: .

As LSU heads into its rematch against Coastal Carolina for the national championship, few storylines stand taller than the freshman impact simmering just beneath the surface. These are not just the freshman phenoms getting spot starts—they’re the next‑level contributors whose performances, leadership, and presence have become integral to LSU’s run to Omaha.

Let’s talk about Derek Curiel, a freshman left fielder who’s become a true spark plug atop the LSU lineup. Curiel arrived in Baton Rouge as a top‑ranked recruit—the No. 1 collegiate prospect, in fact—but the transition from prodigy to consistent contributor is not always seamless. That’s where Curiel’s maturity shows most: early on, he was assigned a spot in left field and the leadoff role, and from the start, he delivered. As of late June, he led the SEC in doubles (20), ranked third in hits (87), fourth in on‑base percentage (.474), and had scored the third‑most runs—impressive numbers for any player, let alone a freshman. LSU’s coaching staff leaned into his patience at the plate and ability to draw walks; his presence atop the batting order translates into a better flow for the lineup behind him. In close postseason games where every at‑bat counts, his knack for working counts and forcing pitchers to throw strikes gives LSU immediate pressure—especially valuable against the small‑ball contingent from Coastal Carolina.

While Curiel patrols left field by day, the sideline tells another story. Freshman pitcher **Casan Evans** has quietly risen to become a critical piece in the bullpen—and possibly LSU’s top reliever of the postseason ([si.com][1]). Signed originally as a two‑way player, Evans opted to focus on pitching and the decision has paid dividends. Through 52 ⅔ innings, he’s maintained a 2.05 ERA with 71 strikeouts against just 19 walks, earning a spot among the National Stopper of the Year finalists. Postseason has magnified his role: he’s appeared in all four of LSU’s College World Series games, often tasked with extended relief duties when starters faltered or when the Tigers needed a 4–5 inning bridge to their later arms. That trust from Coach Jay Johnson speaks volumes—freshmen in these pressure‑packed moments rarely get that nod unless they’ve earned it. And Evans’s ability to spin a mid‑90s fastball reaching 99 mph, with an effective slider and changeup combo, means LSU can treat him almost like a starter out of the pen—one who can halt momentum before Coastal’s threats emerge .

Though it is the postgame scenes that steal stages—like Kade Anderson tossing gem after gem—the freshman story is also one of bench presence. Take **Eddie Yamin**, a transfer catcher who sat out this season due to injuries and roster logjam, but earned his stripes in the dugout by offering scouting help, decoding Coastal Carolina signals, and firing up teammates. That kind of impact doesn’t show up in batting averages or innings pitched, but it makes a real difference down the stretch. LSU coaches praised his study of opponents as “key asset in the dugout,” and that kind of quiet leadership from a freshman catcher tells you the locker room is being built on both performance and character.

It’s tempting to frame the College World Series as duel between Fireball Anderson and Eyanson vs. Coastal’s top guns Morrison and Flukey—and it absolutely is—but under the radar runs a deeper story. **William Schmidt**, another freshman pitching recruit, has impressed since joining the LSU staff after skipping the 2024 draft. A product of local Catholic High School, Schmidt came in with a big high school pedigree—9‑0 record, 0.44 ERA, 102 strikeouts in 63 innings. Though he hasn’t been rotated into Championship games, his presence in practice, bullpen sessions, and mid‑week flex spots has allowed LSU to rest its aces, and gives confidence that when the moment arrives, there’s another freshman ready to step into big roles next spring.

But where else do you see these freshman fingerprints?

Look into **Zac Cowan**, who began the season as a reliever but has shifted into frequent starter and swingman duties due to the attrition of senior arms. He’s not a freshman—he’s a junior—sorry, but it reflects the larger freshman‑driven dynamic on pitching depth. That said, freshman pitchers including Evans and Schmidt help free up Cowan to be more flexible. LSU’s rotation depth rests on this layered structure: top arms (Anderson, Eyanson), secondary arms (Cowan), swing freshmen (Evans), and up‑and‑coming local phenoms (Schmidt). Without that infusion, the burden on upperclass starters would be dangerously thin.

Meanwhile, in the outfield, Chris Stanfield (a junior) anchors center field—but the freshman group behind him (Curiel, plus underclass outfielders) forces Coastal pitchers to respect LSU’s speed‑to‑power balance. Coastal Carolina prides itself on small ball—bunts, stolen bases, aggressive baserunning —but LSU has responded by bringing in athletes who can run, steal, and hit for extra bases. Curiel led the SEC with 15 steals as a senior in high school and continues to pressure defenses with his speed . And if Coastal shifts to pitch around middle threats, they must always account for that lead-off table setter.

