With the youth movement going on in LSU’s defensive interior, it’s no surprise that many people around the country wouldn't take notice.
That’s what’s happening in Baton Rouge as two freshman defensive linemen, Lamar Brown and Deuce Geralds, have been selected as two of ESPN’s “The 51 freshmen poised to make an impact on the 2026 college football season."
Let’s take a look at what the Worldwide Leader in Sports had to say about these future stars.
Deuce Geralds has been one of LSU’s biggest freshman surprises
Geralds burst on the scene in the blink of an eye across spring camp and quickly became a starter on the defensive line. While the Georgia native is an undersized defensive lineman at 6-foot, 279 pounds, he has been the most impressive defensive lineman throughout the offseason and ESPN believes he will make an impact on the 2026 season for LSU.
"Yes, LSU's defensive line is loaded. Geralds also isn't the highest-rated defensive lineman in LSU's incoming class -- that was No. 1 overall prospect Lamar Brown -- but he made a strong first impression this spring," ESPN wrote.
"Geralds' explosion should help make up for less-than-ideal measureables and he may be better equipped to quickly step into a rotational role this fall."
Kiffin also believes his true freshman will flourish in 2026 - raving about Geralds this offseason after a strong Spring Camp.
"Deuce has done a phenomenal job. Major impact. I always talk to coaches to think about these guys, used to still be in high school before everybody became mid-years," Kiffin said during Spring Camp.
"For him to come in and play at the level he plays at, but practice the way that he does says a lot about his coaching in high school, says a lot about his upbringing with his parents."
Geralds, a top 100 prospect nationally, is Georgia’s all-time sack leader in high school football.
Lamar Brown has the physical tools to make an immediate splash at LSU
One of two five-star defensive linemen, along with Richard Anderson, to sign with LSU, Lamar Brown will begin his LSU career along the edge, but his versatility will make him a special weapon for years to come.
ESPN believes Brown will have a big year in 2026, when he is currently in the rotation as a defensive end. And the way things work sometimes, it would not be a surprise if he ended up starting,
"Brown has excellent physical tools. He knows how to play with leverage and has excellent agility for a 295-pounder along the interior. Brown also responds well to coaching," ESPN wrote.
"Those are all good traits for someone who faces a crowded path to playing time within a talented LSU defensive line room that also includes fellow freshmen Deuce Geralds and Richard Anderson. Brown's tool set could set him apart."
In Kiffin’s first presser of fall camp, he had a lot of great things to say about the 6-5, 295-pound freshman.
"Lamar [Brown] is great. Height-weight-speed combination and very rare to find. He's an awesome kid, really intelligent, really well-spoken, really has really good thoughts when you meet with him about being great and what it takes," Kiffin said last week.
"We're really excited about him, his ability to do multiple things. Again, that will take a little time. He just got here."
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