LSU Baseball Unveils 2026 Starting Rotation

Tigers look to defend national title with new-look pitching staff

Jan. 31, 2026 at 3:15pm

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With the 2026 college baseball season just weeks away, LSU has unveiled its projected starting rotation as the Tigers look to defend their 2025 national championship. The rotation will feature a mix of veteran transfers and rising young stars, led by standout reliever-turned-ace Casan Evans on Fridays.

Why it matters

LSU's pitching staff was a key factor in their 2025 title run, and the Tigers will need to reload on the mound to maintain their status as one of the top programs in the country. How the new-look rotation performs could determine whether LSU can repeat as champions.

The details

Casan Evans, who emerged as a dominant reliever in 2025, will take over as the Friday night starter after posting a 2.05 ERA and 71 strikeouts. Kansas transfer Cooper Moore, an All-Big 12 selection last year, will anchor the Saturday spot, while Zac Cowan, who impressed in a limited starting role, rounds out the rotation on Sundays.

  • The 2026 college baseball season begins on February 13.
  • LSU opens its title defense by hosting Milwaukee at Alex Box Stadium.

The players

Casan Evans

A standout freshman reliever in 2025, Evans will transition into the role of LSU's Friday night ace after posting a 2.05 ERA and 71 strikeouts.

Cooper Moore

The Kansas transfer was a second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2025 and brings valuable experience to the LSU rotation.

Zac Cowan

Cowan made a strong impression in a limited starting role for LSU last season, including a solid outing against Arkansas in the College World Series.

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What they’re saying

“Casan Evans wowed as a true freshman. His stuff was elite and he delivered when LSU needed it most in the postseason, emerging as the Tigers' most reliable reliever.”

— Will Rosenblatt, Author

“Cooper Moore was one of LSU's top-ranked transfer signees. The right-handed Kansas transfer was second-team All-Big 12 in 2025 and ranked as the No. 6 pitcher in the transfer portal by D1Baseball.”

— Will Rosenblatt, Author

“Zac Cowan only started two games for LSU last year, but that included getting the call vs. Arkansas in the College World Series. Cowan pitched 5.1 innings and only allowed one run vs. one of the best lineups in the sport.”

— Will Rosenblatt, Author

What’s next

LSU will open its title defense on February 13 when the Tigers host Milwaukee at Alex Box Stadium.

The takeaway

With a mix of experienced transfers and rising young stars, LSU's new-look pitching rotation will be crucial to the Tigers' chances of repeating as national champions in 2026.