Paul, Lavenant Earn SEC Honors as Nine LSU Tigers Claim Spots on All-SEC Teams
LSU’s dominance in the Southeastern Conference continues to earn national recognition, and this week the conference honored some of the Tigers’ most vital contributors. Pitcher Gage Paul and catcher Hayden Lavenant headlined LSU’s haul of awards, each bringing home SEC hardware as the Tigers placed nine total players on the prestigious All-SEC teams. The selections not only underscore LSU’s team success but also highlight the depth of talent on a roster loaded with veteran leadership and emerging stars alike.
Paul, a steady force on the mound throughout the season, was named the SEC Pitcher of the Year, capping off a season that saw him routinely deliver when LSU needed it most. The junior right-hander became the Tigers’ go-to ace, often facing top competition and rising to the challenge with poise and precision. His command, maturity, and ability to attack hitters with a diverse pitch mix made him a nightmare for opposing lineups and a consistent boost for LSU’s pitching staff.
Across SEC play, Paul posted a 1.92 ERA with a 7-1 record, striking out 86 batters while walking just 14 in 75 innings. In several matchups against ranked opponents, Paul delivered complete or near-complete games, shutting down high-powered offenses and often giving LSU a much-needed edge. It was those types of performances that propelled LSU to the top tier of the conference standings and helped them remain in the national championship conversation all season long. He’s become not just a star but a stabilizer, embodying the kind of consistency and leadership head coach Jay Johnson has praised all year.
Lavenant, meanwhile, was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year, a nod to his invaluable contributions behind the plate. The senior catcher didn’t just anchor LSU’s defense—he commanded it. With a quick release and a strong, accurate arm, Lavenant cut down runners with remarkable efficiency and handled one of the SEC’s deepest pitching staffs with confidence and control.
More than just a defensive wizard, Lavenant was also a tone-setter. His leadership on the field helped keep the Tigers composed in tight games, and his ability to frame pitches, block balls in the dirt, and read opposing baserunners gave LSU a huge edge. Lavenant also hit .284 with five home runs and 36 RBIs, proving that he wasn’t a one-dimensional player. His combination of offense, defense, and intangibles made him one of the most complete catchers in college baseball and a fitting recipient of the league’s top defensive honor.
Beyond Paul and Lavenant’s individual awards, LSU’s representation on the All-SEC teams made a powerful statement about the program’s strength. Nine Tigers received All-SEC recognition, a testament to the balance, depth, and excellence spread across the roster. LSU has long been one of the conference’s flagship programs, but this season’s recognition shows just how many players on this year’s squad have taken steps forward—and just how dangerous LSU remains heading into the postseason.
Among those honored was sophomore shortstop Malachi Hudson, who earned a spot on the First Team All-SEC after an electric year both at the plate and in the field. Hudson hit .327 with 11 home runs and 41 RBIs, flashing the kind of power-speed combo that makes scouts and fans alike sit up and take notice. Defensively, he was steady and spectacular in equal measure, turning double plays with ease and showing off elite range that made him a game-changer in the middle infield.
Outfielder Trey Morgan joined Hudson on the First Team, continuing his ascent as one of the conference’s most feared hitters. Morgan batted .346 with 13 home runs and 49 RBIs, routinely delivering in key spots for the Tigers. His approach at the plate was mature beyond his years, and he provided much-needed punch in the middle of LSU’s order. He also played strong defense in left field, showcasing a solid glove and an accurate arm that kept runners honest on the base paths.
Second Team All-SEC honors went to third baseman Cameron Vaughn, designated hitter Kaden Hannity, and closer Ryan Keane—each of whom played pivotal roles in LSU’s season. Vaughn, a junior who turned heads with his late-season surge, batted .310 with 15 doubles and a knack for delivering in the clutch. Hannity, a sophomore with elite bat speed and quick hands, added 10 home runs and 38 RBIs while serving as a sparkplug in the heart of the lineup. Keane, meanwhile, emerged as one of the SEC’s top relievers, saving 12 games and striking out 55 in just 32 innings while posting a 1.78 ERA.
Three LSU freshmen—outfielder Bryce Melton, pitcher Elijah Jackson, and utility man Carter Briggs—were named to the SEC All-Freshman Team, giving fans and coaches a glimpse of the bright future ahead. Melton batted .288 with six homers and 25 RBIs, flashing elite speed and making highlight-reel plays in center field. Jackson, a lefty with a mid-90s fastball and a sharp slider, became a key part of the weekend rotation and finished with a 3.20 ERA. Briggs played multiple positions throughout the year and hit .301 while showcasing his versatility and baseball IQ.
For Coach Johnson, this wave of SEC recognition is more than just a reward—it’s a reflection of the culture he and his staff have cultivated in Baton Rouge. It’s a culture built on accountability, competition, and development. LSU doesn’t just attract talent—it builds it. And this season, that development has been on full display.
“It’s an honor to see so many of our guys recognized for the work they’ve put in,” Johnson said after the awards were announced. “We challenge them every day to be the best version of themselves, and they’ve responded. Gage and Hayden are leaders in every sense, and they set the tone for what we’re trying to do here. The All-SEC honors are great, but more than anything, it shows we’ve got a team full of guys who show up every day ready to compete.”
Indeed, the Tigers have competed—and then some. Their SEC awards haul adds to the anticipation building around the program as postseason play looms. With Paul anchoring the rotation and Lavenant guiding the defense, LSU enters the tournament with elite talent in critical positions. Add in the power bats of Hudson, Morgan, and Hannity, the shutdown arm of Keane, and the injection of youthful energy from players like Melton and Jackson, and the Tigers have a team that’s as complete as any in the nation.
The recognition also boosts LSU’s national profile, especially with the MLB Draft drawing closer. Paul, Lavenant, Hudson, and Morgan are all expected to draw serious interest from professional scouts, and their performance this season has only enhanced their draft stock. For Paul, the Pitcher of the Year honor cements him as one of the nation’s premier arms. For Lavenant, being named the SEC’s top defensive player will go a long way toward solidifying his standing in the eyes of MLB evaluators who value leadership, toughness, and reliability behind the plate.
As for LSU fans, the awards are just another reminder of the program’s standing as a national powerhouse—and of the exciting journey still ahead. The Tigers aren’t done. If anything, they’re just hitting their stride at the right time.
With momentum building, hardware in hand, and the postseason in sight, LSU looks ready to make another run at Omaha. And with players like Paul, Lavenant, and the rest of the All-SEC honorees leading the way, the Tigers won’t just be contenders—they’ll be favorites.
