College World Series Championship Preview:
As we reach the final series of the 2025 college baseball season, we have two teams that haven’t experienced a loss in Omaha. From Bracket One, it’s the red-hot Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (56–11) taking on the LSU Tigers (51–15). Interestingly enough, both teams return to the College World Series after winning it all in their most recent trips: LSU in 2023 under Jay Johnson, and Coastal Carolina in 2016 under the now-retired Gary Gilmore. When Gilmore retired before this season, the job was handed to Kevin Schnall, an assistant from that 2016 championship team. For those who don’t remember, Coastal defeated Arizona in the championship series that year, and Arizona was coached by none other than Jay Johnson. The Chanticleers now ride a 26-game win streak as they look to replicate that magical 2016 run.
Let’s look at how they got here. LSU beat Arkansas 4–1 in their Omaha opener, followed by a 9–5 win over UCLA, then a 6–5 win over Arkansas again. Coastal’s path included a 7–4 win over Arizona, a 6–2 win over Oregon State, and an 11–3 rout of Louisville. Going 3–0 through their brackets gave both teams a huge advantage with rested arms and full rotations heading into the final series. That will be a key factor in how this plays out.
In Game One, LSU will start Kade Anderson (11–1, 3.44 ERA, 1.49 SIERA), while Coastal counters with Cameron Flukey (7–1, 3.34 ERA, 2.64 SIERA). Our projections at www.collegebaseballinsiders.com have LSU as a -1.25 run favorite, with about a 59% win probability (-142).
Game Two flips the home team, with Coastal starting ace Jacob Morrison (12–0, 2.08 ERA, 3.00 SIERA) against LSU’s Anthony Eyanson (11–2, 2.92 ERA, 2.24 SIERA). Our model gives LSU a slight edge again, projecting -1.04 runs and a 58% chance to win (-136).
I expect some tight games in this series, which will allow the starting pitchers to shine. Both teams have deep pitching staffs with elite metrics, but LSU has the edge offensively. Their offense ranks 62% above average in run creation (162 wRC+), while Coastal sits at 27% above average (127 wRC+).
The key for LSU will be jumping out early and letting Anderson do what he’s done all year: pound the zone and win games. For the Chanticleers, the pressure shifts to Game Two with Morrison on the mound. If he delivers, they can force a winner-take-all Game Three. That’s easier said than done, though. I’m not sure Coastal has faced a one-two punch quite like Anderson and Eyanson. And for an offense that’s had its ups and downs, that could be an uphill climb. It’s not a knock on the Sun Belt or Coastal, but during this 26-game win streak, their toughest test was in the Auburn Super Regional, where they squeaked by Sam Dutton in a 7–6 game.
I get it. It’s hard to bet against a 26-game win streak. But there’s a very real path for LSU to take this series in two. That said, if you’re backing Coastal, Game Two is your shot. Morrison could be the X-factor in getting the Chanticleers a win. If he outduels Eyanson and they force Game Three, I might even lean Coastal to win it all. LSU hasn’t settled on a Game Three starter, but Zac Cowan is expected to get the ball, and he’s done well in his opportunities. Coastal will go with senior Riley Eikhoff, who’s been solid all postseason and brings the Chants a ton of veteran leadership.
If you’re like me and already holding an LSU futures ticket, you’re in a good position. I’d let it ride in Game One with Anderson. For Game Two, I’d consider grabbing Coastal on the moneyline or +1.5. And if it goes to three, I’d take a serious look at backing Coastal straight up. As for totals and run props, I’m leaning under across the board. I don’t see a lot of fireworks in this series — I anticipate the first team to 5 probably wins each game. Savor the moment and enjoy this matchup. It’s bittersweet, but it’s the last one of the season, so enjoy every inning of it.
