Paul Skenes: From Air Force to LSU Stardom Before MLB Breakout

The Pittsburgh Pirates ace and Team USA standout has taken an impressive path to the top of baseball.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 7:52pm

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Paul Skenes, the ace pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Team USA, has had an impressive rise to stardom. After spending two seasons pitching for the Air Force Academy, Skenes transferred to LSU in 2023 and dominated, posting a 1.69 ERA and 209 strikeouts over 122.2 innings. His dominant college performance led to him being drafted 1st overall by the Pirates in 2023, and he has since become a two-time All-Star, NL Cy Young winner, and NL Rookie of the Year.

Why it matters

Skenes' journey from the Air Force Academy to LSU stardom and now MLB success is an inspiring story of perseverance and talent. As he takes the mound for Team USA in a crucial World Baseball Classic semifinal, his path to the top of the sport will be in the spotlight.

The details

After two seasons pitching for the Air Force Academy, where he posted a 2.73 ERA over 85.2 innings in 2022, Skenes transferred to LSU for the 2023 season. There, he was flat-out dominant, recording a 1.69 ERA and 209 strikeouts over 122.2 innings, leading LSU to the College World Series title. His performance earned him the 1st overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates, and he has since become one of the best pitchers in baseball, winning a Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year.

  • Skenes spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons pitching for the Air Force Academy.
  • In 2023, Skenes transferred to LSU and had a historic season, leading the Tigers to the College World Series title.
  • Skenes was drafted 1st overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2023 MLB Draft.
  • Skenes made his MLB debut with the Pirates in May 2024 and has since become a two-time All-Star.

The players

Paul Skenes

The ace pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Team USA, who has quickly risen to stardom in MLB after dominant college performances at Air Force and LSU.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The MLB team that drafted Skenes 1st overall in 2023 and has seen him become one of the best pitchers in baseball.

Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers

The college baseball team that Skenes transferred to in 2023, where he had a historic season and led the team to the College World Series title.

Air Force Academy

The college where Skenes spent his first two seasons of college baseball, posting strong numbers before transferring to LSU.

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What they’re saying

“Paul Skenes is the most decorated pitcher in MLB at the moment, and there's no better guy to take the ball for the highly anticipated World Baseball semifinal matchup between Team USA and the Dominican Republic.”

— Tj French, Author

What’s next

Skenes will take the mound for Team USA in the crucial World Baseball Classic semifinal matchup against the Dominican Republic on March 15th at 8:00 PM ET.

The takeaway

Paul Skenes' journey from the Air Force Academy to LSU stardom and now MLB success is an inspiring story of perseverance and talent. As he continues to dominate on the mound for the Pirates and Team USA, his path to the top of the sport will only further cement his status as one of baseball's brightest young stars.