There are no soft openings in Omaha—especially not when two of the Southeastern Conference’s titans meet in a high-stakes clash to begin their pursuit of college baseball immortality. The 2025 Men’s College World Series will erupt into action with a thunderous SEC showdown as the LSU Tigers face off against the Arkansas Razorbacks in a marquee opening-round battle.
The Tigers, a perennial Omaha powerhouse with a rich legacy of championships, are hungry to reclaim their dominance. The Razorbacks, meanwhile, are searching for their elusive first national title—armed with one of the deepest rosters in program history. Sparks are guaranteed to fly when these conference rivals step onto Charles Schwab Field in what could be one of the most electric matchups of the tournament.
Two Titans, One Dream
LSU and Arkansas are no strangers to pressure-packed environments, and Omaha will offer the perfect stage for two SEC heavyweights with College World Series expectations hardwired into their DNA.
For LSU, the road to Omaha has become a familiar one. Head coach Jay Johnson, in just his fourth season in Baton Rouge, has already delivered one national title and is gunning for another with a squad built around power, experience, and pitching depth. The Tigers surged in the postseason, riding the wave of an explosive regional and super regional performance, knocking off Oregon State in dramatic fashion to punch their ticket to Omaha.
Arkansas, led by veteran skipper Dave Van Horn, has turned consistency into an art form. This marks their fourth trip to Omaha in seven seasons, a testament to the program’s elite standing. But for all their regular season and regional dominance, the Razorbacks are still chasing that elusive first national championship—an omission that eats at the program and fans alike. Van Horn’s squad, a balanced unit with elite arms and clutch bats, enters Omaha looking to change the narrative.
Star Power and X-Factors
Both rosters are loaded with players who can change the outcome of a game with a single swing, pitch, or defensive gem. But which stars will rise brightest under the intense lights of the College World Series?
LSU Tigers: The Big Cats Roaring Back
The Tigers come into Omaha red-hot behind a reinvigorated offense and lockdown pitching staff.
Leading the charge is junior outfielder and All-American Dylan Crews 2.0—yes, that’s what LSU fans have dubbed sophomore sensation Marcus Talbot, whose season has mirrored the dominance Crews once displayed. Talbot is slashing .379/.486/.691 with 22 homers and 67 RBIs, and has emerged as a true five-tool threat.
In the infield, junior shortstop Derek Mitchell is LSU’s rock—defensively brilliant and a sparkplug at the top of the order. His ability to set the table and disrupt opposing pitchers makes him an invaluable weapon.
On the mound, LSU’s resurgence has been driven by the rise of ace pitcher Hunter McDowell, who has delivered a blistering 1.98 ERA over 103 innings. His mid-90s fastball and devastating slider make him a nightmare for opposing hitters. He’s expected to get the ball in the opener against Arkansas, and Johnson has made it clear: “Hunter’s been our guy all year—we ride with him.”
Arkansas Razorbacks: Depth, Firepower, and a Chip on Their Shoulder
If LSU is thunder, Arkansas is controlled fury. The Razorbacks are anchored by a deep rotation, a scrappy offense, and a defense that rarely cracks under pressure.
Junior catcher Brody Slavens—one of the SEC’s most powerful bats—has carried Arkansas offensively with 21 home runs and a knack for clutch hitting. He’s complemented by breakout sophomore Chase Holland, who hits .340 with gap-to-gap power and elite baserunning instincts.
On the bump, Arkansas features a 1-2 punch that few teams can match. Sophomore right-hander Ethan Caldwell brings an aggressive, high-spin fastball and is striking out batters at a 13.1 K/9 clip. Lefty veteran Jackson Wiggins adds experience and command, with a 2.76 ERA and four complete games.
Together, Arkansas’ arms have held opponents to a .215 batting average during the postseason—a stat Van Horn believes is the team’s identity. “We don’t overpower you; we outwork you. And our guys thrive in close games.”
A Rivalry Renewed
Though they haven’t met in Omaha since 2009, LSU and Arkansas are no strangers to high-intensity SEC battles. In fact, the two teams split a riveting regular-season series in Fayetteville earlier this year, with each game decided by two runs or fewer.
