Jay Johnson has led the LSU baseball program to a pair of National Championships over the last three seasons. LSU remains the premier destination for the top baseball talent in the country, and Johnson has his team re-tooled for another title run in 2026. Looking ahead, Johnson and his staff are also hard at work putting together their 2027 recruiting class.
On Wednesday, Johnson and LSU earned a commitment from the son of a former LSU national champion. It's been 25 years since Brad Hawpe starred for LSU's National Championship-winning baseball team in 2000, and now, his son is committed to play for the Tigers.
Drake Hawpe commits to LSU
Drake Hawpe, one of the best players in Texas in the 2027 class, announced that he has committed to LSU. Drake is the son of Brad Hawpe, who won a national title playing first base for the Tigers in 2000 and went on to put together a strong 9-year career in the big leagues.
I would like to thank the Lord for this opportunity and also my family and coaches, with that being said I will be committing to LSU. Geaux Tigers!! @LSUCoachJ @CoachJordan2 @LCSBaseball @follow_cobras pic.twitter.com/ZsSX7KM3hI
— Drake Hawpe (@DHawpe11) September 15, 2025
The younger Hawpe hails from Liberty Christian High School outside of Dallas. He is a 6-foot-4, 205-pound left-handed hitting outfielder, and is described by Jay Johnson as the best hitter in the 2027 class.
The elder Hawpe was originally drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 47th round of the 1997 MLB Draft. He didn't sign, and later re-entered the draft in 2000 where he was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 11th round. He went on to have a 9-year MLB career while playing for the Rockies (2004-10), Tampa Bay Rays (2010), San Diego Padres (2011), and Los Angeles Angels (2013). He was an All-Star for the Rockies in 2009. Hawpe hit .275 over his big league career and blasted 124 home runs.