The 2026 college baseball campaign ended without the expected breakthrough for the LSU Tigers, finishing with a 30‑28 overall record and a mere nine victories in SEC competition, marking the first time in 43 seasons that the program failed to reach the 12‑win threshold in conference play.
Coach Jay Johnson and his staff have turned their attention to the transfer portal, a window that remains open through June 30, as they seek to replenish the roster and restore the team’s competitive edge.
Looking Ahead
Among those exploring new opportunities, right‑handed reliever Mavrick Rizy announced his intention to enter the portal after a sophomore season that produced a 4.22 earned run average, 28 strikeouts, 19 walks and seven hit‑by‑pitches across 20 appearances, a performance that, while integral to the Tigers’ national championship run, fell short of expectations.
The moves signal a pivotal rebuilding phase for a program with a storied past, as the Tigers aim to blend fresh talent with the existing core and return to the upper echelon of collegiate baseball.