The freshman presence isn’t just statistical. It’s triggering in-game decisions too. In their 1–0 Game 1 shutout of Coastal Carolina, LSU experimented with early bullpen deployment—pulling starter Kade Anderson after 7 innings despite his shutout status, bringing in Evans and upper arms to finish off a tight game. That flexibility stems directly from having freshmen capable of high-leverage performance.

The trust shown to Evans—punched with postseason innings and not shelved for being inexperienced—reflects a senior coaching staff that believes in freshman development. That means LSU’s bullpen isn’t the typical inning‑eater brigade; it’s a weaponized bullpen where a freshman can silence rally attempts, hit 99 mph in the playoffs, and stand with veteran confidence in front of sold‑out venues.

And all this happens while Anderson—the ace—gets pacing, not overtaxed. Freshman arms like Evans and Schmidt let LSU avoid Anderson doing double-duty. He’s stayed fresh for Game 1 and poised again for a potential Game 3 start, a luxury not every deep‑run team gets when freshman arms aren’t reliable.

This freshman depth also allows LSU to diversify offensive strategies. Coastal’s strength is limiting walks, manufacturing runs, and playing situational baseball. But LSU can make them afraid too—if they fall behind or issue free passes, they’re staring at a lineup with power behind contact. Curiel’s on‑base patience atop, combined with guys like Jared Jones (22 HR, SEC-leading 76 RBIs) and Chris Stanfield in the heart of the order, means LSU can explode with crooked numbers ([tigerrag.com][10]). Importantly, a freshman out there setting the tone pressures Coastal’s starters to nibble. That’s strategic friction built from freshmen.

Think about it: without guys like Curiel, Coastal might feel freer to challenge lower in the order. Without Evans, any hiccup would force senior relievers into bigger chaos, potentially compromising Anderson or Eyanson’s upcoming nights. Freshman contributions ripple outward.

Plus, the Tiger sideline now has texture. It’s not just star juniors and seniors; it’s a blend. Freshman voices contribute in pitching changes, on-deck guidance. Case in point: Yamin, though injured, is noted for analyzing signals and keeping energy high. That adds resiliency when games stretch late, or emotions fluctuate.

From Class of 2024 phenoms arriving ready for postseason, to under‑the-radar sit‑outs who find ways to help, to freshman arms carving playoff trust, LSU’s freshman cohort has been more than talent—they’re foundational. As Jay Johnson pivoted from older contributors (like Skenes and Crews in 2023) to a new wave, he’s crafted a roster that stays nimble, engaged and high‑ceiling. LSU’s ninth national title chase relies not just on arm talent, but on that bench depth.

In narrative terms, the story is classic: the fearsome ace duo (Anderson/Eyanson) gets spotlight; but like any great ensemble, it’s undergirded by gritty supporting actors—freshmen contributing in big moments, pitching, plate, and psychology. That humility and hunger changes momentum in tight postseason spots and offers LSU a sideline elasticity Coastal may struggle to match.

Now, as LSU prepares for the Championship rematch, here’s how the freshman engine remains essential:

Momentum control: Curiel at bat sets tone; Evans in relief stops rallies; bench shuffle maintains rhythm.
Roster balance: Without freshman depth, starters would be overused; now LSU can deploy roles flexibly.
Psychological edge: Freshman confidence signals program health; impact resonates beyond this series.
Future pipeline: A freshman core delivering now means LSU isn’t rebuilding—they’re sustaining dominance.

That last point is a powerful reminder. Talk about dynasty and it’s easy to cite trophies. But long-term Tigers programs are built on waves—2023’s Skenes/Crews; 2025’s Anderson/Eyanson; 2026’s Curiel/Evans/Schmidt cycle. Each class feeds the next.

The real win isn’t just the eighth banner on the field—it’s that the next banner is quietly being written backstage, with freshmen stepping up when the crowds least expect it. If LSU secures another national championship, the headlines will highlight stars. But in postgame conversations, bettors and draft insiders will soon note the freshman arms, lineup depth, and bench intelligence that made it possible.

So yes, when LSU takes the field again against Coastal Carolina—you’ll hear cheers for the aces, eyes on the bombs, but watch the sidelines closely. The freshman engine is glowing, revving for another heat cycle. And that collective energy could be the spark that tips a tight final into another golden era.