UA Athletics
By Chris Marler
By the second week of college baseball, the SEC had reclaimed its familiar perch atop the sport.
After a handful of conference teams stumbled out of the gate on opening weekend, the script flipped quickly in Week 2.
LSU’s good and bad on display once again
LSU is the best team in the country, so far. Most of that assessment, however, is based on the offense.
The lineup is so deep, and not only can all nine hit, they can hit for power. Through seven games, the Tigers have scored 86 runs. That’s the most in their first seven games in any year under Jay Johnson, and 21 more than last season’s national championship squad had through their first seven games.
Conversely, LSU runs scored through 7 games under Jay Johnson…
2022: 83
2023: 77
2024: 61
2025: 65
2026: 86 🔥 pic.twitter.com/41KUHa2bTi— Tigers On Deck (@Tigers_On_Deck) February 21, 2026
While I have zero doubts that they will figure it out, the concern is still pitching. Casan Evans was thought to potentially be one of the best pitchers in America and moved from the pen to the Friday night starter for this year’s team. Through two games, Evans has pitched 8.1 innings and allowed six runs. The 6.48 looks bad on paper, but Evans has given up just one extra base hit all season. He’s also struck out 11 batters in 8.1 innings.
The lineup may have scored the most runs through seven games under Jay Johnson, but the pitching staff has also given up the most runs through seven games in the Johnson era. This year’s team has allowed 34 runs, which is five more than any other season and 23 more than last year’s staff.
Justin Lebron goes crazy
Finally, a Lebron everyone can cheer for. No disrespect to the NBA legend, but this Lebron doesn’t fake injuries or need a super team to win.
Alabama junior SS Justin Lebron is a sure fire top ten pick in next year’s draft. He’s been great through eight games this season for the Crimson Tide reaching base in every game, and leading the team with five home runs. Alabama swept Rhode Island this weekend. Lebron reached base seven times in 15 appearances and hit three home runs on the weekend.
Justin Lebron is so good at baseball pic.twitter.com/bQRzH8jVDa
— Stephen Schoch (@bigdonkey47) February 22, 2026
Vanderbilt’s band box
Vanderbilt opened their season in Arlington in a very disappointing fashion. The Commodores lost two of their first three in the Rangers ballpark. They returned home to Nashville to play their first game in their newly renovated Hawkins Field. The offseason renovations not only brought new amenities like two bars and concessions for fans, but it also moved the right field wall in from 330 feet to 315 feet.
The difference has been more than noticeable, and the ball has been flying out of the ballpark early on. In their first four games at their home park, the Commodores scored 57 runs in four games with 12 home runs being hit in the last four games.
Vanderbilt rolls into the weekend with 16 bombs already on the season. Brodie Johnston has hit 5 of them pic.twitter.com/lGrDl1whdf
— Stephen Schoch (@bigdonkey47) February 20, 2026
Wes Johnson sends a message to the media
Georgia head coach Wes Johnson had some interesting words for the media on Saturday after their win over Samford. There was very little context as to what Johnson was talking about, but whatever it was he was fired up about it to say the least.
Georgia has been one of the best teams in the SEC ever since Johnson took over as head coach. They’ve routinely been in the top ten nationally over the last two seasons, but last week’s weekend loss to Wright State had some Georgia fans and media in midseason form in terms of overreactions.
Georgia baseball coach Wes Johnson had a message following his team’s 12-4 win over Samford. pic.twitter.com/nN1pFxmC2i
— UGASports.com (@ugasportscom) February 21, 2026
Best thing you’ll see all day
On Thursday, Tennessee beat writer Wes Rucker tragically lost his life in a car wreck. Rucker was a staple in the media for over a decade, and covered the Vols through every season and sport.
On Friday, Tennessee media relations posted a picture on social media with his credentialed spot accompanied by a framed photo of Wes and flowers to remember him by.
Later that night, in a moment that only sports could deliver, Tennessee won their series opener with a walk-off home run against Kent State.
Sports, man.
INTO A NIGHT SKY!!!
VOLS WINS!!
📺 https://t.co/bPi7I6UKPW#GBO // #OTH pic.twitter.com/b4bzVGpB3M
— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) February 21, 2026
Additionally, a GoFundMe was started in Wes’ name for his family. He left behind a wife, son, and another child on the way. Here’s a link to donate if you feel compelled to do so.
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