That series saw McDowell duel Caldwell in a tense Friday night opener, a 3-2 Tigers win. Arkansas responded with an 8-7 walk-off victory in Game 2, and LSU took the rubber match 6-4 behind a go-ahead homer from Talbot.
Now, in Omaha, the stakes are even higher—and so is the intensity.
“The SEC prepares you for this,” said Arkansas third baseman Ty Callahan. “We’ve seen the best pitching. We’ve faced big-time hitters. Omaha is just the next level—but we’ve been training for this all year.”
LSU’s Mitchell echoed that sentiment. “We respect Arkansas. They’re tough, they’re talented, but we’re not backing down from anyone. Not here. Not now.”
What’s at Stake
The winner of this opening-round game grabs not just a 1-0 start in Omaha’s double-elimination format, but also vital momentum in a loaded bracket that includes North Carolina and Texas A&M—both elite teams in their own right.
For LSU, a win would reinforce their late-season surge and position them to chase their eighth national championship. For Arkansas, it would be a significant psychological boost as they pursue a first title and look to finally exorcise the ghosts of Omaha past.
An early loss doesn’t spell the end—just ask Mississippi State in 2021—but the path becomes drastically harder. Pitching depth is taxed, matchups get tougher, and the pressure ratchets up. In this format, opening-round wins are gold.
Key Matchups to Watch
1. Talbot vs. Caldwell
A premier hitter against a power arm. Can Talbot stay hot and set the tone early, or will Caldwell’s heat neutralize LSU’s momentum?
2. Bullpen Depth
In the postseason, bullpens become the backbone. LSU’s late-inning trio of James Carruthers, Luke Dwyer, and Eli Harris has been airtight. Arkansas counters with Landon Martin, a sophomore closer with 13 saves and a nasty cutter.
3. Small Ball vs. Slugfest
Arkansas has thrived with bunts, steals, and smart baserunning. LSU thrives on big innings and power bats. The team that controls tempo—and avoids defensive miscues—may win the day.
Coaching Duel: Johnson vs. Van Horn
Jay Johnson is still relatively new at LSU but has already made a massive mark, winning a national title in 2023 and recruiting at a level few can match. His offensive-minded philosophy and aggressive in-game strategy make him a dangerous tactician.
Dave Van Horn, meanwhile, is one of the most respected names in college baseball—a stabilizing force who’s brought Arkansas to Omaha eight times. Though a national title still eludes him, his ability to prepare and adjust makes the Razorbacks consistently dangerous.
This matchup isn’t just about players—it’s a chess match between two of the brightest minds in the sport.
The Atmosphere
There’s something uniquely magical about Omaha in June. The crowd will be split, with purple-and-gold faithful packing the stands alongside a sea of Razorback red. SEC fans travel in droves, and with these two programs boasting some of the most passionate fanbases in college baseball, Charles Schwab Field will be rocking from the first pitch.
Fans can expect chants, tailgates, and a raucous environment befitting a championship-level collision.
“It’s what you dream about,” said LSU senior reliever Carruthers. “To play in front of this crowd, with this team, in this stadium—it’s why we came to LSU.”
Arkansas’ Slavens added: “We’ve been building to this moment. Everything we’ve done all year was to get to Omaha and win games like this.”
Prediction: Who Takes Round One?
This matchup is as tight as it gets. LSU has the offensive firepower and an ace who’s pitching like a first-round draft pick. Arkansas has the depth, the experience, and the hunger of a team determined to finally get over the hump.
In a game likely decided by one swing or one miscue, the edge may go to the team that handles the moment best.
Prediction: LSU 5, Arkansas 4.
Marcus Talbot delivers a game-winning double in the 8th, and McDowell goes seven strong to set the tone for another Tigers run at glory.
Final Thoughts
The College World Series always produces drama, but opening with an SEC grudge match adds an extra layer of intensity. LSU vs. Arkansas is more than just a baseball game—it’s a battle of wills, styles, and legacies. For both programs, the road to the national title begins here, and neither will take a backward step.
So buckle up, Omaha. The Tigers and Razorbacks are ready to roar.
