LSU Begins Title Defense: Casan Evans Emerges as New Friday Ace

The Tigers open the season against Milwaukee as they look to repeat as national champions.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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LSU Baseball is kicking off its national title defense this weekend at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as the Tigers take on the Milwaukee Panthers. One of the key storylines heading into the new season is the emergence of sophomore pitcher Casan Evans as the team's new Friday night starter.

Why it matters

As the defending national champions, LSU faces high expectations to repeat in 2026. The development of Evans as the team's new ace on Friday nights will be crucial to the Tigers' chances of making another deep postseason run.

The details

Evans, a hard-throwing right-hander, impressed in limited action as a freshman, posting a 3.12 ERA in 17.1 innings. He's expected to step into the role previously held by All-American Ma'Khail Hilliard, who was the Tigers' Friday night starter the past two seasons. Evans has electric stuff and the coaching staff believes he's ready to anchor the rotation as LSU begins its title defense.

  • The 2026 LSU Baseball season begins this weekend, February 13-15.
  • Evans is set to make his first career Friday night start on February 13.

The players

Casan Evans

A sophomore right-handed pitcher who is expected to emerge as LSU's new Friday night starter this season.

Ma'Khail Hilliard

The Tigers' previous Friday night starter for the past two seasons, who has now departed the program.

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What they’re saying

“Casan has really taken a big step forward this offseason and we're excited to see what he can do as our new Friday night guy.”

— Jay Johnson, LSU Baseball Head Coach (WTOL)

What’s next

Evans' first test as LSU's new ace will come this Friday night against Milwaukee as the Tigers begin their national title defense.

The takeaway

The development of Casan Evans into LSU's new Friday night starter is a crucial storyline as the Tigers look to repeat as national champions in 2026.