LSU Baseball Looks to Reload Infield, Retain Title Hopes

Shortstop Steven Milam returns as freshmen Ruckert and Clauss vie for starting roles

Feb. 4, 2026 at 3:31pm

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The LSU Tigers enter the 2026 college baseball season as defending national champions, but face the challenge of replacing a significant portion of their starting infield. Shortstop Steven Milam returns as a key piece, while freshmen Jack Ruckert and Ethan Clauss battle for playing time at the position. The Tigers also boast a strong pitching staff led by Casan Evans and Cooper Williams as they aim for another deep postseason run.

Why it matters

LSU's ability to reload its infield and continue its recent championship success will be crucial in maintaining the program's status as an elite college baseball powerhouse. The development of young talent like Ruckert and Clauss could shape the team's future, while veteran leadership from Milam will be essential.

The details

Shortstop Steven Milam returns for his third and likely final season with the Tigers after a strong performance in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The team also welcomes two highly touted freshman shortstop prospects in Jack Ruckert and Ethan Clauss, who are expected to compete for playing time early in the season. On the mound, Casan Evans is slated to be the Friday night starter, with Cooper Williams and William Schmidt also projected to factor prominently into the rotation.

  • The 2026 college baseball season begins in February 2026.
  • The Tigers are the defending 2025 NCAA champions.

The players

Steven Milam

A key returning shortstop for the LSU Tigers, Milam was named to the All-College World Series Tournament team in 2025 after hitting .350 with 13 RBIs in the NCAA Tournament.

Jack Ruckert

A highly regarded true freshman shortstop prospect for the LSU Tigers, Ruckert was ranked as a top-100 high school prospect by Perfect Game.

Ethan Clauss

A true freshman shortstop prospect for the LSU Tigers, Clauss was ranked as the No. 37 high school shortstop and the No. 105 overall high school prospect by Perfect Game.

Casan Evans

The expected Friday night starter for the LSU Tigers' pitching staff in 2026.

Cooper Williams

A left-handed pitcher who gained valuable experience in 2025 and is projected to be a key part of the LSU rotation in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“While the loss of the starting infield presents a challenge, the return of key players like Steven Milam, coupled with the emergence of promising freshmen and a strong pitching staff, positions LSU as a strong contender for the national championship once again.”

— Jay Johnson, Head Coach

What’s next

The Tigers will begin their 2026 season in February, with the freshmen shortstops Ruckert and Clauss expected to compete for playing time early on.

The takeaway

LSU's ability to reload its infield and maintain its championship-caliber program will be tested, but the return of veteran leadership from Milam combined with the influx of talented freshmen like Ruckert and Clauss suggests the Tigers remain a force to be reckoned with in college baseball.