2025 Fall College Baseball Reset: LSU

Evans will be joined by returnees Deven Sheerin, Jaden Noot, and William Schmidt. Schmidt was one of the best freshmen in the NCAA last season but worked out of the bullpen last season in what was a very deep pitching staff. He struck out 41 over 28 frames but walked 22.

Sophomore Mavrick Rizy, who worked out of LSU’s bullpen last season, is back. Rizy struck out 12 over 6.2 IP for Brewster in the Cape this past summer.

However, the offense — which was second in runs scored among SEC teams last season — should be formidable, yet again.

Steven Milam returns for his junior season. The “Monster” hit 11 home runs and posted a .398 OBP for the Tigers last season. Chris Stanfield had an unspectacular junior season but helped out immensely come tournament time, as he drove in nine during the event.

Additionally, Derek Curiel returns for his sophomore season, which could be his last in Baton Rouge as he’s draft-eligible.

Curiel’s not a big power hitter. However, he hit seven as a freshman but more importantly, was a lightning rod thanks to a plus hit tool. He picked up 89 hits last season, second-most on the team, and walked a team-high 53 times.

The Newcomers

Former Oregon State infielder Trent Caraway came into 2025 with legitimate Day 1 MLB Draft aspirations. It didn’t go as planned but he’ll have a great opportunity to make an immediate impact for LSU.

The Tigers grabbed Caraway, arguably their best transfer pickup, as one of several notable adds made by Jay Johnson. Other pickups include tall left-hander Danny Lachenmeyer, who struck out 56 over 38 frames for NDSU last season, and hefty first baseman Zach Yorke. Yorke hit 24 home runs over his last two seasons with Grand Canyon.

Getting back to Caraway, the now-LSU third baseman hit .339 in his freshman season but only played in 18 games thanks to injury. His 2025 numbers (.267/.350/.470) weren’t as impressive. However, Caraway came to play once the tournament started, as six of his 12 home runs came from that point onward.

Yes, the Tigers lost a lot of players from their championship team. Not only did all those aforementioned pitchers depart but so did Luis Hernandez, Daniel Dickinson, Ethan Frey, and Jared Jones. Without those individuals, players like Yorke and Caraway will be called upon to make up those losses.

Notable freshmen include pitchers Reagan Ricken, Marcos Paz, and Zion Theophilus. Theophilus’ fastball played in the low-to-mid-90s in the MLB Draft League this past summer.

Summary

Once again, the LSU Tigers should start 2026 as among the NCAA’s best overall teams.

Between a deep pitching staff and a balanced, experienced offense, there’s not a lot to nitpick. LSU should be able to field a very good rotation. And, there’s power, on-base ability, and athleticism abound.

It’s never easy in the SEC. But if 2023 and 2025 are any indications, don’t expect the Tigers to have a bad season.