LSU Baseball Gears Up for 2026 Title Defense

Tigers enter season as top-ranked team, host Fan Fest ahead of Opening Day

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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LSU baseball is set to begin its title defense on Friday, February 13, as the Tigers host Milwaukee in their 2026 season opener. Head coach Jay Johnson has assembled another talented roster, with two sophomore standouts - Derek Curiel and Casan Evans - named to the Golden Spikes Award preseason watch list. The team will host a Fan Fest outside Alex Box Stadium prior to first pitch, and several key players discussed their offseason improvements in interviews.

Why it matters

LSU is looking to repeat as national champions after a successful 2025 campaign. The Tigers enter the new season as the consensus top-ranked team, putting a target on their backs. This opening series and Fan Fest festivities will kick off what the program hopes will be another deep postseason run.

The details

LSU will face Milwaukee in a three-game series to open the 2026 season, with games scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday, 1 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 p.m. on Sunday. The Tigers are led by a talented roster that includes two sophomores - outfielder Derek Curiel and pitcher Casan Evans - on the Golden Spikes Award preseason watch list. Ahead of the first pitch, LSU will host a Fan Fest from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, giving fans a chance to engage with the team before the season begins.

  • LSU baseball's 2026 season opener is on Friday, February 13.
  • The Fan Fest outside Alex Box Stadium will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT on Friday, February 13.
  • The Golden Spikes Award key dates include: Midseason Watch List - April 2, Semifinalists - May 14, Finalists - June 10, Winner - June 29.

The players

Jay Johnson

The head coach of the LSU baseball team, who has assembled another talented roster for the 2026 season as the Tigers look to defend their national championship.

Derek Curiel

A sophomore outfielder for LSU, Curiel was the freshman of the year in 2025 and is now on the Golden Spikes Award preseason watch list.

Casan Evans

A sophomore right-handed pitcher for LSU, Evans was a third-team All-American selection as a freshman and is also on the Golden Spikes Award preseason watch list.

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What they’re saying

“That's a good question. Honestly, I think I've improved all the way around. I put in a lot of hard work during the summer and this fall, working with JJ, Coach Johnson, Chief, and in the cages. I wouldn't say it's just one particular part of my game — it's a combination of everything. A lot of it has also come with experience. Being in this program for my second year now, I've learned a lot in the last two years. I think that's more valuable than anything coaching alone can do.”

— Cade Arrambide, Sophomore Catcher (on3.com)

“I've added a couple of pitches, things that give me a little more leeway with hitters. The fastball and changeup will always be there for me, but there's definitely some other stuff I've been working on too. Last year was good for me, especially because we had a really good year as a team. Adversity is something you don't want, but when it happens, you learn to appreciate it. I learned from that and took it all in, and I'm continuing to grow from it.”

— Zac Cowan, Senior RHP (on3.com)

“I focus on emptying the tank every day, going out there and leaving everything on the field, especially once the season starts. Development-wise, I've focused a lot on defense, pitch selection, and continuing to improve in those areas. I feel comfortable at all of the infield spots. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. I show up every day prepared to do whatever my role is.”

— Seth Dardar, Senior Infielder (on3.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.