Breaking News: Zac Cowan Set to Return to LSU for Another Season

Zac Cowan, a rising star on the mound, has officially confirmed that he’ll be returning to LSU for another season of collegiate baseball. The right-hander, who transferred from Wofford, carved out an impressive role in his first year as a Tiger, pitching in 22 games with a 3–3 record, a 2.94 ERA, and a striking 60 strikeouts over 52 innings. With another year in Baton Rouge, Cowan is poised to further bolster LSU’s pitching depth as they aim for postseason success.

A Tale of Two Seasons

Cowan’s 2024–25 campaign at LSU was one defined by consistency and growth. In 22 appearances, he emerged as a reliable arm, primarily operating out of the Tigers’ bullpen but increasingly earning high-leverage innings. Despite being new to SEC competition, Cowan held his ground, allowing fewer than three earned runs per nine innings.

He struck out over one batter per inning—an impressive strikeout rate that speaks volumes about his ability to miss bats and generate swings and misses.

His 3–3 record doesn’t fully capture his impact. The ERA places him among the more effective relievers in the bullpen, and his strikeout total underscores his swing-and-miss prowess.

From forced flyball outs to punch-outs, Cowan’s tools were on full display. With each passing appearance, he gained trust from coaches and teammates alike.

Transition from Wofford

Coming from the Southern Conference—where he pitched for Wofford through the 2023–24 season—Cowan had already shown flashes of his potential. Yet, stepping into the SEC meant meeting higher expectations. LSU coaches challenged him to refine his pitch mix, develop his secondary offerings, and improve command. The results were evident: Cowan refined his arsenal, turning into a high-leverage specialist in a notoriously tough conference.

While at Wofford, he began to sharpen his sinker-slider combination, but at LSU, that pairing evolved. The contrast between the pitch types became sharper, and Cowan honed the ability to sequence pitches effectively. That maturation process served as a springboard for the successes he would enjoy in his debut season in Baton Rouge.

What Another Year Offers

Returning for another season gives Cowan a chance to build on what he’s already accomplished. LSU brings back much of its core rotation and bullpen arms, but Cowan’s familiarity with the staff and comfort in his role allows coaches increased flexibility. Whether it’s assuming a set-up role in the eighth inning or vying for the closer’s job, Cowan is drawing attention for postseason-heavy innings.

Additionally, Cowan’s leadership ability shouldn’t go unnoticed. As a transfer who successfully transitioned into a vital role, he can serve as a mentor to younger pitchers hitting the phase of college baseball he’s just completed. He knows what it’s like to navigate the grind of SEC play, making him an exemplar for LSU’s freshman class and underclassmen.

The Road Ahead

As LSU looks to bounce back from another strong season, Cowan’s return could be a decisive advantage in close SEC games and postseason competition. His fastball-slider arsenal, paired with advanced command and aggressive mindset, makes him a weapon in pressure situations. If he can maintain—or even improve upon—his strikeout rates and ERA, Cowan will likely hear his name called in later innings of Tuesday night showdowns and NCAA postseason contests.

With one more year of maturity—and armed with the confidence he’s built in the Tigers’ program—Zac Cowan isn’t just returning; he’s arriving with a mission to help LSU chase championships. The stage is set for what promises to be a captivating sophomore season in Baton Rouge.