LSU Tigers Prepare for High-Stakes Second Round Battle With Florida State Seminoles

When March turns to April and postseason baseball heats up, few matchups carry more weight—or more intrigue—than LSU vs. Florida State. Two tradition-rich powerhouses, both fighting to punch their ticket deeper into the NCAA Tournament, now find themselves clashing in a pivotal second-round showdown that could define their seasons. The Tigers, riding a wave of clutch performances and elite pitching, are set to face a Seminoles team that’s rediscovered its edge at the perfect time.

This isn’t just a game. It’s a clash of styles, a battle between two of the most storied programs in college baseball, and a meeting that promises high drama from first pitch to final out.

Here’s a deep dive into everything you need to know about the LSU vs. Florida State second-round matchup—how both teams got here, key players to watch, and what’s at stake.

Two Blue-Blood Programs, One Elimination on the Line

LSU and Florida State aren’t strangers to high-stakes baseball. Between them, the programs have made over 45 College World Series appearances, won thousands of games, and sent countless players to the big leagues. And while their paths to this second-round clash differ, their goals are the same: survive and advance.

The Tigers enter the game with the swagger and confidence you’d expect from a program that won it all in 2023 and has spent much of the 2025 season inside the top 10. Led by head coach Jay Johnson, LSU hasn’t just competed—they’ve thrived in pressure situations all year. Their opening-round win over Oregon State was a vintage LSU performance: tight pitching, timely hitting, and a clutch bullpen that shut the door late.

Florida State, on the other hand, came into the tournament with a chip on its shoulder. After a rocky 2024 campaign that saw them miss the postseason altogether, head coach Link Jarrett’s Seminoles have bounced back in a big way this year. Their narrow first-round win over Coastal Carolina showcased the grit and resilience of a team that’s tired of being overlooked.

Now, with their seasons hanging in the balance, both programs must rise to the occasion once again.

Breaking Down the Matchup

Let’s start with what each team brings to the table.

LSU Tigers: Power, Depth, and Dominant Arms

LSU has one of the most complete rosters in college baseball. The Tigers’ offense is anchored by a fearsome middle of the order, headlined by Tommy White, Jared Jones, and Josh Pearson. “Tommy Tanks,” in particular, has been red-hot in tournament play, delivering multiple clutch hits and showing why he’s one of the most feared bats in the nation.

The Tigers’ approach is aggressive but disciplined. They lead the SEC in slugging percentage and home runs, but also rank among the national leaders in walks. It’s a dangerous combination—one that wears down pitching staffs and punishes mistakes.

On the mound, LSU’s strength is its bullpen. While Thatcher Hurd and Luke Holman headline the rotation, it’s the late-game dominance of Griffin Herring, Gavin Guidry, and Bryce Collins that gives the Tigers their edge. LSU hasn’t blown a ninth-inning lead all year, and that confidence gives them a distinct advantage in close games.

Florida State Seminoles: Grit, Speed, and Unfinished Business

Florida State might not have LSU’s national spotlight, but they’ve quietly become one of the most dangerous teams in the bracket. The Seminoles’ offensive attack centers on Jaime Ferrer and James Tibbs III, two veteran bats who can hit for both power and average. Tibbs, a .340 hitter with double-digit home runs, has been the emotional leader of the team.

FSU also brings speed and small-ball execution. They lead the ACC in stolen bases and sacrifice bunts—a testament to their scrappy, grind-it-out mentality. When they get runners on, they apply constant pressure. That could challenge an LSU defense that’s been solid, but not spectacular, at stopping the run.

Pitching-wise, the ‘Noles lean on Carson Montgomery and Wyatt Crowell to set the tone. While not overpowering, both are experienced and battle-tested. Their bullpen, however, has been inconsistent at times—something LSU could look to exploit.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Tommy White vs. Carson Montgomery

This might be the marquee matchup of the game. White has been nearly unstoppable in postseason play, especially with runners on. Montgomery, FSU’s presumed starter, must find a way to keep the slugger off balance without giving in. If White gets hold of a mistake, it could shift momentum instantly.

2. LSU Bullpen vs. FSU Late-Inning Offense

Florida State has made a habit of late-inning rallies, especially with the heart of their lineup due in the 7th through 9th innings. LSU’s bullpen has been nearly untouchable in those frames. Something’s got to give.

3. Baserunning Battle

Florida State will try to force LSU into defensive miscues with aggressive baserunning. LSU catcher Alex Milazzo has a strong arm and good instincts—his ability to control the run game could be critical.

Coaching Chess Match: Johnson vs. Jarrett

Jay Johnson is widely regarded as one of the best offensive minds in college baseball. His lineups are always tailored to exploit weaknesses, and he doesn’t hesitate to make bold in-game decisions. Johnson’s ability to manage a bullpen is another key advantage—he always seems one step ahead when it comes to matchup pitching.

Link Jarrett, meanwhile, has quickly rebuilt Florida State into a fundamentally sound and disciplined team. A former standout shortstop himself, Jarrett emphasizes defense and situational baseball. His aggressive baserunning calls have sparked several late rallies this season, and he’s not afraid to play for one run if that’s what the game demands.

This chess match between two elite minds could be the deciding factor—especially if the game stays close deep into the night.

What’s at Stake?

Make no mistake: this is a season-defining game for both programs.

For LSU, a win means staying on the track to Omaha and keeping momentum alive. Anything less than a College World Series berth is considered a disappointment in Baton Rouge, and a second-round loss would set off alarm bells among the fan base.

For Florida State, a victory would validate their turnaround season and mark a major step forward under Jarrett. Beating a powerhouse like LSU on a national stage would not only build confidence, but signal to future recruits that FSU baseball is officially “back.”

There’s also draft stock to consider. Several players in this game—White, Tibbs, Holman, Crowell—are viewed as potential early-round MLB Draft picks. Big performances here could solidify their positions and boost their profiles.

X-Factors and Intangibles

1. Weather and Ballpark Factors

Depending on location and weather, wind could play a factor—especially in how the ball carries to right-center. That could favor left-handed hitters like Jared Jones and James Tibbs, both of whom possess opposite-field power.

2. Crowd Energy

If the game is played at a neutral site, LSU’s famously loyal fans could turn it into a home game. LSU travels better than almost anyone, and the Tigers feed off that support. The louder it gets, the more dangerous LSU becomes.

3. Defensive Execution

Neither team can afford miscues. With every run at a premium, one bad throw, one missed cutoff, or one dropped ball could spell disaster. Watch for which team stays composed in the field.

Predictions and Final Thoughts

It’s hard to bet against LSU in a clutch game. The Tigers have been through the fire all season, and they’ve shown time and time again that no moment is too big. Their power, bullpen, and postseason pedigree give them a clear edge—but don’t sleep on Florida State.

The Seminoles have the tools to frustrate LSU: strong situational hitting, gritty pitching, and a nothing-to-lose mindset. If they can take an early lead and keep the game within one or two runs, FSU has the resilience to pull the upset.

Still, the Tigers just have too much firepower. If Tommy White and Jared Jones continue to deliver in the clutch—and if LSU gets a quality start from Holman or Hurd—it’s hard to see them falling short.

Prediction: LSU 7, Florida State 4

This second-round showdown is what college baseball is all about: two iconic programs, elite talent on both sides, and everything on the line. Whether it ends in a dramatic walk-off, a pitcher’s duel, or an offensive explosion, one thing’s certain—LSU vs. Florida State will be must-watch baseball.

In a sport defined by moments, this game could provide several that are remembered long after the season ends.