Stay or go: Will Zac Cowan return to LSU baseball in 2026?
Zac Cowan settled in nicely to his relief role with LSU baseball after coming in from the transfer portal.
The right-handed pitcher, who head coach Jay Johnson labeled as the best reliever in the nation, came in as a successful starter after two years at Wofford. Cowan led the Terriers to a conference championship and NCAA Tournament appearance before leveling up himself.
Cowan finished 2025 with a 2.94 ERA and 60 strikeouts through 52 innings. Cowan's last two appearances, both in the NCAA Tournament, were starts. Against Arkansas in the College World Series, Cowan surrendered just one run through 5.1 innings.
With mixed use as a starter, bridge, and closer, Cowan proved his abilities consistently and is a big reason why the Tigers advanced to Omaha for the College World Series. Now a national champion, the junior faces a decision.
Cowan can either return to Baton Rouge for his senior season or turn professional by entering the 2025 MLB Draft.
The case for staying
Cowan is not ranked on MLB.com's draft top-200 prospects list. While he'd likely get drafted at some point, Cowan isn't looking at life-altering bonus money. With rev sharing an NIL, a return to LSU could be in the same ballpark as his draft slot.
Another year developing under pitching coach Nate Yeskie would give Cowan the opportunity to increase his draft stock to be a first round pick like so many LSU pitchers before him. Cowan could compete for a starting role and put more high-level competition on tape. He struggled down the stretch in the postseason and another year would correct the path.
The case for leaving
Between Wofford and LSU, Cowan has three years and over 200 innings of collegiate work. The innings are a mix between starter and reliever appearances, meaning he brings a versatile skillset that would be unique to any ball club.
Cowan's solid year as a reliever in the SEC could be enough for MLB teams to take a chance on. He reached the mountain top of college baseball with a national championship and ended the season on a high note with his innings against the Razorbacks.
We've seen veteran pitchers make quick climbs to the MLB in recent years and teams looking for immediate pitching help could make Cowan a strong offer.
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