LSU’s baseball program, a perennial powerhouse in the SEC, found itself on the outside looking in when the 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket was released. The Tigers missed the field for the first time in over a decade, a disappointment that has sparked an aggressive push in the transfer portal.
Targeting the mound and the middle infield
Coach Jay Johnson has signaled a clear intent to rebuild around two immediate needs: a frontline starter to anchor the rotation and a reliable shortstop to stabilize the defense. The solution arrived in the form of two top‑150 transfers who bring a blend of experience and upside.
Landon Hood, a 6‑foot‑3 right‑hander who spent the past season at Gonzaga, arrives with a 2.48 earned run average and a fastball that consistently reaches the upper 90s. Though he will not be eligible for the draft until 2028, his collegiate pedigree and proven durability make him a centerpiece for the rotation.
Joining him is Dawson Park, a No. 46 prospect in the portal who hit .301 with 13 home runs and 52 RBIs for Texas State last year. His strikeout rate flirted with 25% but his power numbers and defensive versatility address the lineup’s need for depth and run production.
Roster turnover and the road ahead
The Tigers will also say goodbye to key contributors such as Jake Brown, Derek Curiel and Steven Milam, all of whom played pivotal roles in the previous season’s lineup and outfield. Their departures create both a void and an opportunity for younger players to step up.
With the new additions, LSU hopes to climb back into contention for the SEC title and secure a berth in the next NCAA Tournament. The front office’s aggressive stance in the portal underscores a belief that strategic transfers can bridge the gap left by recent shortcomings.