Jay Johnson is out to reset the table for LSU after it won last season’s College World Series. The coach has taken an aggressive approach, and not one to defend the reigning title.

Johnson said the players who return already understand expectations because of last season.

“Our whole thought process behind that is we’re not defending anything,” Johnson said. “When you’re being hunted, you’re kind of on defense. We’re not doing that. We’re attacking 2024 and this opportunity. We put a lot of time in explaining to the team exactly what that looks like from a mindset standpoint. And so feel really good about that.”

LSU is ranked No. 2 in the first Baseball America ranking, and the Tigers will play 19 games in the 2024 regular season against teams in that ranking. The Tigers began preseason practice on Friday in preparation for Opening Day.

LSU opens the season on Feb. 16, when the Tigers play host to VMI.