Kansas State INF Dardar transfers to LSU……….see more………..
Hometown Hero Returning Home
Seth Dardar, a native of Mandeville, Louisiana and a graduate of Holy Cross High School in New Orleans, has decided to “come home” by joining the LSU Tigers for his final year of eligibility . His Louisiana roots played a big part in the move—he’s thrilled to live out his dream of donning an LSU uniform:
> “With that being said, I have decided to come home and live out my dream to play at Louisiana State University! … Geaux Tigers!!!”
This transfer is especially meaningful not just for Dardar, but also for Tigers fans eager to see a local standout return to the state spotlight.
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Collegiate Journey: From Holy Cross to Columbia to Kansas State
Holy Cross Prep (New Orleans)
Three-time varsity letter-winner.
Stellar junior year (2019): batted .381 with 10 doubles, 3 triples, and 3 home runs.
Senior year (2020) cut short due to COVID‑19 .
Columbia University
Played three seasons (2022‑2024).
Posted a .289/.383/.537 career slash line across two full seasons.
Sophomore year (2023): slashed .299/.392/.575 with 11 doubles, 1 triple, 8 home runs, 32 RBIs, and 32 runs scored .
Missed 2024 entirely due to injury .
Kansas State Wildcats (2025)
In a single year with Kansas State, Dardar emerged as a power hitter:
Batting average: .326
On-base percentage: .429
Slugging: .636 (OPS: 1.065)
Extra‑base hits: 18 doubles, 13 home runs, 45 RBI in 50 games
Showed versatility by playing 22 games at second base and 15 at first base, with the rest likely DH .
He also grabbed attention during the Frisco College Baseball Classic this past February by going 2‑5 with a home run and a double off LSU starter Kade Anderson —a performance that didn’t go unnoticed by LSU scouts.
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LSU’s Strategic Gain
Addressing Key Departures
With first baseman Daniel Dickinson, and infielders Jared Jones and Michael Braswell expected to depart after the 2025 spring season, LSU needs reinforcements in the infield . Bringing in Dardar helps fill the void both defensively and offensively.
Power Injection
LSU already added High Point’s slugger Brayden Simpson from the portal two weeks ago . Now, Dardar joins Simpson, delivering yet another left-handed power bat. Robinson, LSU’s first baseman, will no doubt benefit from Dardar’s thumping ability.
Local Pride
Securing a high-impact player from within Louisiana is more than just a roster move—it’s a narrative boost. Dardar’s Louisiana pedigree resonates with the fanbase and helps reinforce LSU’s appeal as the top choice for local talent. As one Reddit user noted:
> “Born in Mandeville so I imagine the kid wants to play at LSU just needed to confirm it…”
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Dardar’s Message and Emotional Farewell
In heartfelt posts on social media, Dardar expressed gratitude:
Thanked Kansas State coaches and the Manhattan community for their support .
Called the Wildcats and their fanbase “something [he’ll] cherish forever.”
Emphasized the personal significance of returning to LSU—“live out my dream”—highlighting both opportunity and emotion .
Coach Jay Johnson is clearly bolstering LSU’s infield with gritty, local talent as the Tigers pursue their next College World Series run.
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Projected Role for 2026
Infield Positioning
Dardar’s ability to play both corner and middle infield positions provides Jay Johnson flexibility. With rotating roles between first and second, plus possible DH appearances, he can slot into multiple configurations depending on injury, matchups, or pitch counts.
Lineup Enhancement
Expect Dardar to hit in the middle-to-bottom of the order, delivering power and on-base presence. His left-handed swing complements LSU’s historically strong right-handed lineup.
Maturity & Leadership
As an older player with experience at three distinct programs, Dardar brings maturity, resilience, and perspective. These traits can be invaluable in close games or playoff pressure.
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What Fans and Analysts Are Saying
Saturday Down South praised Dardar as a “veteran bat” whose .326 average and 13 home runs this season point to his readiness to contribute immediately .
Holy Cross alum-focused Crescent City Sports highlighted his collegiate journey, noting his performance in Frisco and Big 12 honors .
Reddit fans chimed in:
> “LSU secures a commitment from Kansas State transfer INF Seth Dardar … that makes two portal commits for Jay so far.”
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Concluding Thoughts
Seth Dardar checking “play for LSU” off his bucket list reflects both personal ambition and organizational strategy. Here’s why this transfer matters:
1. Hitting prowess – his .326/.429/.636 slash and 1.065 OPS scream middle-of-the-order force.
2. Depth builder – fills immediate needs with multi-position infield ability while aging out existing roster holes.
3. Local connection – enhances LSU’s brand by bringing homegrown talent back.
4. Class of ’26 focus – indicates LSU is aggressively recruiting via transfer portal to maintain elite status.
As LSU heads into Super Regionals in Omaha this week, the addition of Dardar—and two-time transfer Brayden Simpson—signals the Tigers are already shaping a powerful 2026 roster. For fans and analysts alike, Dardar’s signing is a compelling mix of talent, local narrative, and strategic smarts.
🔑 Bottom line: Seth Dardar isn’t just another portal name—he’s a bona fide power hitter returning to his roots, ready to help keep LSU at the top of college baseball’s elite.