LSU targeting new DL coach who could bring 5-star Dylan Stewart with him

As Lane Kiffin continues building his inaugural coaching staff at LSU, he is reportedly eyeing a potential hire that could benefit LSU in more ways than one. According to On3, Kiffin is targeting South Carolina's Sterling Lucas to be LSU's defensive line coach in his first season in Baton Rouge.

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Lucas has played a prominent role in recruiting and developing Dylan Stewart, who has emerged as one of the best pass rushers in the country. Is there a chance Lucas brings Stewart with him from Columbia to Baton Rouge?

Could Lane Kiffin's potential hire of Sterling Lucas help bring Dylan Stewart to LSU?

According to GamecockCentral's Chris Clark and Wes Mitchell, Lucas is expected to leave the program and join Kiffin's staff at LSU. Lucas has been in Columbia with the Gamecocks for four seasons, serving as South Carolina's defensive ends/outside linebackers coach and defensive run game coordinator this past season.

Lucas' defense recorded 41 sacks last season, which was tied for the 10th-most in the country. He's also coached two All-SEC EDGE players in each of the past two seasons.

Not only would Lucas be a strong hire by himself, but Tiger fans are eager to see if he can bring Dylan Stewart with him. Still with two years of eligibility remaining, Stewart has an extremely bright future ahead.

He recorded 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks last season as a true freshman, then followed that up with 12 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 2025. He earned Freshman All-American and Freshman All-SEC honors last season, and earned All-SEC honors this season.

Kiffin is known for his high-flying offenses, but this hire could yield tremendous results if Stewart chooses to follow Lucas to Baton Rouge. Potentially giving defensive coordinator Blake Baker another dynamic playmaker such as Stewart has LSU fans fired up at the possibilities.