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No. 8 Auburn to Finish Regular Season Slate at Home Against Ole Miss, No. 11 LSU
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AUBURN, Ala. — With postseason dreams looming and championship aspirations still alive, No. 8 Auburn baseball is preparing to close out its 2025 regular season in dramatic fashion at Plainsman Park with two high-stakes SEC series against Ole Miss and No. 11 LSU.
The Tigers (34-10, 15-6 SEC) are riding a wave of momentum as they eye both positioning in the SEC Tournament and a potential top-eight national seed for the NCAA Tournament. Currently sitting second in the SEC West behind Arkansas, Auburn’s final six games will serve as both a tune-up for the postseason and a proving ground against elite competition.
The two series carry implications beyond just the standings. They represent a final chance for Auburn’s veteran players to make a mark at home and an opportunity for head coach Butch Thompson’s squad to solidify its case as one of the top contenders in college baseball.
Clashing With the Rebels
First up is a three-game weekend series against a rebuilding but dangerous Ole Miss squad. The Rebels (25-20, 9-12 SEC) have had an up-and-down season under head coach Mike Bianco but remain a threat thanks to a potent offense and a scrappy pitching staff.
While Ole Miss has struggled to find consistency, the Rebels are capable of catching fire at the plate. Sophomore shortstop Tyler Wallace and junior outfielder Cade Abernathy have been catalysts in the middle of the order, combining for 22 home runs and 70 RBIs on the season. The Rebels also boast a team slugging percentage of .459, and their offensive approach relies heavily on extra-base hits and aggressive baserunning.
Auburn’s pitching staff will be tested, particularly starters Drew Nelson and Mason Murdock, who have become reliable arms in SEC play. Nelson (6-1, 3.21 ERA) has emerged as the Friday night ace, using a mix of fastball command and an elite changeup to keep hitters off balance. Murdock (5-2, 3.88 ERA) has shown poise in big moments and will be key in neutralizing the Rebels’ left-handed power.
In the bullpen, junior closer Cam Crawford has been lights-out, converting 11 saves with a 1.85 ERA. His ability to slam the door in tight games will be crucial in a series where momentum can shift inning to inning.
“We know Ole Miss is going to come in here fighting for their postseason lives,” Thompson said. “They’ve got talented hitters and veteran guys who’ve been through this league. It’s going to be a battle, and we’ve got to match that energy.”
Senior Weekend Storylines
The Ole Miss series also marks Auburn’s Senior Weekend, with several key veterans set to be honored before their final regular-season home games. Among them is All-American outfielder Ike Hill, who is wrapping up a remarkable college career that has made him a fan favorite and MLB Draft prospect.
Hill is hitting .357 with 16 home runs, 48 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases, leading the team in nearly every offensive category. His leadership both on and off the field has been invaluable, especially for a team that blends veteran experience with rising underclassmen talent.
“It’s going to be emotional,” Hill said. “I’ve given everything I’ve got to this program, and to finish it out at home with my brothers, in front of this crowd—it means everything.”
Also among the senior honorees are catcher Ryan Stafford, a defensive stalwart who has thrown out 41% of would-be base stealers, and utility man Bryce Lewis, who has played five different positions this year and come up clutch in key moments.
Showdown With LSU
After Ole Miss, Auburn will welcome No. 11 LSU (33-12, 13-8 SEC) for the final weekend of the regular season in what could be a top-15 showdown with massive implications for the SEC West crown and NCAA Tournament seeding.
The defending national champions are once again loaded with talent, including projected top-five MLB Draft pick Brady Jones, a two-way phenom who leads the Tigers in both home runs (18) and strikeouts (82) as a Friday night starter.
LSU’s lineup features depth and danger, with sluggers like Tommy White (.322 AVG, 15 HR) and Josh Pearson (.300 AVG, 12 HR) anchoring a group that averages over seven runs per game. Their pitching staff, while not as dominant as last season’s, remains formidable with a team ERA of 3.86 and an SEC-leading 499 strikeouts.
For Auburn, this series could be its final statement to the NCAA selection committee. A strong showing against LSU could cement a top-eight national seed, giving the Tigers the right to host through the Super Regionals if they advance.
“This is what you play for,” said Auburn second baseman CJ Harris. “Every game in this league is a fight, but when you’ve got LSU in your park with everything on the line, it’s a different kind of energy. We’re locked in.”
Offensive Consistency Key
While Auburn’s pitching staff has stepped up throughout SEC play, the offense has remained the bedrock of the Tigers’ success. Auburn ranks top-15 nationally in team batting average (.309), runs scored (365), and on-base percentage (.411).
Beyond Hill, junior first baseman Marcus Payne (.341 AVG, 13 HR, 50 RBIs) and sophomore third baseman Caleb Brooks (.321 AVG, 9 HR) have given the lineup depth and versatility. Payne has particularly shined in late-game situations, leading the team with a .412 average with runners in scoring position.
The Tigers also excel at manufacturing runs, ranking second in the SEC in stolen bases (89) and third in sacrifice bunts (17), a testament to Thompson’s aggressive and strategic approach.
“Our guys understand how to compete,” Thompson said. “Whether it’s driving the ball out of the yard or bunting a guy over, we do what it takes to win.”
Postseason Picture Taking Shape
Heading into the final two weekends, Auburn is in prime position to host a regional and possibly secure one of the eight national seeds that come with home-field advantage through the Super Regionals.
D1Baseball currently projects Auburn as a No. 6 national seed, but that position is far from locked in. The Tigers will need to at least split their final six games to stay in that top-eight range, and a series win over LSU could vault them into top-five territory.
Auburn also has an outside shot at claiming the SEC regular-season title if Arkansas falters in its final stretch. The Razorbacks currently lead the Tigers by two games in the West standings, but Auburn holds the tiebreaker after taking two of three in Fayetteville earlier this year.
SEC Tournament seeding is also at stake. A top-four finish guarantees a first-round bye, something Auburn hasn’t earned since 2019.
“We know what’s in front of us,” Thompson said. “But we’ve got to keep the blinders on. One game at a time, one pitch at a time. If we do that, we’ll be right where we want to be.”
Fan Support and Final Thoughts
With postseason buzz building, Auburn fans are expected to pack Plainsman Park for both series, especially the finale against LSU. The Tigers have sold out 15 home games this season and currently rank in the top 10 nationally in average attendance.
The program’s growth under Thompson has been evident—not just in wins, but in culture. Auburn has reached two College World Series in the past six years and is looking for a return trip to Omaha this June.
The next six games will determine how smooth that road will be.
“It’s go time,” Hill said. “We’ve got two really good teams coming into our house. If we want to make a run, it starts now.”
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