LSU First Baseman Ryan Costello Enters NCAA Transfer Portal
BATON ROUGE, La. — LSU baseball is undergoing more roster movement, as sophomore first baseman Ryan Costello has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, according to a report from On3’s Pete Nakos. The news comes as the Tigers look to retool after a rollercoaster 2025 season that ended short of expectations.
Costello, a hard-hitting lefty from Connecticut, arrived in Baton Rouge with high hopes after transferring from Central Connecticut State prior to the 2024 season. He was part of head coach Jay Johnson’s plan to bolster the infield and add power to the middle of the batting order. While Costello showed flashes of that power, his role remained inconsistent during the 2025 campaign.
In limited action this season, Costello posted a .255 batting average with 4 home runs and 18 RBIs across 36 games. He was often in a platoon role at first base and occasionally served as a designated hitter. While his bat showed promise, he struggled at times with strikeouts and defensive consistency, which may have contributed to a diminished role down the stretch.
The decision to enter the transfer portal signals that Costello is seeking a fresh start and potentially more playing time elsewhere. Given his size, raw power, and previous success in the Northeast Conference before arriving at LSU, he’s expected to draw significant interest from programs across the country looking for an experienced left-handed bat.
For LSU, Costello’s departure opens another scholarship and a spot in the infield depth chart. The Tigers have already seen a flurry of portal movement this offseason, with both incoming talent and outgoing transfers. Jay Johnson has been active on the recruiting trail and in the portal, aiming to build a roster capable of returning to the College World Series.
LSU fans had high hopes for Costello, and while his time in Baton Rouge may not have fully lived up to expectations, he leaves with valuable SEC experience and a year of development under one of the top coaching staffs in college baseball.
As the summer transfer window heats up, Costello becomes one of the more intriguing corner infielders on the market. A new environment could be exactly what he needs to unlock his full potential and become a key contributor at his next stop.
Wherever he lands, Costello’s journey will be closely followed by those who still see the promise he brought to LSU’s program.
