LSU Baseball Outfielder and Former Top Utah Prospect Officially Reveals Transfer Destination, Sparking Buzz Ahead of 2025 College Season.

Mic Paul, a former standout outfielder at LSU baseball and once the No. 1 prospect in Utah’s high school class, has officially announced via social media that he will transfer to the Washington Huskies for the 2026 college baseball season. The announcement marks a significant moment in both Paul’s career and LSU’s rebuild, as he seeks a fresh start after a mixed tenure in Baton Rouge and the Huskies add a high-upside athlete to their roster.

A High School Star Turns LSU Prospect

Paul burst onto the national radar as a prep phenom in Salt Lake City. Rated the top outfielder in Utah during his high school career, he was a five-tool talent—blending speed, power, defense, and baseball IQ. His athleticism drew attention from major programs across the country, but he ultimately chose LSU, committing in 2022 as part of a recruiting class built to sustain the Tigers’ national prominence under coach Jay Johnson.

“He was special,” Johnson recalled. “Mic’s one of the best athletes I’ve seen — natural feel for the game, explosive in the outfield, and a presence in the batting box.”

Paul’s commitment was a big win for LSU, highlighting the program’s ability to attract top regional talent, and it reinforced the recruiting momentum Johnson had built across the West Coast and Mountain West regions.

Early Batting Opportunities and the Redshirt Phase

In 2023, Paul saw limited game time—appearing in 12 games and collecting one hit across nine at-bats, while frequently used as a pinch runner and defensive replacement. Despite the limited opportunities, Paul made an impression:

“He scored five runs, played great defense, brought speed, and showed flashes of a feel for hitting,” said SI’s Zack Nagy YouTube+5SI+5SI+5.

In 2024, the Tigers redshirted Paul, giving him time to develop physically, adjust to college pitching, and refine his skills under Johnson’s tutelage. Paul hit the weight room hard and used the year to polish his swing mechanics and reading of the game—strategies aimed at maximizing his eventual contribution.

A Quiet 2025 — and the Decision to Transfer

The 2025 season was quieter for Paul; he did not register any game stats, suggesting he remained buried on LSU’s depth chart. For a player of his high school stature, the limited playing time proved frustrating:

“Fast forward to 2025 … he did not record any statistics during the 2025 season,” per SI’s Zack Nagy SI+1SI+1.

The combination of redshirting, a stacked outfield group, and the NCAA transfer portal creating mobility for athletes likely influenced Paul’s decision.

Entering the portal in June 2025 allowed Paul to seek a program where he could play immediately and continue his development—ideally, in a setting that would maximize his future prospects.

Heading to Seattle: Why Washington?

Paul’s decision to join the Washington Huskies offers a fresh start in a program poised for resurgence. Washington has a history of developing major league talent and competes in the competitive Pac-12 (soon to include the Big Ten), offering exposure and high-level competition.

Sources close to Paul note several appealing elements in Washington’s offer:

1. Immediate playing opportunity: A clearer path to begin earning starts.

2. Development philosophy: Huskies coaches are known for strong batting development and strength training—key for Paul’s game.

3. Geographic fit: While far from Utah, Seattle’s academic and athletic resources, and the Pacific Northwest lifestyle, were attractive to Paul and his family.

In essence, Paul found in Washington a place where he could both play and grow.

What LSU Loses — and Gains

Paul’s departure is not a major setback for LSU — he wasn’t on the field in 2025 — but it does represent the loss of an elite athlete from their talent pool. LSU’s outfield depth remains strong, with returning starters like Derek Curiel (coming off a .314 average and 15 stolen bases in 2024) and Ethan Frey, the 2022 LSU Mr. Baseball who was drafted by the Houston Astros this year Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1.

Yet, Paul’s exit signals more than a roster change—it marks a missed opportunity to retain a high-ceiling player who could have impacted LSU’s future outfield rotation.

On the flip side, LSU remains active in the transfer portal, adding contributors like infielder Brayden Simpson from High Point and RHP Anthony Eyanson from UC San Diego. The program continues to retool after its College World Series championship, focusing on pitching and infield depth.

For Paul, A Fresh Chapter

For Mic Paul, the opportunity with the Huskies offers clarity and a waiver to play immediately. It’s a chance to showcase the talent that made him Utah’s top outfield recruit.

At Washington, Paul will compete in strong conference play, with ample opportunity to move into a starting role. If he capitalizes on reps and adjustments, he could reassert himself as a high-level prospect for the 2026 MLB Draft.

The Huskies’ staff is bullish on Paul’s upside:

“Mic gives us athleticism and fire. We believe he can be a big part of our lineup and outfield mix,” said a Washington assistant coach.

That belief, combined with Paul’s drive, could fuel a breakout collegiate run.

Broader Implications: Mobility in College Baseball

Paul’s move highlights shifting dynamics in college baseball recruiting. The transfer portal has made high school recruiting only the start of roster building:

• Early playing time is coveted — athletes like Paul will pivot quickly if the path is blocked.

• Transfer portal adds challenge — programs must develop and play recruits earlier, or risk losing them.

• Elite regional talents can step down to step up — even as volumes of Division I teams crowd the scene, a strategic choice can benefit both athlete and program.

For LSU, it underscores the need to pair high-profile recruiting with retention strategies and visible development plans.

What Fans Should Watch

• Washington integration: How Paul adjusts in spring practice and fall workouts will determine how quickly he plays.

• LSU response: The Tigers continue reshaping with portal additions—updates on spring rolls and summer camps will show how they fill the void and maintain momentum.

• MLB Draft path: A strong second act at Washington could push Paul into pre-draft conversations for 2026, especially if he develops speed/power combination.

Mic Paul’s transfer from LSU to Washington is much more than a roster move—it’s a narrative of resilience, adaptation, and strategic alignment. LSU demonstrated the ability to attract elite high school athletes from unusual markets, but retaining those talents requires continued growth opportunities.

For Paul, the Huskies offer the chance to reinvigorate his career with early playing time and a supportive development environment. As he steps into this next chapter, LSU fans will watch closely, recognizing the program’s influence in launching—or redirecting—a promising athlete’s path.

In college baseball’s evolving landscape, success is measured not just in championships, but in how programs support athletes through transitions, ensuring potential finds performance—no matter where it’s realize.