While Lane Kiffin is still looking to make a major splash in the portal in pursuit of a quarterback, he made a solid addition to the LSU defense on Tuesday. According to On3, LSU has landed a commitment from Boise State transfer safety Ty Benefield.
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Benefield is a great get for Kiffin and the Tigers, and is Kiffin's biggest transfer portal signing to date in Baton Rouge. The former Boise State playmaker is ranked as the No. 2 ranked safety in the portal and the No. 33 ranked overall player. He recently spent multiple days visiting LSU, and has now committed to play for the Tigers in 2026.
BREAKING: Boise State star transfer DB Ty Benefield has signed with LSU, @PeteNakos reports🐯
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) January 6, 2026
Benefield totaled 105 tackles this season. https://t.co/0XdbD77Jdr pic.twitter.com/7P3sb6F1i3
Boise State DB Ty Benefield commits to LSU via the transfer portal
Benefield was originally rated as a 3-star prospect out of Santa Margarita High School in California, and was the No. 1376 overall recruit in the 2023 recruiting class according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. He really burst on the scene this past season with the Broncos, recording 107 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions in 14 games. He spent 3 seasons at Boise State, and heads to LSU with plenty of experience. In his career, Benefield has 235 tackles (162 solo), 18 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 5 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles to his name over the course of 41 games.
Defensive coordinator Blake Baker has plenty of playmakers to replace heading into 2026, including LB Harold Perkins Jr, CB Mansoor Delane, and S AJ Haulcy. Benefield's experience and skill set could make him a strong replacement for Haulcy, who has declared for the NFL Draft after a sensational season in Baton Rouge. Like Benefield, Haulcy spent 3 seasons with non-Power 4 programs (New Mexico and Houston) before making his way to LSU.
Haulcy's move to Baton Rouge paid off in a major way, as he emerged into one of the best safeties in all of college football with the Tigers in 2025. He is ranked as the No. 8 safety in Mel Kiper's latest NFL Draft Big Board Rankings, and is projected to be selected in Rounds 2-4 of April's draft. Benefield, a 6'2" 205-pound safety, is looking to experience similar success as Haulcy did playing in Baker's defense.
Benefield is a solid get, but Kiffin still needs to bring in even more talent on both sides of the ball through the portal. The portal is open until January 16, and Tiger fans are eager to see what Kiffin cooks up.