After winning another National Championship in 2025, Jay Johnson has the LSU Baseball program well-positioned to compete for another title in 2026.
Johnson's squad for the upcoming 2026 season includes a great mix of returners and new faces. A total of 19 players return from last year's title team, including stars Derek Curiel, Casan Evans, Steven Milam, and Jake Brown. A total of 20 newcomers join the mix this season looking to help lead LSU to a 9th national title.
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When it comes to transfer portal losses, there are over 10 players who decided to leave the LSU Baseball program following the 2025 season. With Opening Day almost upon us, here is a look at the names of former Tigers who transferred away from LSU after last season and where they are taking the field in 2026.
Where 2025 LSU Baseball transfer portal exits are playing in 2026
OF Ashton Larson - Texas
RHP Chandler Dorsey - UCF
C Blaise Priester - Southeastern Louisiana
1B/OF Ryan Costello - Maryland
INF David Hogg II - Kansas
RHP Dylan Thompson - Blinn College
OF Mic Paul - Washington
INF Mikey Ryan - NC State
RHP Trenton Lape - Chipola College
INF Trevor Schmidt - Grand Canyon
*RHP Kade Woods - Atlanta Braves organization
* Entered the transfer portal before being selected with the 307th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft
The most noteworthy departure for the Tigers comes in the form of OF Ashton Larson. Larson saw significant playing time as a true freshman in 2024, appearing in 53 games and making 40 starts. He performed well, hitting .298 with nine doubles, three home runs, and 16 RBIs.
However, Larson found it difficult to see the field in 2025, as Freshman All-American Derek Curiel, Josh Pearson, Chris Stanfield and Jake Brown saw significant time in the Tiger outfield. He appeared in 34 games as a sophomore in 2025, hitting .256 with three doubles, two home runs, and 12 RBIs. Now, Larson is in Austin looking to carve out a role with the Texas Longhorns. The Tigers and Longhorns are not scheduled to meet during the regular season, but there's always a chance they could face off in the SEC Tournament and/or the NCAA Tournament.
The start of the 2026 season is quickly approaching, as the Tigers begin the new campaign this Friday, February 13 with a matchup against Milwaukee at Skip Bertman Field, Alex Box Stadium. First pitch is slated for 2:00 p.m. CT.