LSU advanced to the finals of the Chapel HIll regional last year, one season removed from a national title under coach Jay Johnson. The Tigers' head coach joins us for a 30-minute interview with Southeastern 16’s Chris Lee and Alfred Ezman to preview LSU’s 2025 season. Topics include:

The Tigers have outstanding depth at catcher, with Texas prep star Cade Arrambide joining Indiana State transfer Luis Hernandez and JUCO transfer Blaise Priester to battle for playing time.

Jared Jones, perhaps the country’s most underrated power hitter, locks down first base after turning down an opportunity to go pro last summer.

Johnson compares Utah Valley transfer Daniel Dickinson, who’ll likely man second base, to Pete Rose. - Sophomore sensation Stephen Milam will likely man shortstop, while Michael Braswell III may move to third.

The Tigers have a crowded outfield. California prep star Derek Curiel has a great shot to start, as do talented sophomores Ashton Larson and Jake Brown. But Auburn transfer Chris Stanfield is in the mix, as is Johnson favorite Josh Pearson, who’s played a lot of baseball for the Tigers. Freshmen Mic Paul and returnee Ethan Frey could also be in the mix.

Freshmen Mikey Ryan and David Hogg II, as well as transfers Edward Yamin IV (Dayton) and Dalton Beck (Incarnate Word) could also push for playing time.

Few teams have the competition for starting pitching slots that Johnson has. Chase Shores is finally healthy and could lead the rotation. Returnees Kade Anderson and Gavin Guidry are both talented and could make weekend starts. The Tigers could also build a rotation that most teams would love to have just on transfers Anthony Eyanson (UC San Diego), Zac Cowan (Winthrop) and Jacob Mayers (Nicholls State). But don’t forget about William Schmidt, who was a top-10 high school player in America last year according to multiple recruiting services.

The Tigers also have several talented bullpen options, including returnees Kade Woods, DJ Primeaux and Jaden Noot; freshmen Mavrick Rizy and Casan Evans and others.

What did Johnson learn from last year’s 2-10 start to Southeastern Conference play, coming against a brutal schedule?

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