The LSU defense has let the program down in recent seasons. Great Tiger offenses have been asked to carry the load in Brian Kelly's tenure in Baton Rouge thus far, and as the 2025 season draws nearer, Tiger fans are closely watching the development of the defense. A revamped LSU defensive group has to be better if the Tigers want to compete for an SEC Championship and national title.
As Fall Camp moves along, LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker is liking what he is seeing from his defense so far. Speaking with the media on Monday, Baker stated that LSU's 2025 defense is one of the most fun defenses he has ever coached.
Blake Baker: "We haven't played a game yet, but this is one of the most fun defenses I've ever coached. It is a group of guys that are all pulling the rope in the same direction." pic.twitter.com/jhHTocbxGV
— Harrison Valentine (@HValentineLSU) August 11, 2025
LSU's defensive roster improvements have Tiger fans hopeful
Baker stated that the defensive group has come together very quickly during camp. He praised Brian Kelly's culture, and added that an unselfish group of players makes it fun to coach this defense.
While Baker's comments give confidence to Tiger fans, the defense will ultimately be judged starting on Aug. 30 against Clemson. LSU has dropped five straight season-opening games, having allowed an average of 35.6 points per game in those contests. That simply cannot happen again.
Last season, LSU had the third-worst scoring defense in the SEC, as the Tigers allowed 23.4 points per game. They also ranked 11th in the conference by allowing 364.4 yards per game to their opponents. The defense couldn't come up with timely stops on a consistent basis, which led to an underwhelming 8-4 regular season record.
But help is on the way. Baker's defense features nine incoming transfers as well as a talented group of freshmen. Headlining the transfer class is former Virginia Tech CB Mansoor Delane and former USF DL Bernard Gooden. Former New Mexico and Houston S A.J. Haulcy also has a chance to make an immediate impact.
No. 1 CB DJ Pickett headlines LSU's incoming freshman group on the defensive side of the ball. Along with his 6-foot-5, 195-pound frame, Pickett's instincts and ball skills could lead to an eye-popping freshman season. The new-look secondary will aim to improve on LSU's SEC-low 10 interceptions last season.
Baker came to Baton Rouge in 2024 after serving as Missouri's defensive coordinator and safeties coach since 2022. This is his second stint with LSU, as he was LSU's linebackers coach in 2021.