University of Oklahoma Opens SEC Tournament Against LSU The University of Oklahoma baseball team begins its quest for a NCAA Tournament berth with a matchup against LSU in the SEC Tournament on Tuesday, May 18, 2026. The Sooners, ranked 11th in the tournament, face the 14th-seeded Tigers at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in Alabama, with the game set for 8 p.m. CT. The contest will be broadcast on SEC Network, with Dave Neal and Lance Cormier serving as commentators, while radio coverage will be available via The REF 99.3 FM/1400 AM and The Varsity Network app. Oklahoma, with a 32-20 overall record and 14-16 mark in SEC play, enters the tournament after a challenging series against No. 23 Tennessee. The Sooners dropped the first two games of the three-game set in Oklahoma City but rallied to win the finale, 12-9, with junior Deiten Lachance leading the charge. Lachance, who hit three home runs in the decisive game, became the first Sooner since 2000 to accomplish the feat, marking a significant milestone for the program. This year’s SEC Tournament marks Oklahoma’s second appearance in Hoover, where the team had a strong showing in its inaugural 2025 run. The Sooners went 2-1 in the tournament, advancing to the quarterfinals, where they fell to eventual champion Vanderbilt. The 2026 iteration of the tournament will be the 27th consecutive year and 29th overall that the event has been held at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. Notably, all 16 SEC members will participate this year, a shift from previous years when only 12 teams typically competed. The matchup against LSU is particularly meaningful for Oklahoma, as the two teams have met four times this season. The Sooners claimed the series in Baton Rouge, March 19-21, after falling in the opener.#sec_tournament #university_of_oklahoma #lsu #hoover_metropolitan_stadium #dave_neal
2026 NCAA Baseball Tournament: Bracket, Schedule, and Historical Highlights The 2026 NCAA Division I baseball tournament is set to begin with the 64-team field being announced on Monday, May 25, at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN2. This follows the conclusion of final conference tournaments, with regional games starting on Friday, May 29, at 16 different sites across the country. Super regionals will take place the following weekend, culminating in the Men’s College World Series (MCWS) at Charles Schwab Field Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska, beginning on Friday, June 12. The tournament structure involves four teams per regional site, with regional winners advancing to a best-of-three series. The host of each super regional will be determined by the higher-ranked overall seed. The MCWS will feature the final eight teams, with the championship series scheduled from June 12 to June 15, followed by potential additional games on June 16 and a championship series finale on June 20–22. The tournament will conclude with the championship game on June 22, broadcast on ESPN or ABC. LSU emerged victorious in the 2025 national championship, defeating Coastal Carolina in two games. The Tigers’ victory marked their eighth national title and their second in the past three seasons. Left-handed pitcher Kade Anderson was named Most Outstanding Player after a complete-game shutout in Game 1. Coach Jay Johnson became the fastest individual in college baseball history to secure two national championships at a single institution. The 2026 tournament selection process will determine the 64-team field, with 29 conference champions earning automatic berths and 35 teams receiving at-large bids. The NCAA DI Baseball Committee will evaluate teams based on their performance against Division I opponents, requiring a record better than .#lsu #ncaa_division_i #kade_anderson #charles_schwab_field_omaha #jay_johnson
Heath Schroyer Leaves Lasting Legacy at McNeese State Heath Schroyer, who served as athletic director at McNeese State University, is departing for a new role as a senior athletic administrator at LSU. His tenure at McNeese, marked by resilience and transformative leadership, has left an indelible mark on the institution and the broader community. Schroyer’s journey began with a vision for the athletic programs, but his path was far from smooth. Schroyer initially faced significant challenges when he took the helm of McNeese’s athletic department in early 2020. The university’s programs were in disarray, burdened by three million dollars in debt and physical infrastructure in dire condition. Hurricanes had exacerbated the situation, leaving the campus in chaos. The basketball arena had structural damage, the football program was on NCAA academic probation, and facilities lacked basic amenities like a press box and lighting. Despite these obstacles, Schroyer ensured that athletic events continued without interruption, even as practices were held in various locations across Southwest Louisiana. His leadership extended beyond the athletic programs. Schroyer played a pivotal role in rebuilding the relationship between McNeese and the local community. He transformed the university into a partner in its own recovery, rallying residents to invest both financially and emotionally in the Cowboys. This effort helped shift public perception of the athletic programs, turning them into a source of pride for the region. Schroyer’s impact was recognized by former McNeese President Daryl Burckel, who praised his ability to market the university’s athletics. “I needed somebody who could sell McNeese athletics,” Burckel said at the time of Schroyer’s appointment. “He has more than fulfilled what I thought he could do.#lsu #heath_schroyer #mcneese_state_university #daryl_burckel #ayla_guzzardo
