Two LSU baseball players have made significant changes in their academic and athletic careers ahead of the 2025 season. Coach Jay Johnson confirmed that Trevor Schmidt, a versatile player who can play both first base and outfield, and right-handed pitcher Trenton Lape have transferred to junior colleges. These moves come as a surprise after both athletes had committed to LSU and participated with the team during the fall.

Schmidt's decision to return to Fullerton College and Lape's move to Chipola College highlight the unpredictable nature of college sports. Both players bring impressive credentials to their new institutions, with Schmidt having previously showcased his prowess at Fullerton and Arizona, while Lape was highly ranked coming out of high school in Louisiana.

Schmidt's Return to Fullerton: A Strategic Move

Trevor Schmidt's return to Fullerton College marks a strategic shift in his collegiate career. After initially committing to LSU in March, Schmidt has decided to revisit his former institution. His decision comes after an impressive stint at Fullerton, where he demonstrated remarkable skill, hitting 13 home runs and maintaining a .343 batting average over 44 games. This performance solidified his reputation as a formidable player in California's 2022 class.

Schmidt's journey through college baseball has been diverse. He spent his freshman year at Arizona in 2023 before transferring to Fullerton. Despite being highly ranked as the No. 26 outfielder and No. 127 overall player in California by Perfect Game, Schmidt chose to return to Fullerton for further development. This move suggests that Schmidt may be seeking additional growth opportunities or personal reasons that align better with his current goals. The experience and skills gained from these varied environments will undoubtedly contribute to his future success on and off the field.

Lape's New Chapter at Chipola College: A Fresh Start

Trenton Lape's transfer to Chipola College represents a fresh start for the talented right-handed pitcher. Although Lape redshirted last season, his arrival at LSU was met with high expectations. Ranked as the No. 3 player in Louisiana’s 2023 class and the No. 132 player overall, Lape showed immense potential even before stepping onto the field for the Tigers. His decision to join Chipola College indicates a desire to explore new challenges and refine his abilities.

The transition to Chipola College offers Lape an opportunity to gain more playing time and develop his skills under different coaching philosophies. While at LSU, Lape participated in the fall practices, but did not see any game action due to his redshirt status. Moving forward, this change of scenery could provide him with valuable experiences and exposure to competitive baseball at the junior college level. As Lape embarks on this new chapter, fans and coaches alike will be eager to see how he progresses and contributes to his new team.