LSU EDGE Gabriel Reliford suffers torn ACL in spring

By Matt Moscona

Gabriel Reliford has suffered a torn ACL, multiple sources have confirmed to LouisianaSports.net.

The injury occurred during Thursday’s workout, the second of the spring. Reliford was seen practicing during the media viewing portion of Thursday’s practice. The redshirt sophomore defensive end was not seen at practice Saturday during the media viewing portion of the workout.

Reliford alluded to the injury on his Instagram story Friday.

The 6-foot-3, 270 pound end from Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport played in just four games last year due to a season-ending dislocated shoulder which required surgery. He played in 13 games with one start as a freshman in 2024.

The injury is likely to cost Reliford the 2026 season, however a source says a late season or postseason return could be possible.

LSU is remaking its EDGE room this season after Jack Pyburn, Patrick Payton and Jimari Butler were all lost to graduation. The No. 1 transfer EDGE Princewill Umanmielen followed Lane Kiffin from Ole Miss. LSU also added former Tennessee five-star Jordan Ross. That pair has been running with the first team through the first three practices. Jaylen Brown from South Carolina also joined the Tigers via the portal.

Reliford and Dylan Carpenter manned the edges for the second team during the first workout of the spring. Kolaj Cobbins replaced Reliford in Saturday’s practice. Highly touted freshman Lamar Brown will arrive this summer.