LSU Baseball Heavy Favorite to Repeat as College World Series Champions

Tigers look to win back-to-back titles under head coach Jay Johnson

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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As the 2026 college baseball season begins, LSU has emerged as the heavy favorite to win the College World Series, according to the latest odds from BetMGM. The defending national champions, who have won two of the past three CWS titles, are off to an 8-0 start under head coach Jay Johnson and are ranked No. 1 in multiple national polls. With a talented roster of returning players and key additions, LSU is seen as the team to beat in Omaha this year.

Why it matters

LSU's dominance in recent years has cemented their status as one of the premier college baseball programs in the country. Their ability to reload each season and remain among the favorites to win the national championship speaks to the culture and recruiting prowess that Jay Johnson has built in Baton Rouge. As the SEC continues to produce elite teams, LSU's continued success keeps them at the forefront of the college baseball landscape.

The details

LSU's 8-0 start is the best under Jay Johnson's five-year tenure as head coach. The Tigers' blend of returning talent and key additions through the transfer portal and recruiting have them poised for another deep postseason run. While the SEC is loaded with dangerous teams like Arkansas, Texas, Georgia, Mississippi State, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt, LSU's status as the betting favorite reflects their status as the team to beat in 2026.

  • LSU's 8-0 record is the program's best start to a season under Jay Johnson.
  • The 2026 college baseball season is just underway, with teams jockeying for position in the national rankings and betting odds.

The players

Jay Johnson

The head coach of the LSU Tigers baseball team, who has led the program to two College World Series titles in the past three seasons.

LSU Tigers

The defending national champions in college baseball, who are the heavy favorites to win the 2026 College World Series according to the latest BetMGM odds.

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What’s next

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on LSU as they look to defend their national championship and cement their status as the premier program in college baseball.

The takeaway

LSU's continued dominance in college baseball, fueled by the leadership of head coach Jay Johnson and a talented roster, has made them the team to beat in 2026 as they look to win back-to-back national titles and further solidify their place among the elite programs in the sport.