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The LSU football defense could be the best in the SEC this year. That may seem like a hot take, but defensive coordinator Blake Baker has the tools to build an elite unit.
ESPN's SP+ projections, one of the top ratings systems in college football, ranked LSU's defense No. 2 in the country in the initial preseason rankings released earlier this year. The only unit projected to be better is Ohio State's defense.
Some fans may raise their eyebrows at that projection. LSU is losing key difference makers in the secondary, including Mansoor Delane, a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft. Safety AJ Haulcy is off to the next level and LSU lost both starting defensive ends.
But look at what's coming back. Delane is gone, but LSU returns cornerback DJ Pickett, a former five-star who is a budding star. Corner PJ Woodland returns, too, after a breakout 2025. Losing Haulcy hurts, but LSU added one of the top safeties in the transfer portal with the arrival of Ty Benefield.
Benefield will play next to TaMarcus Cooley, a veteran safety who impressed in his first campaign with the Tigers last fall.
There's little concern about LSU's linebacker room, especially if Whit Weeks is healthy.
There are some question marks on the defensive line. Patrick Payton and Jack Pyburn weren't stars at defensive end, but they were reliable and played the bulk of snaps at the position. LSU was expecting Gabe Reliford to return, but a torn ACL in spring practice will leave Reliford out for the year.
Still, LSU is hoping transfers like Princewill Umanmielen and Jordan Ross can be complete players on the edge. Both have the talent to do so. LSU is also excited about the addition of several talented freshmen defensive linemen. Deuce Geralds and Richard Anderson both impressed as early enrollees in spring practice.
If LSU's defense is as good as SP+ suggests, it will take pressure off the offense in year one under head coach Lane Kiffin. Kiffin is one of the top offensive minds in the sport and LSU signed a talented portal class, but it could take a few games for the unit to gel. A dominant LSU defense can keep the Tigers afloat until the offense hits its stride.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU football's defense will be the best in the SEC in 2026
Continue reading...
ESPN's SP+ projections, one of the top ratings systems in college football, ranked LSU's defense No. 2 in the country in the initial preseason rankings released earlier this year. The only unit projected to be better is Ohio State's defense.
Some fans may raise their eyebrows at that projection. LSU is losing key difference makers in the secondary, including Mansoor Delane, a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft. Safety AJ Haulcy is off to the next level and LSU lost both starting defensive ends.
But look at what's coming back. Delane is gone, but LSU returns cornerback DJ Pickett, a former five-star who is a budding star. Corner PJ Woodland returns, too, after a breakout 2025. Losing Haulcy hurts, but LSU added one of the top safeties in the transfer portal with the arrival of Ty Benefield.
Benefield will play next to TaMarcus Cooley, a veteran safety who impressed in his first campaign with the Tigers last fall.
There's little concern about LSU's linebacker room, especially if Whit Weeks is healthy.
There are some question marks on the defensive line. Patrick Payton and Jack Pyburn weren't stars at defensive end, but they were reliable and played the bulk of snaps at the position. LSU was expecting Gabe Reliford to return, but a torn ACL in spring practice will leave Reliford out for the year.
Still, LSU is hoping transfers like Princewill Umanmielen and Jordan Ross can be complete players on the edge. Both have the talent to do so. LSU is also excited about the addition of several talented freshmen defensive linemen. Deuce Geralds and Richard Anderson both impressed as early enrollees in spring practice.
If LSU's defense is as good as SP+ suggests, it will take pressure off the offense in year one under head coach Lane Kiffin. Kiffin is one of the top offensive minds in the sport and LSU signed a talented portal class, but it could take a few games for the unit to gel. A dominant LSU defense can keep the Tigers afloat until the offense hits its stride.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU football's defense will be the best in the SEC in 2026
Continue reading...
