Is Ashton Stamps the odd man out in LSU's revamped secondary?

LSU fans couldn't have been more thrilled with the play of Blake Baker's defense in Week 1 against Clemson. The Tiger defense needed a facelift, and LSU was able to bring in a number of newcomers that made an immediate impact in the secondary.

With so much turnover, it was tough to know what to expect from LSU's new-look defense. Going on the road against a top-five opponent with a veteran quarterback was no easy task, but the Tigers didn't blink once. The defense put together an eye-popping performance that has the college football world talking.

Most notably, Virginia Tech transfer Mansoor Delane and five-star freshman DJ Pickett stood out in their respective LSU debuts. But one player was noticeably absent from the action: junior cornerback Ashton Stamps. More specifically, Stamps did not take a single defensive snap for the Tigers against Clemson.

That was a bit surprising to see, as Stamps started all 13 games at cornerback as a sophomore in 2024, and has 24 appearances with 17 starts under his belt in two seasons in Baton Rouge. Furthermore, he ranked third in the SEC with 14 passes defended last season. Given his strong play-making ability and valuable experience, Stamps figured to play a big role in LSU's defense again in 2025. But through one game, he hasn't seen any action.

ESPN 104.5's Matt Moscona makes a good point in mentioning that Stamps' lack of playing time isn't necessarily due to Stamps' ability, but the substantial upgrades that LSU made to its cornerback room.

LSU new-look defense has great cornerback depth

Delane was the star of Week 1's win over Clemson. The former Virginia Tech cornerback played 40 snaps in coverage and allowed just one catch on eight targets. He collected a pair of PBUs, with one coming on a crucial Clemson fourth down attempt in the fourth quarter. Delane also came up with a huge interception, picking off Cade Klubnik in the third quarter. His performance proved why he was one of the most sought-after CBs in the transfer portal during the offseason.

DJ Pickett also impressed in his collegiate debut. The five-star true freshman played 25 snaps in coverage, and was targeted just once. There was a lot of hype around Pickett heading into the season, and the 6-foot-5 cornerback delivered in a big way. He is going to be fun to watch this season. PJ Woodland was also impressive, as he collected five tackles, including a tackle for loss.

All in all, the LSU cornerback room looks to be vastly improved from last season. Unfortunately for Stamps, it has already impacted his playing time. However, his presence provides great depth to what can be a special cornerback group. Stamps will see the field this season, and could very well play a huge role again. There is a long way to go, and having an experienced player like Stamps ready and available is a huge advantage for LSU.