LSU Defense Poised for SEC Championship Run Under Lane Kiffin and Blake Baker
Lane Kiffin’s first spring in Baton Rouge will reveal how well the roster fits together, and defensively, returning coordinator Blake Baker has a potentially dominant group. On paper, this unit has SEC championship upside.
Edge Rushers: A New Level of Disruption
The arrival of Ole Miss transfer Princewell Umanmielen immediately elevates the pass rush. His 50 pressures on 465 snaps demonstrate high-level production, and NFL scouts already view him as a draft-worthy disruptor. Alongside Umanmielen, Tennessee transfer Jordan Ross, a former Freshman All-SEC selection, adds depth and potential.
Trenton Henderson and Kolaj Cobbins provide youth and versatility, with Cobbins’ ability to play multiple techniques offering Baker strategic flexibility.
Spring Focus: Can LSU consistently generate four-man pressure without relying heavily on blitzes? The success of Umanmielen and Ross working in tandem will be key.
Defensive Complete: Power and Versatility on the Outside
The return of Gabriel Reliford from a rotator cuff injury is a significant boost. At 6-3, 265 pounds, he’s a strong-side anchor capable of collapsing pockets. Dylan Carpenter showed promise with 119 snaps in 2025 and could develop into a reliable rotational player.
Damien Shanklin and Jaylen Brown (South Carolina transfer) add size and SEC experience. Looking ahead, highly-touted recruit Lamar Brown, ESPN’s No. 1 overall athlete in 2026, possesses a high ceiling.
Spring Focus: Identifying the player who will consistently fill the traditional defensive end role opposite the edge rushers in base formations is a priority.
Defensive Tackle: The Foundation of the Front Seven
This unit may be the backbone of the defense. Dominick McKinley is poised for a breakout junior year after a strong performance in 2025. Clemson transfer Stephiylan Green brings battle-tested experience from a loaded defensive line room.
Richard Anderson, a top DT in the 2026 class, projects as a classic space-eating presence. Malik Blockton (Auburn transfer) logged 413 snaps and graded well against both the run and the pass, offering immediate impact.
Early enrollees Deuce Geralds and Brandon Brown add energy and developmental potential.
Spring Focus: Can the interior defensive line create consistent push while maintaining gap integrity? Success in this area will open opportunities for the linebackers.
Linebacker: Potential SEC’s Best
This group has All-SEC potential. Ole Miss transfer T.J. Dottery, with 98 tackles in the previous season and 174 in his career, is expected to be an “alpha” presence, according to Lane Kiffin.
The return of Whit Weeks provides LSU with arguably the best linebacker duo in the country. He’s the emotional leader of the defense. Davhon Keys at Star offers physicality and versatility in coverage and blitz packages.
Young depth includes Tylen Singleton, Charles Ross, Jaiden Braker, C.J. Jimcoily, Zach Weeks, and Keylan Moses, all offering athletic upside.
Spring Focus: How creative will Baker get with Dottery and Weeks playing together? Expect simulated pressures and disguised blitzes.
Cornerback: Experience and Emerging Talent
D.J. Pickett, a Freshman All-American, anchors the cornerback room. His sophomore development is critical. P.J. Woodland is close to elite status with 9 PBUs on 526 snaps.
JaKeem Jackson, Aidan Anding, and reclassified freshman Havon Finney add developmental depth. Michel Turner, known for his speed (4.29 forty), brings a unique element to the position.
Spring Focus: Identifying a consistent third corner in sub-packages is a key objective.
Safety: Veteran Stability
Boise State transfer Ty Benefield brings experience and physicality, with 233 career tackles and 28 starts. He replaces the production of A.J. Haulcy. Tamarcus Cooley provides continuity at strong safety with 693 snaps played.
DaShawn Spears offers size and natural ball skills. Youth infusion comes from players like [names not provided in source].
Spring Focus: Will Benefield immediately elevate the secondary’s communication and overall play?
Here’s the most balanced defense Baker has had.
If the defensive tackles control the line of scrimmage and the edge rush creates pressure without constant blitzing, LSU’s defense could return to a true top-10 national profile.
The biggest spring storyline: How quickly does this group gel under Kiffin’s new regime?
