Louisiana Baseball Cracks Top 25 After Sun Belt Opening Series Win

Ragin' Cajuns enter national rankings for first time since 2024 NCAA Regional

Mar. 17, 2026 at 12:25am

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The Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns baseball team has moved to 15-5 on the season and entered the national Top 25 rankings following a series win against South Alabama in their Sun Belt Conference opener. The team's success is largely attributed to a dominant pitching staff overseen by pitching coach Taylor Sandefur.

Why it matters

This marks the first time the Louisiana baseball program has been nationally ranked since the 2024 NCAA College Station Regional, a significant milestone for the team. The Ragin' Cajuns' strong start to the season, including a top-12 RPI and playing the 10th-toughest schedule in the country, has earned them recognition among the nation's elite college baseball teams.

The details

Louisiana entered the national polls ranked No. 25 by both D1Baseball and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, and No. 22 overall by Perfect Game. The team also received votes in the USA Today Coaches' Poll, where they were ranked 30th. Head Coach Matt Deggs credited his staff and players for the program's early season momentum, particularly the dominant pitching led by coach Taylor Sandefur.

  • Louisiana baseball moved to 15-5 on the season.
  • The Ragin' Cajuns entered the national Top 25 rankings following a series win against South Alabama in their Sun Belt Conference opener.
  • This marks the first time the program has been nationally ranked since the 2024 NCAA College Station Regional.

The players

Matt Deggs

Head Coach of the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns baseball team.

Taylor Sandefur

Pitching coach for the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns baseball team.

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What they’re saying

“These coaches and players have done an amazing job, overachieving and finding the way to get it done. It's a nice recognition and I'm happy for the players. But all that does is afford us the opportunity to do more. You have a decision to make when things like that come around and it's you can plant your flag right here and say, look what we did, or it allows you the right to do more.”

— Matt Deggs, Head Coach

“If I got a great greater and give them an A. Look, no further than just guys that were here a year ago where they were to where they are right now. And I think the proof is in the pudding on that. From a developmental side to a strategic side to a pitch calling side. He's just putting those guys in consistent positions to be successful. Boy, he's no nonsense now. He lets them know how the cow eats corn and they love it. They eat it up, but thankful for him, I can tell you that.”

— Matt Deggs, Head Coach

What’s next

The Ragin' Cajuns return to the diamond on Wednesday to begin a four-game road trip against the Houston Cougars. Ty Roman is scheduled to be the starting pitcher for Louisiana.

The takeaway

Louisiana's strong start to the season, including a dominant pitching staff and a top-12 RPI, has earned the Ragin' Cajuns their first national ranking since 2024. This recognition validates the team's hard work and sets them up for continued success as they look to build on their early-season momentum.