LSU Set to Clash with Arkansas in Saturday Showdown at Omaha

OMAHA, NE — June 10, 2025 — The stage is set, and college baseball fans are in for a heavyweight clash as LSU takes on Arkansas this Saturday at 6 p.m. in Omaha.

With the College World Series spotlight shining bright, two of the SEC’s most storied programs are preparing for a showdown that promises fireworks, strategy, and no shortage of drama.

LSU (48–16), coming off a thrilling 5-4 walk-off win against Stanford in the Super Regionals, returns to Omaha with momentum and swagger.

Coach Jay Johnson’s Tigers boast a lethal combination of power hitting and deep pitching, anchored by junior phenom Mason Guidry, whose 2.11 ERA and 112 strikeouts have made him one of the tournament’s must-watch arms.

On the other side, Arkansas (47–17) arrives after sweeping North Carolina in Fayetteville, showing off their relentless lineup and unmatched infield defense. Coach Dave Van Horn, in his 22nd season at the helm, believes his team is peaking at just the right time.

“This group plays with heart,” Van Horn said during Tuesday’s media session. “We’ve been through a lot this season—injuries, slumps—but they’ve stayed locked in. LSU’s a tough opponent, but we’re not backing down.”

While the Tigers and Razorbacks met earlier this season in Baton Rouge—LSU taking two of three in that series—both teams have evolved since then. LSU’s offense has become more disciplined at the plate, while Arkansas has found surprising depth in its bullpen, particularly with sophomore closer Jalen Murphy, who hasn’t allowed a run in his last 10 innings of work.

Saturday’s game will mark the first time these two programs have faced each other in Omaha since 2009, when LSU edged out the Razorbacks en route to a national title. The rivalry has only intensified since, and fans are expecting a packed Charles Schwab Field brimming with purple, gold, and razorback red.

LSU slugger Cade Leblanc, who leads the team with 21 home runs, says the Tigers are ready. “Omaha’s where legends are made,” he said. “We know Arkansas wants this as bad as we do, but we’re here to finish the job.”

Tickets sold out within hours of the matchup being confirmed, and secondary market prices have soared. ESPN will air the game nationally, with a pre-game show beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Regardless of the outcome, Saturday’s matchup is more than just a game—it’s a battle between tradition, pride, and a burning desire to raise a championship banner. One thing’s certain: when LSU and Arkansas take the field in Omaha, college baseball fans everywhere will be watching.