Projected LSU Football Defensive Depth Chart Has Expectations Rising for 2026 Season

Lane Kiffin and Co. have multiple game-changing newcomers heading to Baton Rouge, projected depth chart takes shape.

Courtesy of Ty Benefield's Instagram.

Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers are just weeks away from Spring Camp in Baton Rouge with the program set to debut a new-look roster after a strong Transfer Portal stretch.

Once the portal window opened on Jan. 2, Kiffin and Co. attacked the free agent market with 42 newcomers making up the No. 1 Transfer Portal Class in America.

There was a primary focusing on reconstructing the offense with multiple quarterbacks, wide receivers, and offensive linemen emerging as positions of need, but LSU also boosted the depth on defense across a three-week stretch in the Bayou State.

LSU landed the No. 2 rated safety in the Transfer Portal along with multiple defensive linemen in order to boost the trenches.

Now, the projected LSU Depth Chart is taking shape. Who could run with the first-team come Spring Camp?

Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Malik Blocton (47) and his teammates celebrate his defensive stop as Auburn Tigers take on Ball State Cardinals at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Auburn Tigers defeated Ball State Cardinals 42-3. | Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Projected LSU Depth Chart: Defense Edition

Defensive Tackle:

Projected Starters: Dominick McKinley, Stephiylan Green

Depth: Malik Blocton, Achilles Woods, Shone Washington

Freshmen: Lamar Brown, Richard Anderson, Deuce Geralds

This will arguably be the most talented room on the 2026 roster with multiple transfer additions joining former five-star Dom McKinley alongside another pair of five-stars in Lamar Brown and Richard Anderson.

EDGE:

Projected Starters: Princewill Umanmielen, Gabriel Reliford

Depth: Jordan Ross, Jaylen Brown, Damien Shanklin, Dylan Carpenter, Kolaj Cobbins

Freshman: Trenton Henderson

LSU made a splash in signing Princewill Umanmielen at the buzzer in the Transfer Portal with the Top-5 free agent heading to Baton Rouge. Alongside Umanmielen should be Reliford - with Tennessee transfer Jordan Ross also in the mix to receive big-time snaps.

Linebacker:

Projected Starters: Whit Weeks, TJ Dottery

Depth: Davhon Keys, Tylen Singleton, Charles Ross, Jaiden Braker, Zach Weeks, Keylan Moses, Theo Grace

Courtesy of LSU Tigers Football.

Cornerbacks:

Projected Starters: DJ Pickett, PJ Woodland

Depth: Ja’Keem Jackson, Michael Turner, Aidan Anding

Freshmen: Havon Finney Jr., Dezyrian Ellis

Safety:

Projected Starters: Tamarcus Cooley, Dashawn Spears, Ty Benefield

Depth: Faheem Delane, CJ Jimcoily, Jhase Thomas, Treylan James, Mason Dossett

Freshmen: Aiden Hall, Isaiah Washington

We're placing Benefield in the safety category here - but the expectation is that he could slide down to the STAR along with Spears or Cooley.

More LSU News:

Nick Saban Names LSU No. 1 Coaching Job in College Football Amid Lane Kiffin Move

Lane Kiffin Pulls Off Historic Feat in Landing Commitment From Princewill Umanmielen

One Underrated Transfer in LSU Football's No. 1 Ranked Portal Class Under Lane Kiffin

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