Brayden Simpson, the LSU baseball standout who wrapped up his lone season in Baton Rouge, took to social media on Tuesday to confirm that he will enter the transfer portal for a fifth year of eligibility.
The move follows a recent court decision that extends eligibility to athletes who began their college careers in 2022, allowing them to claim a fifth year after completing four.
What the Ruling Means for College Baseball
Legal experts say the judgment could reshape scholarship limits and roster planning across the nation, but the NCAA has indicated it may file an appeal, leaving the final outcome in limbo.
LSU’s coaching staff had already projected a full slate for the 2027 class, meaning Simpson and several other fifth‑year players now face the prospect of finding new programs.
Simpson’s statistics — .265 batting average, 13 hits, 10 runs scored this past season — belie a larger body of work: over four seasons he amassed 38 home runs and 145 RBI in 176 games, often serving in a reserve capacity.
While the Tigers’ roster appears set, the transfer portal offers a lifeline for players seeking fresh opportunities, and Simpson’s next destination will be watched closely by programs across the country.