LSU Tigers Final Scrimmage Must Answer One Defensive Line Question

What Saturday's scrimmage means for the defensive line

November 10, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Barkevious Mingo (49) lines up prior to the snap during the first half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Mississippi State 37-17. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

LSU football is in the final stretch of its fall camp, with one more scrimmage before the mock game closes out the important couple of weeks for the new and improved program.

While the team has seen major development this month, there are still unanswered questions lingering in the position groups full of new talent from Lane Kiffin's historical recruiting run this offseason.

One of them lies on the defensive line, with breakout stars emerging this camp to take over the first-team drills, making fans wonder who Kiffin will trust by the first Saturday night in Death Valley.

A Trusted Rotation

Oct 11, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive lineman Monkell Goodwine (44) forces a fumble at the 1 yard line by LSU Tigers running back Ju'Juan Johnson (8) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

As the position group is packed tight with major talent, the real question isn't just about who the starting four will be, but who defensive coordinator Blake Baker will look for when keeping his linemen fresh.

It's not common to see freshmen take over a position group, especially as an entire force. Freshman defensive linemen Richard Anderson, Deuce Geralds, and Lamar Brown have been in the main spotlight this fall camp, making an immediate impact on the position group.

As Brown was listed as the highest-rated athlete in the class of 2026, stepping up to the first team in practices isn't a complete surprise. But his versatility could be used more on the exterior, with the roster listing him as a defensive end.

For Geralds, the main topic of LSU's spring ball, and Anderson, the highest-rated defensive lineman in the class of 2026, their paths to playing time were sure to accelerate quickly, just not at this speed.

The trio can now be the ultimate force in the trenches and have breakout debuts this year to be trusted against LSU's tough conference opponents, making them an ideal option not only to rotate through the linemen, but also to be at the forefront.

From Practice Pads To Game Day

Dec 27, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Louisiana State Tigers defensive tackle Dominick McKinley (96) looks on during the first half against the Houston Cougars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The final scrimmage is the last test of LSU's roster rotation before securing the starting lineup to face the Clemson Tigers at the season opener on September 5th.

Defensive tackle Dominick McKinley returns to the line for another impactful year in Baton Rouge, with new faces by his side from transfers defensive tackles Malik Blocton from Tennessee and Stephiylan Green from Clemson.

With trusted veterans with college experience, the Tigers seem to have a comfortable first team ready to go for the Labor Day Weekend matchup. Unless the final scrimmage proves otherwise.

If the freshman trio can prove their trusted talent in the last full-contact test before the season starts, Baker can rely on them to rotate into the line and become the next best option behind the veterans. If the scrimmage shows that the new stars aren't quite ready for the big stage, then the veterans will be the more relied-on option.

It might not be an LSU game day, but this Saturday in Death Valley is crucial for the Tigers.

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