Report: Paul Skenes plans to attend LSU vs. UCLA on Monday in Omaha, College World Series

Two years after leading LSU to a national title, Paul Skenes is returning to Omaha. The Pittsburgh Pirates ace will reportedly attend Monday evening’s matchup in the College World Series between his alma mater and UCLA.

His plan to attend, reported by The Advocate, falls on one of the Pirates off day. They finish up a four-game series against their NL Central rival, the Chicago Cubs, on Sunday afternoon before completing their road trip in a series against the Detroit Tigers beginning on Tuesday.

Ever since Skenes played his final game in Omaha in 2023, he’s continued his dominance at the pro level. After being selected No. 1 overall in the 2023 MLB Draft by the Pirates, he quickly found his way to the big leagues and was crowned Rookie of the Year in the National League in 2024. Entering 2025, Skenes was already Pittsburgh’s ace pitcher.

He’s made the most out of his opportunities on the mound this season as well. While his 4-6 win-loss record could be better, he’s 4-1 in his last five starts and ranks among the top pitchers in the MLB. His 1.78 ERA and 0.85 WHIP are both ranked second in the league, and his 97 strikeouts are ninth-best among active pitchers this season.

While Skenes has been carving up the big leagues, his LSU Tigers have been just as hot. Entering Omaha with a 48-15 overall record, LSU hosted both their own Regional and Super Regional earlier this postseason. They’re 5-1 in those matchups after winning three of four in the Baton Rouge Regional, and sweeping West Virginia the following weekend in the Super Regional.

That hot streak continued to begin their stay in Omaha, defeating Arkansas 4-1 in their opening matchup at the College World Series. LSU busted open an early three-run lead and held the Razorbacks scoreless until the sixth inning.

UCLA was able to advance past the first round after taking down college baseball’s Cinderella team this season, Murray State. The Racers couldn’t muster up enough magic despite a two-run rally in the eighth inning. In the end, the Bruins would take the opening victory 6-4 to set up Monday’s two matchups. Arkansas will take on Murray State in a loser-leaves-Omaha matchup, while the winner of LSU and UCLA will advance through to the next round of the winner’s bracket.

First pitch for Monday’s double elimination round matchup is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. The broadcast will air live on ESPN.