LSU's first loss of the season on Saturday Night didn't just hurt the teams chances of making the Playoff, but it also left the team dealing with some serious injuries. During the game, LSU watched starting safety Dashawn Spears, superstar tight end Trey'Dez Green, and wide receiver Phillip Wright III all leave with injuries.
While Lane Kiffin stayed tight-lipped when asked for injury updates, it was only a matter of time before reports revealed the true status of 3 key pieces. On Sunday, LSU received some good news as Trey'Dez Green will avoid surgery, but every other update has been miserable for the Tigers, starting with Philip Wright needing season ending surgery.
LSU loses STAR Dashawn Spears to season ending injury
On Sunday Afternoon, CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz broke the news that Dashawn Spears underwent an MRI on Sunday that revealed that Dashawn Spears suffered a season ending ACL injury.
Unfortunate injury development for LSU:
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) September 20, 2026
An MRI today showed that standout defensive back Dashawn Spears suffered a season-ending ACL injury against Ole Miss, sources tell @CBSSports pic.twitter.com/3EUHpizwiQ
When the injury first happened, it looked as if Dashawn Spears suffered an ankle injury as PJ Woodland landed on his leg. The news that it's a torn ACL is scary for Spears as it carries a much longer timeline for recovery than an ankle injury.
Dashawn Spears signed with LSU out of High School as a 4-star recruit, and one of the best players in the state of Louisiana. Early in his career, Dashawn Spears played a limited role in the defense, but had a breakout performance last season with two interceptions, including a Pick 6 against Florida.
Despite not starting right away, Dashawn Spears stuck around and was set to play a massive role in the defense this season. Instead of being rewarded for his loyalty, Spears is dealt a cruel setback that will cost him the season. Everyone, including NFL scouts, were eyeing Spears as a potential breakout candidate, but it'll be delayed until next season.
With Dashawn Spears being ruled out for the season, the Tigers are going to have to find a new starter at one of the toughest positions in the defense. CJ Jimcoily and Jhase Thomas each played in the role on Saturday Night, and Thomas may be best suited to lock down the role moving forward.
Blake Baker and the rest of the defensive staff could also get creative with how they use the STAR position moving forward. In the past players like Harold Perkins have stepped into the role, and the Tigers could start throwing different looks at opposing defenses if no one locks down the role.
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