LSU Baseball Adds Coveted SEC Pitcher Luke Holman From Transfer Portal

The Tigers bring in another key piece via the portal as this program reloads for next season.

Jay Johnson strikes gold once again after landing a commitment from Alabama ace Luke Holman on Thursday. The right-handed pitcher adds to LSU’s elite Transfer Portal haul this offseason.

We’ve seen this program retool its pitching rotation over the last few weeks, and now bringing Holman into the mix, Johnson and Co. are dialed in as they look to claim back-to-back National Championships.

For Holman, it was all about comfort. After taking visits to Tennessee, Mississippi State and LSU last week, the decision ultimately came down to how he felt mentally at each university.

The Pennsylvania native took a trip down to Baton Rouge last Wednesday, which ultimately became his final visit before shutting down the process.

“It was definitely different. They had their National Championship on the board and all that stuff. I felt comfortable there. It felt really comfortable,” Holman told LSU Country. “The resources are amazing as well, as they are at all the schools, but it was awesome. Baton Rouge is a great place.”

The legend of Coach Johnson continues down South. He’s been praised for his elite recruiting ability and he’s certainly lived up to the hype as he secures a dynamic portal haul and high school recruiting class.

Holman praised Johnson and how big of an honor it was to be speaking with the LSU program once he entered the portal.

“It’s cool seeing I’m valued and it’s cool seeing the champions are talking to me," Holman said. "Jay Johnson is a great guy and it’s something… It’s pretty cool.

“He’s up front. He tells you what he tells you. You can tell he cares a lot about his players. He wants to do the best for the program and do the best for you as well.”

After a trip to Baton Rouge where Johnson took Holman to Fleming’s Steakhouse to talk shop, the plan was music to Holman’s ears. Now, he’s a Tiger.

Holman boasted a 3.67 ERA in 81.0 innings pitched with 87 strikeouts during the 2023 season for the Crimson Tide. After going 7-4 in 15 starts, the Alabama ace now joins an LSU program looking to carry their momentum into the 2024 season.

Johnson and the Tigers have now gained commitments from a quartet of pitchers with Holman joining Xavier’s Justin Loer, Alabama’s Kade Woods and UCLA’s Gage Jump. 

LSU has also added South Carolina infielder Michael Braswell and PAC-12 All-Conference outfielder Mac Bingham to its Transfer Portal haul. 

More on Holman's Transfer Portal process:

LSU Baseball: The Latest on Alabama Ace Luke Holman

Prized Alabama Transfer Luke Holman Updates Recruitment