Baseball

Matt Deggs Eyes Omaha as Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Build on 2026 Success

The coach reflects on a 41‑25 season, key transfers and the road ahead for the Louisiana baseball program

Louisiana’s baseball program entered a new chapter when head coach Matt Deggs guided the Ragin’ Cajuns to a 41‑25 record in 2026, a dramatic turnaround from the 27‑31 mark they posted the previous year. The team earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament Regional, giving the program its first taste of postseason play in several years.

Retaining the Core

The Cajuns kept a nucleus of experienced talent for the 2027 roster, bringing back seniors such as Colt Brown, Blaze Rodriguez, Noah Lewis, Josh Lim, Hayden Pearson and Sawyer Pruitt. Returning leaders including Donovan LaSalle, Drew Markle, JR Tollett and Parker Smith provide continuity, while All‑American pitcher Chase Morgan returns after recovering from a back injury that sidelined him in 2026.

New Faces on the Horizon

Louisiana added 15 players from the transfer portal by July 30, including Blaine Albright, Charlie Krebs and Griffin Miller from Marshall, as well as Manny Salas, who transferred from Texas State after a .309 average with 16 home runs and 42 RBIs in 2025. Micah Kendrick from Kansas State and Kendall Dove from UTSA also join the squad, while five incoming freshmen arrived from junior college programs.

Among the junior college transfers, Degan Kubat struck out 57 batters in 13 appearances during the 2026 season, and Tanner Hornback batted .356 with 73 hits and 43 RBIs. Both are expected to contribute immediately, alongside freshmen Myles Ledoux and Evan Vincent, who aim to make an impact in their first year.

Aiming for Omaha

Coach Deggs emphasized the team’s hunger and focus on reaching Omaha, noting that the Cajuns have reached the regional championship four times in the last five years. With a blend of seasoned seniors, impactful transfers and promising newcomers, the program believes the momentum built in 2026 can carry them to a deeper run in the 2027 season.

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