Friday’s story made LSU sound old.
I think experienced is a better word, personally. The 2026 team will certainly lose a number of contributors, but there are plenty of young players either vying for playing time this fall or waiting in the wings. It’s foolish to try to project future rosters in this era, but some level of continuity is reasonable considering LSU has a first-year head coach.
In the backfield, Husan Longstreet is just a redshirt freshman. He and Landen Clark have plenty of eligibility remaining. There’s not a senior running back in the fold. Caden Durham, Harlem Berry and Dilin Jones could return. I’d wager a crisp $5 one of those three is the starter in 2027. The other three scholarship backs are freshmen or sophomores.
Up front, you’ll probably lose four starters assuming Jordan Seaton moves on. That’s a safe assumption. Still this portal class included players like Devin Harper, William Satterwhite, Sean Thompkins (redshirt junior), Derrin Strey and JaKolby Jones. Solomon Thomas, Weston Davis and Brysten Martinez are young players. So are Brett Bordelon and Ryan Miret. That’s 10 guys with more eligibility remaining, and I don’t know that any of them expected to be starters this year aside from Harper and obviously Davis.
Even after Trey’Dez Green leaves early for NFL, Malachi Thomas, JD LaFluer and JC Anderson return. A five-star commitment could enter the fold, too. But that’s not what this exercise is about. Tight end is currently healthy.
So is wide receiver. LSU brought in 13, and only Jayce Brown is in his senior season. A few will inevitably defect, but the numbers are strong and include seven freshmen or sophomores.
The defensive line’s freshman class could be outstanding and really take over the unit next year with Lamar Brown, Richard Anderson and Deuce Geralds. Don’t forget about Gabriel Reliford. Damien Shanklin, Dylan Carpenter and Kolaj Cobbins are still around and have more eligibility.
In the middle, Dominick McKinley, Stephiylan Green and Malik Blocton have the option to return. All three are draft eligible.
At linebacker, Blake Baker was able to keep Tylen Singleton, Zach Weeks, Charles Ross, Jaiden Braker and Keylan Moses. I don’t think a single one of those players is going to start this year, and Whit Weeks and TJ Dottery are on their way out to open up those two spots.
DJ Pickett will return in 2027, and PJ Woodland could join him. He’s a 165-pound corner. Those aren’t especially draftable. Aidan Anding will be back, and Havon Finney will be a year older.
Safety will lose Ty Benefield. We’ll see about Tamarcus Cooley and Dashawn Spears, but Faheem Delane, Jhase Thomas, CJ Jimcoily, Aidan Hall and Isaiah Washington are waiting in the wings.
Again, many, many of these players are risks to enter the draft or transfer. Some assuredly will, but Kiffin’s “young” comment holds some water with the depth.
