Aksel Kryhlmand
It was a championship season defined by clutch hitting, deep pitching, and a team-wide belief in legacy
For the second time in three seasons, LSU claimed the College World Series national title, defeating Coastal Carolina 5–3 on Sunday to sweep the best-of-three final and secure their eighth championship in program history, second only to USC’s 12 in NCAA Division I history.
A Celebration in Omaha: Tigers Get It Done Again
As the final out was recorded at Charles Schwab Field, LSU’s dugout emptied in celebration, forming a jubilant dogpile on the mound. A sharply turned double play, induced by pitcher Chase Shores after a leadoff single, sealed the win, igniting the cheers of a purple-and-gold-clad crowd that had taken over the stadium.
The Tigers’ latest triumph not only reinforces their powerhouse status but also places head coach Jay Johnson into the history books as the fastest to win multiple national titles at one school, doing so in just his first four seasons.
LSU is used to this by now. It’s number eight. I’m sure next year will be number nine,
said pitcher Kade Anderson, who was named Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.
Star Performances and Steady Pitching
Anderson led LSU with a dominant CWS showing, posting a 0.56 ERA and a 2-0 record in two appearances. On Sunday, it was Anthony Eyanson who took the mound and delivered a gritty performance against a high-flying Coastal Carolina lineup. The junior struck out nine batters across 6.1 innings, limiting Coastal to just three runs.
LSU’s offense came alive early, tying the game at 1-1 in the third inning via an Ethan Frey RBI double, and breaking it open with a four-run fourth that gave the Tigers all the cushion they needed.
Coastal’s Fairytale Ends in Controversy and Heartbreak
For Coastal Carolina, the end was as frustrating as it was emotional. Riding a 26-game unbeaten streak, the Chanticleers were eyeing their second title after winning it all in 2016. But their hopes were dashed by a mixture of early struggles, controversial ejections, and LSU’s pitching masterclass.
Jacob Morrison, the Sun Belt Player of the Year, entered Game 2 with a flawless 12-0 record but struggled mightily, giving up five earned runs on six hits in just 3.2 innings.
Still, the most dramatic moment came in the first inning, when both head coach Kevin Schnall and first base coach Matt Schilling were ejected for arguing balls and strikes with home plate umpire Angel Campos.
As an umpire, I feel like it’s your job to manage the game with poise and tolerance,” Schnall said afterward. “This is the national championship.
Schnall also claimed he was wrongfully accused of bumping into an umpire, a violation that led to a two-game suspension to start the 2026 season. Schilling will miss three games next year.
LSU’s Dynasty Grows
Sunday’s win not only cemented LSU’s place in college baseball’s upper echelon but also showcased the depth and resilience of a roster built for pressure moments. It was a championship season defined by clutch hitting, deep pitching, and a team-wide belief in legacy.
As Anderson put it, “We’re used to this now.”
With key players set to return and a pipeline of talent waiting, it might not be long before title number nine follows.