This offseason has seen LSU absolutely load up on defense between signing an absolutely loaded defensive recruiting class while also adding a few massive transfers to build out the roster. On Friday, LSU got the news that Harold Perkins Jr will return for one more season giving LSU another chess piece on defense. We're way too far away from the 2025 season to tell who will start where but, and early look at LSU's depth chart heading into 2025 shows how loaded this group truly is.
Position | Starter | Back Up |
|---|---|---|
DE | Jack Pyburn | Jimari Butler |
DT | Jacobian Guillory | Sydir Mitchell |
DT | Dominick McKinley | Ahmad Breaux |
DE | Patrick Payton | Gabe Reliford |
WLB | Dahvon Keys | West Weeks |
MLB | Whit Weeks | Tylen Singleton |
LCB | Ashton Stamps | PJ Woodland |
FS | Mansoor Delane | DaShawn Spears |
SS | Jardin Gilbert | Javien Toviano |
RCB | Ja'Keem Jackson | DJ Pickett |
STAR | Harold Perkins Jr |
At defensive end, LSU loaded up and its one of the easiest groups to project as Patrick Payton, Jimari Butler, and Jack Pyburn will all see a ton of playing time while Gabe Reliford should be right there with the group in the rotation.
At defensive tackle, Jacobian Guillory returns as will Dominick McKinley with a full offseason to continue his development and should be a starter. Ahmad Breaux will return as well after being a key piece for LSU in the rotation and should be the first player into the rotation. Finally, LSU added defensive tackle Sydir Mitchell from Texas who will see meaningful playing time next season.
At Linebacker, we know Whit Weeks and Dahvon Keys will be the two leading the group but, after them its tough to project. LSU's staff could continue to deploy Harold Perkins Jr as a linebacker but, that doesn't seem to be his best fit. We'll certainly see West Weeks next onto the field followed by Tylen Singleton who showed flashes in camp but, LSU did sign a loaded linebacker class who should push for playing time.
LSU brought in two transfer cornerbacks and the top freshman cornerback DJ Pickett which makes the position the biggest position to watch this offseason. Ashton Stamps started the entire season and should have the inside track to starting. Ja'Keem Jackson, DJ Pickett, and Mansoor Delane will likely compete to start opposite Stamps but, to start the year we'll likely see Jackson getting the start due to experience.
At safety, LSU returns a starter in Jardin Gilbert who will likely retain his role heading into 2025. Then its a toss up as Javien Toviano moved to safety while DaShawn Spears, Joel Rogers, and Austin Ausberry return. The player that we think may end up starting at free safety is Mansoor Delane who has flashed as a tackler which may make his best fit at safety.
The Star position should then be Harold Perkins Jr's as LSU moved Javien Toviano to safety while Major Burns and Kylin Jackson leave. The Tigers were moving Perkins into the role before he tore his ACL and it'll allow him to rush the passer while keeping his speed close to the line of scrimmage.