**See Where LSU Baseball’s 2025 Transfer Portal Class Sits in Updated Rankings**
The LSU Tigers have long been a powerhouse in college baseball, and head coach Jay Johnson has continued to build on that legacy through strategic use of the transfer portal. As the 2025 season approaches, LSU’s latest haul of transfers has once again positioned the program among the nation’s elite. With updated rankings placing the Tigers near the top of the list, let’s take a deep dive into where LSU’s transfer portal class stands and how these additions could shape the team’s championship aspirations.
Since the transfer portal became a major factor in college baseball roster construction, few programs have utilized it as effectively as LSU. The Tigers have consistently reloaded with high-impact players, and the 2025 cycle is no different. This year’s class features a mix of power bats, elite arms, and defensive standouts who are expected to make an immediate impact in Baton Rouge.
According to the latest rankings from D1Baseball and Perfect Game, LSU’s transfer portal class sits comfortably within the **top five nationally**, trailing only a handful of programs like Texas A&M, Arkansas, and Florida. What sets the Tigers apart is not just the quantity of transfers but the quality, with multiple players ranked among the best available in the portal.
Several standout transfers have bolstered LSU’s roster, addressing key needs and adding depth to a team that already boasts a strong returning core. Here are some of the most notable additions:
1. **RHP Ethan McElvain (Vanderbilt)** – One of the biggest pickups of the offseason, McElvain brings frontline starter potential to LSU’s rotation. The hard-throwing right-hander was a key piece at Vanderbilt and should slide into a weekend starter role immediately. His fastball sits in the mid-90s with a devastating slider, making him a potential Friday night ace.
2. **OF Braden Montgomery (Texas A&M)** – A dynamic two-way player, Montgomery chose LSU after a standout season with the Aggies. He brings elite power from the left side and is also a reliable option in the outfield. His bat adds another dangerous weapon to an already loaded LSU lineup.
3. **INF Travis Bazzana (Oregon State)** – A proven hitter with excellent plate discipline, Bazzana is expected to take over at second base. His ability to get on base and hit for average makes him an ideal table-setter for the Tigers’ offense.
4. **LHP Josh Hartle (Wake Forest)** – A polished lefty with excellent command, Hartle provides much-needed experience to the pitching staff. He has the ability to eat innings as a midweek starter or serve as a high-leverage reliever.
5. **C Malcolm Moore (Stanford)** – With the departure of Alex Milazzo, LSU needed a reliable catcher, and Moore fits the bill perfectly. He’s an excellent defensive backstop with power potential at the plate.
While LSU’s class is undeniably strong, it faces stiff competition from other SEC programs that have also aggressively attacked the portal. Texas A&M currently holds the top spot thanks to multiple high-profile additions, including a pair of All-American pitchers. Arkansas and Florida also rank ahead of LSU in some rankings due to their sheer volume of impact transfers.
However, what gives LSU an edge is the **balance** of its class. While some teams loaded up on either pitching or hitting, the Tigers secured difference-makers at nearly every position. This approach ensures that they won’t have glaring weaknesses heading into the season.
The Tigers are coming off another deep postseason run in 2024, and with these additions, expectations are even higher for 2025. The rotation, anchored by McElvain and Hartle, should be one of the best in the SEC. The lineup, featuring Montgomery, Bazzana, and Moore, has the potential to be explosive.
Defensively, LSU has also improved, particularly up the middle with Moore behind the plate and Bazzana in the infield. If the newcomers mesh quickly with returning stars like Jared Jones and Griffin Herring, this team could be a favorite to return to Omaha.
LSU’s 2025 transfer portal class is yet another example of Jay Johnson’s ability to reload rather than rebuild. While the Tigers may not rank **No. 1** in every transfer portal ranking, their class is arguably the most well-rounded in the country. With elite talent joining an already formidable roster, LSU is poised to make another championship push.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how these new pieces fit into the puzzle. If they live up to expectations, the Tigers could be holding the trophy in Omaha once again.
