Will Campbell Previews ’25 Tigers! | LSU vs. Alabama Series Preview

LSU left tackle Will Campbell has never been one to mince words, but when he speaks, people in Baton Rouge tend to listen. As one of the stalwarts on the Tigers’ offensive line and a projected first-round NFL Draft pick in 2026, Campbell has become more than just a physical force on the field—he’s emerged as a voice of the program, a leader whose presence carries weight in the locker room and among the fanbase.

As LSU prepares to travel to Tuscaloosa for a crucial SEC West series against the Alabama Crimson Tide, Campbell took time to preview not just the weekend showdown, but the identity and expectations of the 2025 Tigers as a whole. The stakes are high, the rivalry is fierce, and the words coming from one of LSU’s most trusted veterans make it clear: this team believes it can be special.

Campbell doesn’t sugarcoat his assessment of the season so far. “We’ve had our bumps early,” he admits. “But I think that’s part of the process. We had a lot of young guys stepping into big roles this year. You take a few hits, you learn, and then you start swinging back harder. That’s who we are right now. We’re swinging back.”

The Tigers, ranked No. 13 nationally entering the weekend, boast a talented roster headlined by veterans and rising stars. While there have been growing pains, especially in the bullpen and at the plate, the pitching rotation has started to find its rhythm, and the lineup has begun to string together timely hits. The Alabama series will serve as a measuring stick—on the road, in a hostile environment, against a surging Tide team that currently sits tied atop the division standings.

“This is one of those series that’s just different,” Campbell said. “LSU and Bama—whether it’s football or baseball—it always feels personal. You know they want to beat us just as bad as we want to beat them. That energy, that fire, that’s what fuels you. We’re ready for that.”

While Campbell is better known for anchoring the offensive line in football season, his passion for LSU baseball runs deep. He grew up watching the Tigers at Alex Box Stadium, dreaming of championships and rivalry showdowns. And like many LSU athletes, he’s formed strong bonds across sports, regularly working out with or supporting fellow student-athletes on other teams. That’s why he feels confident giving a no-nonsense preview of what to expect this weekend.

“I think you’re going to see a locked-in group,” Campbell said. “There’s been a switch flipped the last few weeks, and now you’re seeing that confidence, that swagger come back. It’s a different energy when we’re clicking, and I feel like we’re right there.”

The Tigers enter the series on the back of a much-needed SEC sweep over Ole Miss, a weekend that finally saw both the bats and bullpen sync up for all three games. Clutch hitting, gritty pitching, and cleaner fielding all combined to produce LSU’s most complete series performance of the season. For head coach Jay Johnson, that momentum couldn’t have come at a better time.

“I think Coach Johnson has done an unreal job keeping everyone locked in,” Campbell said. “You lose a couple series and people start talking, but we stayed tight. He’s the kind of coach who makes you believe that the next pitch, the next inning—it can change everything. That mentality is what makes this team dangerous.”

Alabama presents a very different challenge than Ole Miss. The Crimson Tide lead the SEC in team batting average and rank near the top in slugging. They’ve been hot lately, winning 8 of their last 10 games, including an impressive series win over Arkansas. The lineup is deep and experienced, with multiple players capable of changing the game with one swing.

On the mound, the Tide aren’t flashy, but they’re efficient. They pound the zone, limit walks, and force opponents to beat them with contact. LSU’s approach at the plate will be critical—patience, pitch selection, and timely hitting must be at the forefront if they hope to take the series on the road.

Campbell, who has developed friendships with several players on the team, offered some insight into the Tigers’ mindset.

“You gotta embrace the battle,” he said. “They’re a good team, but so are we. If we come out attacking—first pitch, first inning—then we set the tone. That’s what this is about. Who punches first and who can take a punch and punch back.”

The series will also be a test of mental toughness. Road series in the SEC are never easy, and Tuscaloosa has historically been a tough place for visiting teams. Campbell believes the Tigers are mentally equipped to handle the pressure.

“I think a lot of people forget how young some of these guys are,” he said. “But man, they’ve grown up fast. You can just tell they’re starting to believe in themselves more. It’s cool to see. The moment isn’t too big for them anymore. Now it’s about going and proving it.”

One of those young standouts is freshman slugger Jordan Sanders, who homered twice in the Ole Miss series and has quickly become a spark plug for the lineup. Campbell singled out Sanders as one of the most impressive newcomers he’s seen.

“That kid’s a dog,” he said with a grin. “Fearless. He’s the kind of guy you want up in big moments, and I think he’s just scratching the surface.”

Veteran leadership will also be crucial, especially from players like Tommy White and Hayden Travinski, who’ve been through the SEC gauntlet before. Their ability to guide younger teammates through the intensity of an LSU-Alabama series could be the difference.

Campbell spoke about how important leadership is, whether it’s on the football field or baseball diamond.

“When things get tough, you look to your leaders,” he said. “And we’ve got some real leaders on this baseball team. They don’t just talk—they show you. That’s what it takes in this league.”

The Tigers’ pitching rotation, led by sophomore ace Luke Holman, will need to bring its best stuff to quiet Alabama’s bats. Holman has been sensational in recent outings, mixing mid-90s heat with a sharp-breaking slider that has stymied hitters all year. If he can set the tone Friday night, it could shift the momentum early.

“Holman’s a beast,” Campbell said. “He’s got that dawg in him. When he’s out there, you feel like you’ve got the edge. That’s the kind of confidence that feeds the whole team.”

Beyond the implications for the SEC standings, this series could also have postseason ramifications. With regional hosting spots up for grabs and LSU trying to claw back into the top 10, every series matters—but especially ones like this.

Campbell didn’t shy away from the big picture.

“We want to host,” he said. “We want the road to Omaha to run through Baton Rouge. And that means we’ve got to win big series like this one. It’s that simple.”

For Campbell personally, the weekend serves as another reminder of how intertwined LSU’s athletic programs are. It’s a brotherhood, a shared pride in the purple and gold that transcends any one sport. That’s why he’s so passionate when he speaks about the baseball team—because in many ways, their success feels personal.

“I just want to see these guys win,” he said. “They work too hard not to. I see the grind, I see the passion, and I know what it means to wear that jersey. It means everything.”

As the Tigers prepare for what promises to be one of their most intense weekends of the season, they’ll do so with the support of one of their most recognizable voices behind them. Will Campbell may be known for clearing lanes on Saturdays in the fall, but his impact is felt year-round. His words reflect the heart of a program determined to rise, to fight, and to prove that LSU is still one of the premier forces in college baseball.

“We’ve still got everything in front of us,” Campbell said. “This is the stretch where we find out who we are. And I think we’re about to remind people what LSU baseball is all about.”