No. 2 LSU 2025 College Top 25 Preview
Image credit: Anthony Eyanson (Photo courtesy of LSU Athletics)
- Last season: 43-23 (13-17 SEC); eliminated in Chapel Hill Regional
- Final 2024 ranking: NR
- Coach (record at school): Jay Johnson (137-62, 4th season)
You can find our complete 2025 preseason Top 25 ranking here.
The Good News
The Tigers underachieved in 2024 despite lofty expectations heading into the season but still reached the NCAA Tournament as a regional No. 2 seed, extending the program’s streak to 12 consecutive postseason appearances. Hoping to reestablish its dominant ways in 2025, LSU reloaded via the transfer portal, signing a nation-leading nine top-100 transfers, which earned them the title of Baseball America’s No. 1 portal class. The Tigers’ haul of newcomers included former UC-San Diego ace righthander Anthony Eyanson, former Nichols righty flamethrower Jacob Mayers and former Wofford righty Zac Cowan, all of whom should contend for spots in a new-look rotation. Former Utah Valley middle infielder Daniel Dickinson, Baseball America’s No. 2 overall transfer portal prospect, leads a strong group of position player transfers, which should allow the Tigers to make up for their losses of stalwart third baseman Tommy White and high school outfielder Konnor Griffin, who was selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 draft and signed with the Pirates.
The Bad News
The Tigers’ roster has changed dramatically since the 2024 season, and its success now hinges on whether or not several players from non-power-conferences can acclimate quickly to a daunting Southeastern Conference. With its largest transfer class since head coach Jay Johnson took over the program prior to the 2022 season, one-third of LSU’s projected starting lineup and rotation are expected to be transfers, while several key bullpen roles will be occupied by players who are on at least their second college roster. How they perform against stiffer competition will be critical, especially in the lead up to conference play.
Player To Know
One of the most sought-after transfer portal entrants this offseason, infielder Daniel Dickinson posted a career year as a sophomore at Utay Valley, hitting .367/.469/.661 with 14 doubles, 18 home runs, 53 RBIs and 32 stolen bases in 58 games, which earned him first-team all-WAC and third-team all-American honors. Johnson lauded his prized recruit for his measured hitting approach and maturity. Johnson described Dickinson as a “throwback-type” player capable of “making the guys around him play better.” The Tigers are hopeful that Dickinson can fill in a much-needed leadership role after they lost multiple upperclassmen to the pros.
Path To Omaha
History seems to favor LSU teams coming off super-regional misses. Since 2009, the Tigers have only failed to reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back years once (2010 and 2011). The Tigers were eliminated in the first round of the tournament last year due to what their coach described as a lack of depth, especially on the mound. If they can stay healthy this year, the Tigers appear better positioned for a deep run with ample talent around the diamond. Though, it should be noted that several arms will need to step up with three of their top four players in 2024 starts made no longer a part of the program.
Projected 2025 Lineup
| Pos | Player | Year | AVG | OBP | SLG | AB | HR | RBI | Note |
| C | Luis Hernandez* | Sr. | .359 | .421 | .694 | 248 | 23 | 76 | Indiana State |
| 1B | Jared Jones | Jr. | .301 | .454 | .747 | 229 | 28 | 59 | |
| 2B | Daniel Dickinson* | Jr. | .367 | .469 | .661 | 245 | 18 | 53 | Utah Valley |
| 3B | Michael Braswell | Sr. | .311 | .411 | .453 | 212 | 4 | 36 | |
| SS | Steven Milam | So. | .326 | .415 | .516 | 221 | 8 | 40 | |
| OF | Derek Curiel | Fr. | Orange Lutheran HS – Orange, Calif. | ||||||
| OF | Chris Stanfield* | Jr. | .276 | .365 | .395 | 185 | 4 | 25 | Auburn |
| OF | Jake Brown | So | .264 | .370 | .440 | 91 | 4 | 13 | |
| DH | Ashton Larson | So. | .298 | .401 | .426 | 141 | 3 | 16 | |
| Pos | Player | Year | GS | IP | ERA | WHIP | SO | BB | Note |
| SP | Kade Anderson | So. | 9 | 38.1 | 3.99 | 1.51 | 59 | 20 | |
| SP | Anthony Eyanson* | Jr. | 9 | 82 | 3.07 | 0.96 | 85 | 24 | UC San Diego |
| SP | Chase Shores | R-So. | Injured | ||||||
| RP | Gavin Guidry | Jr. | 0 | 24.1 | 2.59 | 1.32 | 36 | 18 | |
| RP | Conner Ware* | Jr. | 2 | 15 | 1.80 | 1.13 | 21 | 7 | Pearl River CC |
