Home / NCAA / LSU Lands Ex-OU Softball Star Paytn Monticelli in Stunning 2026 Commitment!

LSU Lands Ex-OU Softball Star Paytn Monticelli in Stunning 2026 Commitment!

In a move that has sent ripples through the collegiate softball world, LSU has secured the commitment of former Oklahoma pitcher Paytn Monticelli for the 2026 season, a transfer that promises to bolster the Tigers’ pitching staff with a proven arm and a wealth of experience. The announcement, made by Monticelli herself on July 28, 2025, via her social media, marks a significant late transfer portal move that caught many fans and analysts by surprise. Monticelli, a 6-foot-1 right-handed pitcher from Cedarburg, Wisconsin, brings a national championship pedigree, a fiery competitive spirit, and a track record of clutch performances to Baton Rouge. Her decision to leave Oklahoma, where she contributed to the Sooners’ 2024 national title, underscores the dynamic nature of the transfer portal and the evolving landscape of college softball, where roster changes can reshape a program’s fortunes overnight.

 

Monticelli’s journey to LSU is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. She began her collegiate career at Wisconsin, where as a freshman in 2023, she led the Badgers with 82 strikeouts over 80 innings, posting a respectable 2.71 earned run average (ERA). Her performance in Madison showcased her potential as a dominant pitcher, with a fastball that overwhelmed hitters and a command that belied her youth. However, seeking a new challenge and a chance to compete at the highest level, Monticelli transferred to Oklahoma before the 2024 season. The move to Norman was a bold one, as the Sooners, under legendary coach Patty Gasso, were coming off three consecutive national championships and boasted one of the deepest pitching staffs in the country. For Monticelli, it was an opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute to a program synonymous with excellence.

 

At Oklahoma, Monticelli carved out a role as a reliable bullpen arm. Over two seasons, she appeared in 34 games, starting three, and compiled a 2-0 record with a 2.58 ERA across 40.2 innings. Her 2024 campaign was particularly impressive, as she posted a sparkling 1.09 ERA over 19.1 innings, striking out 23 batters while walking just six. One of her standout moments came during the 2024 Women’s College World Series Championship Series, where she entered a high-pressure situation with the bases loaded and induced a ground ball to secure a critical out, helping the Sooners maintain their momentum en route to their fourth straight national title. In 2025, her role was slightly reduced, as she pitched 21.1 innings with a 3.94 ERA and 20 strikeouts. Despite the uptick in ERA, Monticelli remained a valuable asset, contributing to a staff no-hitter against East Texas A&M and earning wins in key games against Abilene Christian and Arkansas.

 

Her decision to enter the transfer portal on July 24, 2025, was a surprise to many, given Oklahoma’s stacked roster and championship pedigree. The Sooners had recently added LSU’s Sydney Berzon and Ole Miss’ Miali Guachino to an already crowded pitching staff, which included returning veterans Kierston Deal and Audrey Lowry, as well as promising freshmen Allyssa Parker and Berkley Zache. With eight pitchers on the roster, playing time was at a premium, and Monticelli, a senior with one year of eligibility remaining, likely saw limited opportunities to take on a larger role. The NCAA’s special waiver, which opened a transfer window from July 7 to August 5, 2025, allowed her to explore new options as a designated student-athlete under new roster restrictions. Monticelli’s move to LSU, announced just days after entering the portal, suggests a calculated decision to join a program where she could maximize her impact in her final collegiate season.

 

For LSU, Monticelli’s commitment is a coup. The Tigers, coached by Beth Torina, finished ninth in the SEC in 2025 and struggled in the postseason, losing their ace Sydney Berzon to Oklahoma in June. The departure left a gaping hole in the pitching staff, and Monticelli’s arrival provides a veteran presence with the potential to anchor the rotation or serve as a dominant closer. Her experience in high-stakes games, including the Women’s College World Series, makes her an ideal fit for a program looking to rebound from a disappointing season. Monticelli’s ability to throw heat, combined with her knack for striking out batters—evidenced by her 35 strikeouts in 31 innings for the Madison Night Mares in the Northwoods League this summer—gives LSU a versatile weapon. Her international experience with the 2024 Great Britain U22 Women’s National Team and the 2023 Senior Women’s National Team further underscores her ability to perform on big stages.

 

Monticelli’s transfer also highlights the intricate dynamics of the transfer portal, where programs like Oklahoma and LSU often engage in a high-stakes game of roster chess. The Sooners’ acquisition of Berzon and Guachino effectively swapped one elite pitcher for another, with Monticelli heading to Baton Rouge in a move that feels like a trade of sorts. For Oklahoma, the loss of Monticelli is softened by their depth, but for LSU, her addition is a statement of intent. The Tigers are signaling their ambition to climb back into the SEC’s upper echelon and make a deep postseason run in 2026. Monticelli’s familiarity with the SEC, gained through Oklahoma’s conference matchups, will ease her transition, and her 6-foot-1 frame and overpowering pitching style are well-suited to the competitive demands of the league.

 

Beyond her on-field contributions, Monticelli brings a wealth of intangibles to LSU. A two-time Gatorade Wisconsin Softball Player of the Year (2020-21 and 2021-22), she was a standout at Cedarburg High School, where she struck out 826 batters and posted a 0.33 ERA as a senior. Her accolades include being named the USA TODAY Milwaukee High School Sports Awards Softball Player of the Year and ranking as the No. 32 recruit in the Class of 2022 by Extra Inning Softball. Off the field, she maintained a 3.35 GPA and volunteered as a peer math tutor and with youth softball programs, demonstrating leadership and a commitment to her community. Her personality shines through in her “fun facts”—a love for steak, the Green Bay Packers, and Luke Bryan, as well as a hidden talent for singing—making her a relatable and engaging presence in the locker room.

 

For Sooner Nation, Monticelli’s departure is bittersweet. In her heartfelt statement on social media, she expressed gratitude for her two years in Norman, writing, “Thank you Sooner nation for supporting me these past two years. This was not an easy decision to make. I have loved everything about being a Sooner and am so grateful for every single person I have met along my journey with this program. Norman will always be so special to me.” Her words reflect the deep connection she formed with the Oklahoma program and its fans, even as she embarks on a new chapter. The move to LSU offers her a fresh start and a chance to take on a more prominent role, potentially as a starter or closer, in a program hungry for success.

 

As the 2026 season approaches, Monticelli’s commitment to LSU has already generated buzz among fans and analysts. Her ability to deliver in clutch moments, combined with her experience and work ethic, positions her as a key piece in the Tigers’ puzzle. For LSU, the challenge will be integrating Monticelli into a pitching staff that is rebuilding after significant losses. For Monticelli, the opportunity to shine in Baton Rouge, where she can call the shots in the circle and contribute to a program on the rise, is a fitting culmination of her collegiate journey. The softball world will be watching closely as this former OU star takes her talents to LSU, ready to make her mark in purple and gold.

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