LSU Baseball Coach Takes Accountability for Rough Patch

Jay Johnson cites scheduling, young roster as factors in team's recent struggles

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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LSU baseball has hit a rough stretch, losing three of its last nine games, including a 7-2 defeat to UL-Lafayette on Wednesday. Head coach Jay Johnson has taken accountability for the challenging non-conference schedule, acknowledging he may not have set his team up for success. With conference play on the horizon, Johnson is focused on cleaning up the team's play and finding more consistent offensive production.

Why it matters

As the reigning national champions, LSU baseball has high expectations this season. The team's recent struggles have raised questions about their preparedness and ability to navigate a tough non-conference slate before SEC play begins. Johnson's willingness to own up to potential missteps in scheduling shows his commitment to getting the team back on track.

The details

LSU fell behind early against UL-Lafayette, trailing 3-0 in the first inning and 6-2 in the fifth. The Tigers struggled at the plate, striking out frequently, and also committed three errors defensively. Johnson acknowledged he may have overloaded the team's early-season schedule, saying "I don't think I set the team up for success with this schedule how I had it laid out." However, he believes the tough non-conference games will ultimately benefit the team, which features several new faces and young talent.

  • LSU lost its second game in a row and its third game in the last nine days on March 5, 2026.
  • The Tigers will host Sacramento State this weekend, starting on Friday at 6:30 p.m.
  • LSU will travel to Vanderbilt to start conference play in eight days.

The players

Jay Johnson

The head coach of the LSU baseball team, who has taken accountability for the team's recent struggles and challenging non-conference schedule.

UL-Lafayette

The opponent that defeated LSU 7-2 on March 5, 2026, handing the Tigers their third loss in nine days.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to stick with it and just play cleaner baseball. Tough to have some lessons in losses, but sometimes it grabs the team's attention. I'm ready to get into a routine now.”

— Jay Johnson, Head Coach (on3.com)

“I don't think I set the team up for success with this schedule how I had it laid out. I do believe we have enough to be successful in it, but I'm going to own that part of it, learn from it, adjust it in future years, but I do think we will gain value.”

— Jay Johnson, Head Coach (on3.com)

“We want to score more runs. I'm going to try to keep it simple. We have to stay out of the big inning and that is going to be the biggest predictor in winning and losing. Those are usually created by free bases. We're not getting enough of those on offense right now.”

— Jay Johnson, Head Coach (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.