The 2025 College World Series had all the makings of a classic matchup—elite talent, high-stakes drama, and a championship on the line. But what no one expected was that the most controversial moment would come just minutes into Game 2, when Coastal Carolina’s head coach Kevin Schnall and first base coach Matt Schilling were ejected in the bottom of the first inning. The decision, made by home plate umpire Angel Campos after a heated exchange over balls and strikes, sent shockwaves through Charles Schwab Field and ignited a firestorm of criticism from fans and analysts alike.
To toss a head coach in the first inning of a national championship game is, at best, eyebrow-raising. At worst, it’s a decision that alters the course of a title series. Schnall’s ejection—along with Schilling’s—left the Chanticleers without their emotional and strategic leaders in a do-or-die game. It was the first coach ejection in a Men’s College World Series game since 2017, and it couldn’t have come at a more pivotal moment. The fallout was immediate: both coaches were suspended for the start of the 2026 season, and the umpiring crew faced intense scrutiny for what many viewed as an overreach in a moment that demanded restraint.
While the controversy dominated headlines, LSU’s performance on the field was nothing short of championship caliber. The Tigers, led by head coach Jay Johnson, swept the best-of-three series in two games to claim their eighth national title. Game 1 was a masterclass in pitching, with Kade Anderson delivering a complete-game shutout—the first in the MCWS finals since 2018. He struck out 10 and allowed just five hits, earning him the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player honors.
Game 2 saw LSU’s offense come alive. After falling behind 1–0 on a solo homer by Coastal’s Dean Mihos, the Tigers responded with a four-run fourth inning that chased Coastal ace Jacob Morrison from the game. Freshman phenom Derek Curiel delivered a clutch two-RBI single, while Chris Stanfield added two more with a laser to left field.
On the mound, Anthony Eyanson followed Anderson’s lead with 6.1 strong innings and nine strikeouts, while flame-throwing reliever Chase Shores closed the door with a 100-mph fastball and a game-ending double play.
LSU’s dominance was undeniable, but the early ejection of Coastal’s coaching staff casts a long shadow over the series. Would the outcome have been different with Schnall in the dugout? We’ll never know. What’s certain is that the 2025 College World Series will be remembered not just for LSU’s brilliance, but for the moment the umpires became the story.
And in a sport that thrives on tradition, that’s a legacy no one wanted.
