Stephen Lew
By Hunt Palmer
LSU’s 2026 secondary could play a prominent role in Saturday’s Texas Bowl.
While the absence of Mansoor Delane and AJ Haulcy weakens LSU’s unit against Houston, the group of DJ Pickett, PJ Woodland, Dashawn Spears and Tamarcus Cooley could be the first four out in LSU’s season opener in eight months.
It’s tough to draw any conclusions about the LSU offense with a new offensive staff taking over and a pair of young offensive linemen in the transfer portal. A talent infusion is coming at quarterback, and the running back position is in flux.
Defensively, the secondary feels pretty stable during this coaching transition. Pickett came to LSU to play for Corey Raymond, and Woodland has been one of the up-and-comers to blossom on this team. With Raymond returning, they probably will too.
Cooley had a solid year, and Spears shined when given the chance. He picked off a pair of passes against Florida and graded a 90.8 for the season on Pro Football Focus. That was the best mark on the team. He was 17th on the defense in snaps played. More opportunity is coming.
Jake Olsen is also back for LSU, so his safeties are likely to return.
Secondary play relies a ton on communication and cohesion. This group will have an audition to prove to Lane Kiffin that resources can be diverted elsewhere in the transfer portal cycle. The starters are set on the back end of the defense.
Conner Weigman and the Houston offense aren’t dynamic in the passing game. Houston ranks 84th in passing offense and 83rd in 20-plus yard passes. LSU’s secondary should be a strength Saturday night.
With Raymond and Olson in charge, all signs suggest it will be in 2026, too.
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