game. The “Geaux Tigers” chants echo through Baton Rouge like a battle cry, and the players feed off that energy.
“You feel it as soon as you step on the field,” said senior catcher Tyler Fontaine. “The fans are with us every pitch. They’re a huge part of why we’ve been so successful at home. There’s nothing like playing at The Box.”
LSU’s rise to the top of the USA TODAY Sports College Baseball Rankings comes at a crucial time. The SEC Tournament is looming, and with it, a chance to claim the conference crown and secure a national seed in the NCAA Tournament. While the Tigers are currently projected as the No. 1 overall seed, nothing is guaranteed, and the team knows the road ahead is filled with formidable challenges.
“Our goal isn’t just to be No. 1 in the rankings,” Coach Johnson said. “It’s to be the last team standing in Omaha. That’s the standard at LSU. We don’t shy away from it—we embrace it.”
Indeed, for a program with six national titles and dozens of MLB alumni, expectations are sky-high every year. But this season feels different. There’s a swagger to this LSU team that’s hard to ignore. They’ve battled through adversity, silenced critics, and now sit atop the college baseball mountain, not just as a talented team but as one united by purpose and passion.
As the regular season winds down, every pitch, every at-bat, and every decision becomes magnified. But if the Tigers continue to play with the same tenacity, precision, and heart that brought them to No. 1, there’s no telling how far they can go.
One thing is certain: the college baseball world is on notice. LSU isn’t just chasing another championship—they’re hunting greatness. And right now, they look every bit the part of the nation’s best team.