In just two seasons, Jay Johnson led the Tigers to their seventh national championship, developed multiple MLB first-round picks and recruited some of the best talent in the country.
Heading into 2025, Johnson’s current roster might be the most complete yet — balanced, deep and built to win in different ways.
Unlike past LSU teams that leaned heavily on generational stars like Dylan Crews, Paul Skenes and Tommy White, this year’s squad spreads its firepower across multiple positions.
LSU’s 2025 roster is nearly half new, with 14 returning players, 11 freshmen, and 15 transfers — an ideal mix of experienced leaders and high-upside newcomers.
“This group gives us competition at every position,” Johnson said. “I think the depth on the position player side, the competition is going to be fierce.”
That depth is evident in every aspect of the roster. The Tigers return key veterans like Josh Pearson, Jared Jones and Gavin Guidry – players who know what it takes to win in the SEC. At the same time, LSU loaded up in the transfer portal, bringing in 11 NCAA Division I transfers and four junior college additions, many of whom are expected to contribute right away.
“The guys that we brought in from the transfer portal combined to hit 80 home runs last year,” Johnson said. “We were aggressive in finding players with extra-base hit potential.”
The influx of highly rated freshmen rounds out the roster, as LSU added young talent capable of making an immediate impact.
Instead of leaning on Tommy White to carry the offense or Paul Skenes to dominate on the mound, this year’s squad will spread production across the lineup and pitching staff.
“It’s like that scene in ‘Moneyball,’” Johnson said, referencing the approach of replacing one great player with multiple strong contributors.
Johnson feels like the Tigers have the players he needs to do just that. The weight of the Tigers offensive needs will be shared across the team equally.
That philosophy extends beyond the batting order too. On the mound, LSU carries 21 pitchers — 15 right-handers and six left-handers — giving the Tigers one of their deepest pitching staffs in years.
With more arms to rely on, the Tigers should be better equipped for the grind of SEC play, rather than putting the pressure on one or two players, and leaving them gassed for days at a time.
Players like Gavin Guidry have made that their sole focus this offseason. Guidry spent six weeks at a conditioning camp with the sole purpose of getting his arm strong enough to chew through innings for the Tigers.
Perhaps the biggest difference between this team and past LSU squads is the internal competition for playing time.
Johnson made it clear that no starting spot is guaranteed, which he sees as a major advantage.
Johnson said there are at least seven, maybe eight guys he could play in the outfield, and with 21 pitchers on the roster, there will be plenty of healthy competition.
The competition is already driving performance in practice and scrimmages, something Johnson values as much as game experience.
“It was a really good fall for us with a lot of new players, a completely new team,” Johnson said. “It was very productive, and I feel like we got a lot accomplished.”
The Tigers will take the diamond for the first time this season on their home turf in Alex Box Stadium on Feb. 14 when they take on Purdue Fort Wayne in their opening day.
