New Era Begins: Quannas White Leads Ragin’ Cajuns into Season Opener at Ball State

By Fishbowl Sports — November 3, 2025

The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball program turns the page tonight as first-year head coach Quannas White makes his official debut when the Cajuns open the 2025–26 season at Ball State in Muncie, Indiana.

After more than a decade under Bob Marlin, Louisiana enters a new era led by White, a respected coaching mind who spent the past eight seasons as associate head coach under Kelvin Sampson at the University of Houston, helping guide the Cougars to multiple NCAA Tournament runs, including a National Championship Game appearance.

A Completely New Look

Few programs in the country have undergone more offseason change than Louisiana. White wasted no time reshaping the roster, bringing in a mix of transfers and freshmen to fit his fast-paced, defensive-minded system.

“It’s a new group with a new mindset,” White said earlier this week. “We’ve got guys who want to defend, compete, and grow together. It’s going to take time, but the energy in this group is real.”

Through two preseason exhibition games, the Cajuns showed encouraging signs on defense but struggled with offensive consistency — particularly from the perimeter — in a loss to North Texas. Still, White said the team’s effort and cohesion have continued to improve heading into opening night.

Roster by the Numbers

Returners - 5 Newcomers - 13 Starters Returning - 1 Starters Lost - 4 Freshmen - 5 Sophomores - 6 Juniors - 3 Seniors/Graduates - 4 From Louisiana - 9 From Texas - 5 From Florida - 1 From Georgia - 1 From Mississippi - 1 From South Carolina - 1 Forwards - 8 Guards - 10

In short: the Cajuns are young, athletic, and versatile — but still very much a work in progress.

Probable Starters

Player	Pos.	Yr.	2024–25 Stats	Notes
Jeremiah Evans	F	Fr.	3.2 PPG, 2.2 RPG	Career-high 19 pts vs. ODU (1/9)
Dorian Finister	G	Jr.	8.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.3 APG	48 career games at Kansas State/Sam Houston
Dariyus Woodson	F	So.	8.5 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 0.7 APG	Freshman season at North Dakota
Jaxon Olvera	G	So.	5.9 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 0.6 APG	Transfer from Pepperdine
Jamyron Keller	G	Jr.	5.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.3 APG	Two seasons at Oklahoma State

The projected starting five includes players from across the country — each bringing Division I experience, but Louisiana returns five players (Jeremiah Evans, Zeke Cook, Kyran Ratliff, Christian Landry, Michael Mouton) from the 2024-25 roster

Scouting the Opponent: Ball State Cardinals

Ball State, led by head coach Michael Lewis, finished the 2024–25 season with a 14–17 overall record and a 7–11 mark in Mid-American Conference play. The Cardinals flashed potential throughout the year, highlighted by a dominant 80–43 victory over Missouri Valley Conference member Evansville and a 75–67 road win at perennial MAC contender Kent State to open league play.

The Cardinals featured a balanced roster anchored by a pair of Honorable Mention All-MAC selections in Jermahri Hill and Payton Sparks. Hill averaged 15.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game in his first season in Muncie while leading the conference in free throw attempts (207). Sparks provided inside strength, averaging 12.6 points and 7.7 rebounds per game to lead the MAC in rebounding. Over his three seasons, Sparks climbed Ball State’s all-time lists in several categories — ranking No. 23 in career points (1,220), No. 9 in rebounds (771), No. 10 in blocks (64), No. 5 in free throws made (387), and No. 3 in field goal percentage (.568).

With both players returning to anchor the Cardinals’ attack, Ball State’s inside-out scoring threat and rebounding ability will provide an early test for Louisiana’s new-look frontcourt.

By the Numbers

Louisiana 2024–25 Record: 21–13 (11–7 Sun Belt) Ball State 2024–25 Record: 14–17 (7–11 SBC ) Head Coach: Quannas White (1st season; previously Associate HC at Houston) Tip-off: 6:00 p.m. CT, Worthen Arena (Muncie, Ind.)

Keys to the Game

Louisiana: Establish offensive rhythm early and limit turnovers. Transition defense will be crucial against Ball State’s experienced guards.Ball State: Use home-court energy and rebounding advantage to control tempo and challenge Louisiana’s inexperienced rotation.

The Start of a New Era

With 13 new players, a first-year head coach, and a redefined culture, the Ragin’ Cajuns are taking their first steps into a new era under Quannas White. The challenge begins tonight in Muncie — and the tone for the season could be set from the opening tip.