Mansoor Delane continues to turn heads for LSU this season. The Virginia Tech transfer came to Baton Rouge as the most sought after cornerback in the portal after three seasons in Blacksburg. Through six games in a Tiger uniform, Delane has established himself as one of the best cornerbacks in all of college football.
Delane has led a revamped LSU defense that currently ranks 5th in the country allowing just 11.8 points per game. His sticky coverage has led to teams simply avoiding to throw the ball in his general direction. Delane's stellar play has led to him skyrocketing up NFL Draft boards, and the accolades continue rolling in.
Mansoor Delane earns top CB recognition
At the halfway point of the 2025 regular season, Delane is the top cornerback in the country according to PFF. His grade of 90.3 is the highest among all power four cornerbacks. For his efforts, Delane is the winner of PFF's Midseason Best Defensive Back Award.
PFF’s Midseason Best DB Award Winner: Mansoor Delane
— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 17, 2025
Delane’s 90.3 PFF Grade is 1st Among Power Four Cornerbacks🐯 pic.twitter.com/jVelWOspDm
The recognition is just the latest for Delane, who was selected as the Bednarik Award National Player of the Week for his performance in LSU’s 17-10 win over Clemson in Week 1. Bleacher Report has Delane projected as a First Round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and has him ranked as the No. 2 cornerback. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr has Delane ranked at the No. 3 cornerback in the country. At the level he is playing, Delane figures to remain at the top of Draft boards throughout the rest of the season.
Delane put together another dominant performance against South Carolina last week, as the Gamecocks targeted him just twice on the night. He is a true lock-down corner who leads a much-improved LSU passing defense. That unit will have to be ready to roll on Saturday against Vanderbilt, as the Commodores rank 7th in the country scoring 43.2 points per game.