These two defensive transfers are making waves so far in LSU Fall Camp

LSU fans are anxious to see what the defense looks like in 2025. After several seasons of lackluster play, the Tiger defense needs to be much improved if LSU is going to compete for a National Championship this season.

As Fall Camp moves along and the season-opener against Clemson inches closer, two transfers on the defensive side of the ball are standing out.

Bernard Gooden can make an immediate impact up front

Bernard Gooden is a fifth-year senior, but he only has two full seasons of college football experience under his belt. In a way, that makes his strong play in Fall Camp even more impressive. He's worked his way into seeing significant time on LSU's first-team defensive unit.

Before coming to LSU, Gooden spent time at Wake Forest and South Florida. He redshirted in 2021 before appearing in 12 games and collecting seven tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss for the Demon Deacons in 2022. He sat out in 2023, and put together a strong 2024 campaign for South Florida. Appearing in 13 games, the Montgomery, AL native tallied 35 tackles and 10 tackles for loss. He was also opportunistic, as he recovered two fumbles. For his efforts, he received All-AAC honorable mention honors last season.

His impressive play in camp seems to come as a bit of a surprise, but it's clear he's making an impact. If he continues to impress, Gooden could prove to be a significant disrupter for the Tiger defensive front.

Mansoor Delane can lead a revamped LSU secondary

Mansoor Delane could be LSU's top outside cornerback this season. A four-star transfer, Delane comes to LSU from Virginia Tech. He was rated as the No. 4 corner and No. 52 overall player in the transfer portal according to On3's Industry Rankings.

A pillar of durability, Delane started 29 consecutive games in Virginia Tech's secondary over his three seasons in Blacksburg. He received Third-team All-ACC honors this past season after collecting four interceptions and 11 passes defended. In his career, the 6-foot-0, 190-pound corner has 146 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 22 passes defended, six interceptions, and four forced fumbles.

Along with his great instincts and ball skills, Delane is a surefire tackler. He's been turning heads all camp, which was highlighted by three interceptions across a two-day period earlier this week. Delane could lead a retooled LSU secondary that also features Ja'Keem Jackson, DJ Pickett, PJ Woodland, and Ashton Stamps.

LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker has liked what he's seen so far, saying that the defensive unit is an unselfish group that has come together quickly. All eyes will be on the Tiger defense as they go up against No. 4 Clemson in just over two weeks.