LSU stays at No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports college baseball poll. The Tigers’ SEC rival Texas rises to No. 2 while North Carolina, Arkansas and Oregon, move up to… Read More…
The reigning powerhouse of college baseball, Louisiana State University (LSU), has once again cemented its status atop the national scene, holding steady at No. 1 in this week’s USA TODAY Sports College Baseball Poll. The Tigers, who continue to set the standard for dominance in the SEC, have now maintained the top spot for several consecutive weeks, showcasing consistency, composure, and championship pedigree.
Meanwhile, LSU’s fierce conference rival, Texas, has surged to the No. 2 position following an impressive string of victories, while North Carolina, Arkansas, and Oregon also climbed in the rankings after standout performances in their respective series.
Tigers’ Relentless Run Continues
LSU’s grip on the No. 1 ranking comes as no surprise to college baseball fans. The Tigers have been on a dominant run, improving to 22–3 overall after another series sweep at Alex Box Stadium this past weekend. The combination of elite pitching and explosive offense has made them nearly untouchable through the first half of the season.
Under head coach Jay Johnson, the Tigers have displayed the depth and balance of a championship-caliber roster. Sophomore sensation Tommy White, nicknamed “Tommy Tanks,” continues to terrorize opposing pitchers, leading the SEC in home runs and RBIs. His leadership at the plate has set the tone for a lineup stacked with talent, including Paxton Kling, Cade Beloso, and Josh Pearson, all of whom have delivered clutch hits in key moments.
On the mound, ace Luke Holman has anchored the rotation with precision and poise, boasting a sub-2.00 ERA and an SEC-best strikeout-to-walk ratio. Fellow arms Thatcher Hurd and Griffin Herring have provided critical stability, making LSU’s pitching staff one of the deepest in the nation.
“We’re not focused on the rankings,” Coach Johnson said after Sunday’s 7–3 win over Ole Miss. “We’re focused on getting better every day. That’s what got us here — hard work, preparation, and a belief in one another.”
Texas Climbs to No. 2 — A Rivalry Rekindled
While LSU remains king, Texas is quickly closing the gap. The Longhorns jumped two spots to No. 2 after a dominant series win over Oklahoma State, fueled by powerful hitting from Dylan Campbell and stellar pitching performances from Tanner Witt. Texas’s rise adds another layer of intensity to what’s shaping up to be a thrilling SEC rivalry as the two programs continue to chase postseason glory.
Fans are already circling next month’s LSU-Texas showdown, which could determine not just SEC seeding, but possibly the national No. 1 ranking heading into the home stretch of the regular season.
North Carolina, Arkansas, and Oregon on the Move
The North Carolina Tar Heels made one of the biggest jumps in this week’s poll, climbing to No. 3 after sweeping Virginia Tech in dominant fashion. The Tar Heels’ offense, led by Vance Honeycutt, has been red-hot, scoring 35 runs across three games while their pitching staff continues to show exceptional command.
Arkansas also climbed to No. 4, continuing their steady ascent behind one of the nation’s best pitching duos in Hagen Smith and Gage Wood. The Razorbacks’ blend of power and small-ball strategy has turned them into a serious threat within the SEC West.
Out west, Oregon rounds out the top five after a statement series victory over Stanford, marking the Ducks’ highest ranking in years. Coach Mark Wasikowski’s squad has found balance between veteran leadership and emerging young talent, positioning themselves as legitimate contenders heading into the heart of Pac-12 play.
The Bigger Picture
This week’s rankings highlight the increasing competitiveness across college baseball, where parity and power are defining traits of the 2025 season. Seven SEC teams now occupy spots in the top 15 — a testament to the conference’s dominance. Still, LSU remains the gold standard, continuing to win behind a disciplined approach and a culture of excellence.
“It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” Coach Johnson emphasized. “We know there’s a target on our back, but that’s where we want to be. That pressure fuels us.”
With LSU holding strong at No. 1, Texas right on their heels, and national contenders rising fast, the road to Omaha is already heating up.
As spring baseball hits full stride, one thing remains clear: the Tigers are still roaring the loudest, and everyone else is chasing them.
USA TODAY Sports College Baseball Top 5 (Week 8):
- LSU
- Texas
- North Carolina
- Arkansas
- Oregon