Will Wade back to LSU: Ex-Tigers coach returning after one season at NC State Will Wade is set to return to LSU as head coach after one season at NC State, according to CBS Sports. The Tigers have been actively pursuing their former coach following NC State’s NCAA Tournament exit, aiming to reinvigorate the program by bringing back the last coach to lead LSU to a postseason appearance. LSU is expected to part ways with current head coach Matt McMahon on Thursday. Wade, who previously coached LSU from 2018 to 2022, is anticipated to be formally introduced as the Tigers’ new coach later in the week. Wade’s departure from NC State comes after a season marked by challenges, including a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Texas. Despite his initial dismissal of LSU rumors, the move appears inevitable as LSU seeks to capitalize on his track record. During his tenure at LSU, Wade guided the team to three NCAA Tournament appearances in five seasons, though one season was canceled due to the 2020 pandemic. His return to Baton Rouge follows a contentious exit from LSU in 2022, when the program faced NCAA allegations tied to alleged rule violations during his five-year tenure. The buyout terms for Wade’s contract with NC State are significant: $5 million remains due, but the figure drops to $3 million after April 1. With the college basketball transfer portal opening in early April, Wade’s focus will shift to reshaping LSU’s roster. The Tigers’ current roster includes several returning players, such as Michael Nwoko, Jalen Reed, and Dedan Thomas, who averaged 15.3 points and 6.5 assists as a junior before sustaining an injury. However, key contributors like Max Mckinnon and Marquel Sutton will not be available for Wade’s next season.#lsu #nc_state #will_wade #matt_mcmahon #heath_schroyer
But I’m not ready for another coaching search As I’m writing this on Wednesday morning, signs are pointing rather strongly at Will Wade leaving NC State for LSU, a possibility that has been simmering behind the scenes for a while but didn’t feel real until Tuesday. Wade’s buyout, which is already low, drops to a paltry $3 million at the beginning of April, which is nothing for a big SEC school, not even a big SEC school that just spent a bundle on a football staff. The low buyout in Wade’s contract was obviously a mistake on NC State’s part but also beside the point if he’s that intent on getting back to LSU, and if he’s really leaving, then I don’t know how else you explain it other than that he just really wants to be there. NC State was going to step up and pay him more with a new contract this offseason, and I just can’t imagine there’d be that much difference between that and what LSU is willing to offer. The NIL funds might be a different story, but again, I’m not sure there’s a huge difference. This whole thing has been strange in that all of the discussion about it has been on the local level on both sides, with nothing at all from national media members. LSU hasn’t said anything about the status of its still-sitting head coach, and their season has been over for two weeks, and that alone probably tells us all we need to know. The portal opens in a couple of weeks, so one way or another, this needs to be resolved very soon. Will Wade is taking the LSU job, per reports Zam Jones, Mallory Collier enter transfer portal Pack blow lead in 7-2 loss to Camels Campbell comes to town for Tuesday showdown Offseason of tough questions ahead for NC State Pack9 drops from Top 10 following series loss at FSU Getting the conversation ready...#lsu #nc_state #transfer_portal #will_wade #zam_jones
Kim Mulkey Gets Emotional Talking About LSU Senior Flau’jae Johnson Before NCAA Tournament LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey expressed deep emotion during an ESPN Baton Rouge Radio show, “Off the Bench with Jacob Hester and Matt Flynn,” as she reflected on senior guard Flau’jae Johnson. The conversation centered on Johnson’s significance to the program, with Mulkey emphasizing the player’s impact as she prepares for her final game in the NCAA Tournament. Johnson, a standout guard, became the first McDonald’s All-American signee from high school to join LSU since Mulkey took over as head coach in April 2021. She was a key member of the 2023 national championship team and has since earned recognition as a 2025-26 AP second team All-American. Mulkey highlighted Johnson’s role in the upcoming tournament, stating that if LSU advances past Jacksonville, the game would mark her final appearance in a championship setting. “That will be her last game ever in a-, and I get emotional because that kid just meant so much to our program,” Mulkey said. The coach also stressed the importance of supporting Johnson’s final game, urging fans to attend and showing frustration over ticket availability. She explained that NCAA regulations require a certain number of seats near the benches for each team, which has led to adjustments in seating arrangements. “We need to sell it out,” Mulkey said, adding that the game’s significance extends beyond her program. “She’s going to be dearly missed. Not just in my program, but at this university.” Johnson’s journey at LSU has been marked by both athletic and personal achievements. Despite briefly considering the transfer portal after her freshman season, she chose to stay at LSU, where she balances her basketball career with her passion for music.#ncaa_tournament #lsu #kim_mulkey #flaujae_johnson #bet_hip_hop_awards
Texas Tech vs LSU game time set for 2026 Women's NCAA Tournament second round The Texas Tech women's basketball team has advanced to the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament after defeating 10-seed Villanova 57-52 on Friday. This marks the Lady Raiders' first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2005. Their next challenge will be against host LSU, which defeated 15-seed Jacksonville 116-58 in the opening game of the quadrant. The Lady Raiders will face LSU at the Tigers' Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge. The game will be broadcast on ABC and can also be streamed on Fubo, which requires a subscription. The Lady Raiders' victory over Villanova extended their season, ending a 20-year gap between NCAA Tournament appearances. Tech's 7-seed status in the bracket positioned them to face LSU, a 2-seed team that dominated its first-round matchup. The matchup at LSU's home arena adds significance, as the Tigers will host the second round of the tournament. The game is expected to draw national attention, given the high seedings of both teams and the historical context of Tech's return to the tournament. The scheduling of the game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center highlights LSU's role as a host site for the second round. While the exact time of the matchup is not specified in the provided text, the location and broadcast details are confirmed. Fans will have multiple options to watch the game, including traditional television and streaming platforms. The contest represents a key moment for both programs, with Texas Tech seeking to build on its historic win and LSU aiming to solidify its position as a top-tier team in the tournament.#ncaa_tournament #abc #lsu #texas_tech #pete_maravich_assembly_center
