After several seasons of poor defensive play, the LSU Football team needed to go out and add a ton of talent to the defense this offseason. The LSU Football program did just that landing impact player after impact player at every level of the defense during the first transfer window. Based off of the level of talent LSU added during the first transfer window it wouldn't have been a surprise if the Tigers stood pat during the spring transfer portal window.
Instead, Brian Kelly and his staff went out and answered any potential concerns with the roster during the spring transfer portal window. The first addition came as LSU finally addressed the defensive tackle position landing the top defensive tackle to enter the portal this Spring in USF defensive tackle Bernard Gooden. The Tigers then went out and made their biggest splash yet landing AJ Haulcy the 13th ranked player to transfer this year and the 2nd ranked safety to transfer.
Heading into the 2025 season, LSU's defense now resembles the units we've seen the Tigers dominate with in year's past. After a busy year in the transfer portal and Spring practices, we're taking our best shot at predicting LSU's 2025 starting defense.
Edge Rusher - Patrick Payton and Gabe Reliford
- In rotation: Jack Pyburn and Jimari Butler
Even though LSU had already added Jack Pyburn and Jimari Butler, when Patrick Payton entered the transfer portal he was an instant target for LSU. Payton is the most proven pass rusher on the roster and has the most impressive skill set making him one of the key pieces of LSU's defense in 2025. Payton will need to look more like the player he was in 2023 when he racked up 7 sacks than this past season where he dipped to 4 sacks but, he's a key piece for LSU.
As a true freshman, Gabe Reliford was thrust into action at times behind a talent duo of NFL edge rushers in Bradyn Swinson and Sai'Vion Jones. The experience only helped Gabe Reliford when the Tigers took the field this spring as he turned heads with his development. LSU's edge rush group will be a rotation but, Reliford has better pass rush upside than Jack Pyburn and Jimari Butler.
In early downs, Jack Pyburn is going to be on the field for the Tigers for his ability setting the edge in the rushing attack. Pyburn plays with an edge and is violent in the rushing game which will be a breath of fresh air for LSU fans.
Jimari Butler will be in rotation for LSU but, he's likely the 4th player onto the field and 5th if LSU rushes Harold Perkins Jr off of the edge. Butler could have an impressive summer and change the expectations but, the players ahead of him have the inside track at playing time.
Defensive Tackle - Bernard Gooden and Dominick McKinley
- In rotation: Jacobian Guillory, Ahmad Breaux, and Sydir Mitchell.
This offseason, the LSU Football team has addressed it's defensive tackle room and the group is now starting to look more like what LSU fans are used to seeing. The Tigers nabbed the top ranked defensive tackle in the spring transfer portal in Bernard Gooden who has the ability to start Week 1. In the first transfer window LSU added a relative unknown in Sydir Mitchell who came to play for Bo Davis but, impressed after Davis left for the Saints this spring.
Dominick McKinley is LSU's best pass rusher at defensive tackle and will likely be one of the two defensive tackles taking the field on the first snap of the Clemson game. Ahmad Breaux was thrust into action as a true freshman finding a home on LSU's defensive line after arriving as an edge rusher. Jacobian Guillory returns with a ton of experience and gives LSU another key piece on the inside but, he's returning from a torn ACL.
Star - Harold Perkins Jr
When Harold Perkins Jr struggled to have the impact LSU hoped for, the Tigers planned to move Perkins into a more permanent role at Star. That game Harold Perkins Jr was lost for the season as he tore his ACL which stunted his development. The star role perfectly fits a ton of the best aspects of Harold Perkins skill set and if he can get back on the field this summer it'll help as he gains experience in the role.
Linebacker - Whit Weeks and Dahvon Keys
- In rotation: West Weeks and Tylen Singleton
The LSU Football team returns the heart of their defense as Whit Weeks is back from his Junior season. Weeks will return to the field this summer after suffering his injury in the Texas Bowl but, he's not competing for a role. Weeks is a tackling machine for the Tigers and one of the best at his position in the Country.
When other players missed time with injury, true freshman Dahvon Keys stepped into a role at linebacker and was one of the most exciting players to watch. The Oklahoma game was a great example of what Keys can be for LSU racking up 10 tackles with a sack. Getting first team reps this spring with Whit Weeks sidelined will only help Keys in taking a similar jump to what Whit Weeks did last season.
Cornerback - Mansoor Delane and DJ Pickett
- In rotation: Ashton Stamps, PJ Woodland, and Ja'Keem Jackson
Part of Corey Raymond's massive overhaul of LSU's defensive back room was going out and landing Virginia Tech cornerback Mansoor Delane. The cornerback could truly play nickel or safety for LSU and be the best at either position but, he'll be a crucial piece for the Tigers at cornerback. Delane was expected to be a Day 2 pick in the NFL Draft and his ability in coverage is a massive upgrade for the Tigers.
LSU fans can't stop getting excited about finally seeing DJ Pickett take the field for the Tigers defense. The 5-star freshman showed out and flashed during spring practice and is now the front runner to start opposite of Mansoor Delane. Corey Raymond has landed several top-ranked cornerbacks in Patrick Peterson and Derek Stingley Jr and both found their way onto the field from Day 1.
The Tigers' depth at the position is much better than past seasons, starting with Ashton Stamps, who started at cornerback for LSU this past season and had great moments. PJ Woodland saw plenty of playing time as a true freshman and has a ton of traits to be excited about, especially after a full offseason with Corey Raymond. Ja'Keem Jackson was a top cornerback in his recruiting class who reunites with Corey Raymond, transferring in from Florida. Jackson had a slow spring coming off of injury and is a player to keep an eye on this summer.
Nickel - Tamarcus Cooley
- In rotation: PJ Woodland and Javien Toviano
The addition of AJ Haulcy is exciting for LSU fans for Haulcy's ability but, it should excited LSU fans more about how the Tigers may deploy Tamarcus Cooley. At NC State, Tamarcus Cooley excelled in the nickel role and while LSU used him as one of its deep safeties in spring camp, the addition of Haulcy will allow him to play the role he best fits at. When LSU has Harold Perkins Jr in the star role, Cooley will likely drop back into a deep safety role as he's a better option in passing downs than Jardin Gilbert.
Safety - AJ Haulcy and Jardin Gilbert
- In rotation: Javien Toviano and Dashawn Spears
LSU going out and landing AJ Haulcy is far and away the most impactful addition the Tigers made in a busy year in the transfer portal. Haulcy is the level of player LSU has lacked at safety in the Brian Kelly era, which is part of the reason why LSU's defense has slipped from its standard. Last season, Haulcy posted an 80.5 PFF grade, allowing just 159 yards in coverage with 5 interceptions and 6 pass breakups with an 85.5 pass coverage grade.
The LSU Football team going out and revamping the secondary glosses over the fact that the Tigers return a starter at safety in Jardin Gilbert. The Texas A&M transfer impressed during camp last year and to start the season but, an injury that required postseason surgery clearly hampered his ability. In three safety sets Gilbert will likely play deep alongside AJ Haulcy.