NCAA Bans Christian Song: LSU’s Curiel Speaks Out After CWS Win

LSU’s Derek Curiel Questions NCAA’s Call to Ban Christian Walk-Up Song at CWS

Derek Curiel Speaks Out After Championship Win

LSU outfielder Derek Curiel had every reason to celebrate after the Tigers captured the national title. But in a postgame interview, the freshman shared frustration over a decision made by the NCAA just before the College World Series began. His walk-up song, used all season without issue, was suddenly banned from being played in Omaha.

"I Just Want People to Know I Love Jesus"

"I'm a little upset that the NCAA didn't allow that song to be played," Curiel told Jacques Doucet. “I don’t know if it was religious or Kanye West or what.” The young outfielder added, “I just want people to know me as a guy who plays baseball and loves Jesus.”

Curiel had been using the same walk-up track throughout the season, including during regional and super regional play. But when LSU reached the College World Series, NCAA officials reportedly blocked the song without explanation. The change caught Curiel, and many fans, off guard.

Ben McDonald Weighs In

Former LSU pitcher and MLB analyst Ben McDonald voiced his disappointment in a post on X. “Somebody please tell me this isn’t true!” he wrote, adding that the NCAA “has made so many poor decisions in recent years.” McDonald urged the organization to clarify its reasoning and encouraged Curiel to “never apologize for who you are and what you believe!”

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A fan asked Curiel directly on social media if the NCAA had banned the song because it was Christian. Curiel’s two-word reply, “yes sadly” was shared widely, sparking conversations about religious freedom and consistency in NCAA policies.

Still No Word from the NCAA

As of now, the NCAA has not commented publicly on the situation. While event music policies are common, they typically address profanity, length, or politics, not faith. The decision leaves many wondering what exactly triggered the ban.

Derek Curiel’s faith isn’t new, but this moment has brought it to the national spotlight. In the midst of LSU’s title run, a quiet walk-up song became a lightning rod for a broader debate about freedom of expression in college athletics.