In a season already teeming with high expectations, fierce competition, and breakout performances, the LSU Tigers baseball team has now reached a new peak—earning the No. 1 spot in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll for the first time in the 2025 season. The latest rankings released this week serve as a monumental affirmation of the program’s resurgence and continued excellence under head coach Jay Johnson. For LSU fans and college baseball pundits alike, this milestone signals not only national respect but also the potential for another championship run in Omaha.
The Rise to No. 1: A Season of Dominance
After beginning the season ranked No. 4 in the preseason poll, LSU methodically climbed the rankings with a mix of clutch hitting, strong pitching performances, and an aggressive style of play that has become their signature under Johnson. The Tigers now sit at 38-9 overall, including an impressive 18-6 mark in SEC play, positioning them atop the toughest conference in college baseball.
Their rise wasn’t without challenges. LSU faced several ranked opponents over the past month, including a gritty three-game series against Arkansas, a revenge-fueled battle with Florida, and a tense showdown with Ole Miss. Despite those tests, the Tigers passed with flying colors, winning each series and showcasing both their depth and resilience.
In last weekend’s pivotal SEC matchup against then-No. 3 Texas A&M, LSU swept the Aggies at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge. That series served as the ultimate statement to voters: this LSU team isn’t just elite—they’re the best in the nation.
A Lineup Built for Omaha
LSU’s success in 2025 has been driven by a potent and versatile lineup featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and explosive underclassmen. Leading the charge is junior Tommy “Tanks” White, whose monster year at the plate has put him in contention for the Golden Spikes Award. White has slashed .367/.445/.722 with 21 home runs and 68 RBIs through 47 games. His blend of raw power and plate discipline has turned him into one of the most feared hitters in college baseball.
Next to White in the heart of the order is sophomore Jared Jones, who has taken a giant leap forward this season. Jones has tallied 17 home runs and maintains a .340 batting average, providing protection for White and forcing opposing pitchers into uncomfortable matchups.
Speedster Paxton Kling and table-setter Michael Braswell have ignited the top of the order, combining for over 40 stolen bases and a .420 on-base percentage. Freshman phenom Derek Curiel has also emerged as one of the top newcomers in the country, batting over .300 and playing Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field.
“Our lineup can beat you in so many different ways,” said Coach Jay Johnson. “We’ve got guys who can hit for power, others who can manufacture runs, and a bench that’s as deep as I’ve ever had. It’s a luxury and a testament to our recruiting.”
The Pitching Staff: Quietly Elite
While LSU’s offense grabs headlines, the pitching staff has quietly evolved into one of the most balanced units in the country. Junior right-hander Thatcher Hurd has embraced the Friday night ace role, boasting a 7-2 record with a 2.88 ERA and 89 strikeouts. His ability to attack the zone early and finish hitters late has given LSU a crucial tone-setter each weekend.
Sophomore Griffin Herring has taken the Saturday role and run with it, posting a 6-1 record and flashing a wipeout slider that has befuddled SEC hitters. On Sundays, freshman sensation Cam Johnson has delivered maturity beyond his years, pitching to a 3.10 ERA with a fastball that regularly touches 96 mph.
In the bullpen, the Tigers have leaned heavily on Gavin Guidry and Bryce Collins, two high-leverage arms who have thrived in late-inning situations. The duo has combined for 13 saves and a sub-2.00 ERA over the last month, allowing Johnson to shorten games and manage workloads across the board.
“Our pitchers know their roles and execute them well,” said LSU pitching coach Wes Johnson. “They trust each other, and more importantly, they trust the game plan. That’s why we’ve been able to close out tough games.”
Coaching and Culture
Jay Johnson’s fingerprints are all over this team. Now in his fourth season at LSU, Johnson has constructed a program that blends the tradition of LSU baseball with modern player development and analytics. His recruiting classes have consistently ranked in the top five nationally, and his player-first approach has been instrumental in player growth and team chemistry.
“We want our guys to play free, to be confident, and to compete every single pitch,” said Johnson. “The No. 1 ranking is great, but our focus hasn’t changed. We’re building toward a national championship.”
That championship mentality is evident in the way LSU handles adversity. Whether it’s clawing back from an early deficit or maintaining poise in high-pressure SEC environments, the Tigers have shown a level of maturity and composure rare for even the most talented teams.
National Implications and What’s Ahead
LSU’s ascent to No. 1 comes at a pivotal point in the season. With just two regular-season SEC series remaining—against Alabama and Mississippi State—the Tigers are in prime position to secure the top seed in the SEC Tournament and potentially earn the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Their current RPI sits at No. 2 nationally, and they boast a 15-5 record against Quadrant 1 teams. Those metrics, combined with the eye test and strength of schedule, make them a favorite not just to host a regional, but also to carry momentum into the College World Series in Omaha.
But Johnson and his staff are staying grounded.
“We don’t hang banners in May,” he said. “We want to keep getting better, fine-tune a few things, and make sure we’re peaking at the right time. That’s how you win in June.”
Player Spotlights
- Tommy White: Already a fan favorite, White’s ability to hit both fastballs and breaking pitches with authority makes him a candidate for the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft.
- Derek Curiel: As one of the most polished freshmen in the country, Curiel brings maturity, athleticism, and elite instincts to center field.
- Thatcher Hurd: With his bulldog mentality and big-game experience, Hurd has anchored the staff and developed into one of the most reliable starters in the country.
- Paxton Kling: Kling’s blend of speed and contact hitting has made him a nightmare for opposing pitchers at the top of the lineup.
Fan and Alumni Reactions
LSU fans have responded to the team’s success with enthusiasm that rivals even the program’s national title season in 2023. Alex Box Stadium has been sold out nearly every weekend, with a sea of purple and gold energizing the team and intimidating visiting opponents.
Alumni have also taken notice, with former stars like Alex Bregman and Dylan Crews expressing their excitement on social media. “This team looks special,” tweeted Crews. “Proud of what Jay and the boys are building in Baton Rouge.”
The Road to Omaha
As the postseason looms, LSU knows the road won’t be easy. The SEC Tournament will feature a gauntlet of elite teams—including Tennessee, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Vanderbilt—all looking to knock off the Tigers. From there, the NCAA Tournament will bring its own set of surprises and pressures.
But if there’s one team built to handle that path, it’s LSU. With their deep lineup, elite pitching, and battle-tested mentality, the Tigers look every bit like a national championship contender.
“We’re embracing the target on our back,” said senior shortstop Jordan Thompson. “That’s what LSU baseball is all about—expecting to win, playing with pride, and finishing the job.”
Final Thoughts
The LSU Tigers’ climb to the No. 1 spot in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll is more than just a midseason accolade—it’s a declaration. A statement that this team is back where it belongs, atop the college baseball world, with Omaha in their sights and history in their crosshairs.
With momentum on their side and the full support of Tiger Nation behind them, LSU is poised to write the next great chapter in a storied program. And if the past is any indication, that chapter might just end with another dogpile on the infield in Omaha.