LSU Baseball Trio Earns Preseason All-America Honors for 2026 Season
LSU’s championship pedigree continues to draw national recognition, as three players – Derek Curiel, Casan Evans, and Zac Cowan – were named to the 2026 Perfect Game Preseason All-America teams on Wednesday. The selections signal a strong outlook for the reigning National Champions as they prepare to defend their title.
Curiel Headlines First Team Selection
Sophomore outfielder Derek Curiel earned a coveted spot on the first team. The West Covina, California native enjoyed a breakout 2025 season, culminating in being voted the National Freshman of the Year by D1Baseball.com after helping lead LSU to the NCAA National Championship. Curiel’s performance solidified his status as a rising star in college baseball.
A 2025 Second-Team All-America, First-Team Freshman All-America, and Second-Team All-SEC selection, Curiel led the Tigers with a .345 batting average, smashing 20 doubles, two triples, and seven home runs. He drove in 55 runs and scored 67, proving to be a consistent offensive threat. His impact extended to the postseason, earning him a place on the College World Series All-Tournament Team after recording six hits, three RBI, and three runs in LSU’s five CWS games. He was particularly dominant in the NCAA Super Regional against West Virginia, hitting a team-high .571 with one double, one home run, five RBI, and six runs.
Evans and Cowan Recognized for Pitching Prowess
Joining Curiel on the All-America lists are pitchers Casan Evans and Zac Cowan. Evans, a sophomore right-hander from Houston, Texas, was voted to the second team, while Cowan, a senior right-hander from Blythewood, South Carolina, secured a spot on the third team.
Evans showcased his versatility in 2025, posting a 5-1 record with a 2.05 ERA and seven saves in 19 appearances, including three starts. He pitched 52.2 innings, striking out 71 batters while maintaining a .228 opponent batting average. Evans delivered crucial performances in the College World Series, earning a win against UCLA with 4.1 innings of work and securing a save against Arkansas. He also delivered what was described as “one of the best postseason outings in LSU history” during the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional championship game against Little Rock, allowing just one run on four hits in six innings with a career-best 12 strikeouts.
Cowan, a 2025 First-Team All-SEC selection, recorded a 3-3 record with six saves and a 2.94 ERA in 22 appearances, making two starts. He worked 52 innings, striking out 60 batters and holding opponents to a .226 batting average. A significant portion of his success came in SEC play, where he recorded five of his six saves and 34 strikeouts in 30.2 innings. He also pitched effectively against Arkansas in the College World Series, allowing just one run on four hits in 5.1 innings.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The LSU baseball team will open its 2026 season on Friday, February 13, hosting Milwaukee at Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field. The team will look to build on its 2025 championship success, fueled by the talent and experience of players like Curiel, Evans, and Cowan.