Kentucky’s Mark Pope jokes that Brandon Garrison’s late breakout was the plan all along Kentucky found an unexpected spark in Brandon Garrison during their SEC Tournament opener against LSU, securing an 87-82 victory at Bridgestone Arena. The ninth-seeded Wildcats, facing a 16th-seeded Tigers team, turned the tide with a decisive 8-0 run in the final nine minutes of the second half. Highlighted by back-to-back three-pointers from Garrison, the surge provided the necessary momentum to hold off LSU in the closing moments. The win echoed their earlier nail-biting victory over LSU in January, reinforcing the intensity of the matchup. Garrison’s performance was nothing short of impressive, finishing with 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting, alongside five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks. His all-around contributions off the bench marked a significant shift from his regular-season output, where he had only made two three-pointers and averaged 4.8 points and 4.0 rebounds. This breakout game, his second-highest scoring effort of the season, came after a quiet regular season that saw him struggle to find his rhythm. Kentucky coach Mark Pope, however, was unsurprised by Garrison’s surge. In a lighthearted moment, Pope joked that Garrison had been hinting all season that he would hold back his shooting until the postseason. “He’s like, ‘Coach, I’m not going to make any shots until the postseason, and then I’m just going to save them,’ so he apparently knows more than I do,” Pope said, adding a touch of humor to the situation. The win solidified Kentucky’s position in the tournament, with the team now set to face Missouri in the second round on Thursday. Otega Oweh also played a crucial role, scoring a team-high 23 points and grabbing eight rebounds, including a key layup with less than two minutes remaining.#sec_tournament #lsu #kentucky #mark_pope #brandon_garrison
UK Sports Network Coverage of Kentucky Men’s Basketball vs LSU in the SEC Tournament Kentucky’s men’s basketball team will face LSU in the SEC Tournament, with live coverage beginning at 11 a.m. ET. The broadcast will feature pregame analysis from Cameron Mills, Dave Baker, and Andrew Kappes, who will host the Jack Burford Chevrolet Countdown to Tip-off. Following the game, fans can tune in for the Wildcat Wrap Up, hosted by Tom Leach and Jack ‘Goose’ Givens, who will provide postgame insights and interview players and coaches. The game will be presented by UK HealthCare, with all coverage available on UKSN All Access. After the matchup, fans can access postgame quotes from both teams, offering firsthand accounts of the contest. The final score of Kentucky 87, LSU 82, highlights the team’s performance in the tournament. The broadcast will keep fans engaged with real-time updates and expert commentary throughout the game. The SEC Tournament provides a platform for Kentucky to showcase its talent and compete against top-tier opponents like LSU. The network’s coverage ensures fans stay connected to every moment of the action, from pregame preparation to postgame analysis. With the game’s outcome already decided, the focus shifts to reflecting on the performance and looking ahead to future matchups.#sec_tournament #lsu #uk_sports_network #kentucky_men_s_basketball #jack_burford_chevrolet
SEC Basketball Tournament Standings and Matchups Set The Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular season has concluded, setting the stage for the 2026 SEC Tournament. Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, and Vanderbilt secured double-byes, while Tennessee, Texas A&M, Georgia, and Missouri earned single-byes. The remaining teams will compete in the tournament, with the first game scheduled for Wednesday at 12:30 PM ET between the Kentucky Wildcats and LSU. The final standings highlight key matchups and potential outcomes. Kentucky, with a strong SEC Tournament history, has won 136 games in the tournament and claimed 31 championships, including their last title in 2018. The Wildcats’ path includes a potential opening-round clash against LSU, followed by a Thursday game against Missouri if they advance. A win over LSU could position Kentucky for a Friday matchup against Florida, though the team has historically faced challenges in later rounds. Georgia, led by coach Mike White, is locked into the NCAA Tournament after securing a top-tier seed. The Bulldogs’ 9-seed last year marks their second consecutive tournament appearance, showcasing their consistency. Meanwhile, Auburn faces a critical test against Mississippi State, as a loss would end their season. Oklahoma’s fate also hinges on a win over Texas, which could be a pivotal moment for the Sooners. Vanderbilt’s tournament journey is unique, as they will start in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2012. The Commodores’ 2023 run to the semifinals, where they defeated LSU and Kentucky, set a precedent for their current season. With a strong regular season, Vanderbilt is assured of an NCAA Tournament berth regardless of their tournament performance. The expanded tournament format has increased the number of games, adding depth to the competition.#kentucky_wildcats #sec #lsu #vanderbilt #texas_a_m
