LSU Can Build Its Defense Around Ty Benefield's Versatility

Ty Benefield gives the LSU Tigers positional flexibility that could be the difference maker in 2026

Boise State Broncos safety Ty Benefield (0) against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

The LSU Tigers are looking to make year one of the new regime one of the best seasons of recent years, including finding a way to insert themselves back into the College Football Playoffs, a spot they have sorely missed over the years.

With Lane Kiffin at the helm, there are sky-high expectations for what the offense can achieve, as many around the country expect the Tigers to have a strong defense, a consistent team that has followed the program over the past 15 years.

With the addition of Boise State transfer Ty Benefield, he not only gives them a boost in elite talent, but also provides positional flexibility that could put the Tigers back into an elite category

Who is Benefield?

Boise State Broncos safety Ty Benefield (0) intercepts a pass against the San Jose State Spartans in the second quarter at CEFCU Stadium | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

A transfer from Boise State, Benefield started 33 games for the Broncos, including a stretch of 28-straight at one. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound safety has an NFL-ready frame, mixed with elite speed and some of the highest football IQ around the country.

He was first-team All-Mountain West last season after finishing with 107 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, six passes broken up, and one forced fumble. With over 40 games under his belt, he brings elite experience and game-sense to Baton Rouge.

How Benefield Impacts the Tigers

LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Tampa Marriott. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Benefield was listed as the No. 3 safety out of the transfer portal, and the Tigers knew that landing him would be a perfect match for the two camps. With the development system that the Tigers have shown they are capable of, and Benefields desire to reach the NFL, he knew where best fit, and Kiffin belives he will be a household name at the end of the season.

"I think Ty is going to be one of those legends to play here," Kiffin said on Tyrann Mathieu's Inside the Bayou podcast this summer. "He's wired right, unbelievable range, great ball skills."

While listed as a safety, he is able to blanket cover the field, giving the Tigers more options in coverages, knowing the trsut, and skills, are there for Benefield to do what he is capable of against an opposing team.

Perhaps more than that as well, he is capable of getting in the backfield, with three sacks in his career and two forced fumbles, allowing the Tigers to walk him up into the box to stop a run as well. Benefield plays all over, and is capable of doing it all, and for the Tigers that could be exactly what they need to help a young cornerback room.

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