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The LSU Tigers baseball team has ascended to the pinnacle of college baseball, earning the No. 1 ranking in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll for the week of April 28, 2025. With a 36–9 record, LSU has demonstrated dominance both within the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and on the national stage. This achievement underscores the team’s exceptional talent, strategic depth, and the leadership of head coach Jay Johnson.

LSU’s ascent to the top spot in the Coaches Poll is a testament to its storied history in college baseball. The Tigers have secured seven College World Series titles and 17 SEC championships, with their most recent national championship in 2023 . Under the guidance of Coach Johnson, now in his fourth season, LSU has continued to build upon this legacy, blending experienced leadership with fresh talent.

Several players have been instrumental in LSU’s rise to the top:

• Jared Jones (1B): A preseason All-SEC First Team selection, Jones has been a consistent offensive force for the Tigers.
• Kade Anderson (SP): Also named to the preseason All-SEC First Team, Anderson has anchored LSU’s pitching staff with his dominant performances on the mound.
• Gavin Guidry (RP): As a preseason All-SEC First Team reliever, Guidry has provided stability and reliability in LSU’s bullpen.
• Daniel Dickinson (2B): A preseason All-SEC Second Team honoree, Dickinson has contributed significantly both offensively and defensively.
• Derek Curiel (UTL): The SEC Preseason Freshman of the Year, Curiel has made an immediate impact, leading the team in batting average, hits, and walks .

These players, among others, have propelled LSU to the forefront of college baseball, combining individual excellence with cohesive team dynamics.

Coach Jay Johnson’s leadership has been pivotal in LSU’s success. His ability to integrate new talent, such as transfer portal additions Daniel Dickinson and Anthony Eyanson, with returning players has created a balanced and formidable roster . The coaching staff’s emphasis on both offensive firepower and pitching depth has allowed LSU to compete at the highest level.

As the season progresses, LSU remains a formidable contender for the national title. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging stars, the Tigers are poised to continue their dominance in the SEC and on the national stage. The team’s commitment to excellence, both on and off the field, ensures that LSU will remain a powerhouse in college baseball for years to come.

LSU’s rise to No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll is a reflection of the program’s enduring legacy and its bright future. With a talented roster and exceptional coaching, the Tigers are well-positioned to add another chapter to their storied history.