LSU has been ranked No. 2 in the 2026 Baseball America preseason poll, marking the third time this month the team has received a Top 2 ranking. Earlier in January, LSU was rated No. 1 by Perfect Game and No. 2 by D1 Baseball.
The Tigers recently won their second national championship in three years during the 2025 season, after starting that year ranked No. 2. In 2023, LSU began the season as the top-ranked team, held that position for 12 weeks, and secured the national title.
LSU will open its 2026 baseball season on Friday, February 13, hosting Milwaukee at Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field.
Head coach Jay Johnson is entering his fifth season with LSU. During his tenure, he has led the Tigers to national championships in both 2023 and 2025. The current roster features a mix of experience and new talent: there are 19 returning players and 20 newcomers.
The defending champions have seven returning position players with starting experience and ten pitchers who have previously played for LSU. The group of newcomers includes eight NCAA Division I transfers, one Division II transfer, two junior college transfers, and nine high school signees. Five freshmen have been listed among Prep Baseball Report’s Top 100 College Freshmen; six additional newcomers appear on Baseball America’s list of Top 100 College Transfers.
LSU is among eleven Southeastern Conference teams featured in Baseball America’s preseason Top 25 rankings for 2026.
