Ranking LSU's 3 Strongest Defensive Positions for 2026

LSU’s defensive positions are being mapped for the 2026 season, with the article arguing that the defense—not the reworked offense—will be decisive. It highlights safeties first, describing LSU’s secondary as “DBU” territory and noting key returners Tamarcus Cooley, Jhase Thomas and Dashawn Spears. The piece says Spears shifts toward Harold Perkins Jr.’s star role, playing closer to the line of scrimmage, covering the slot, blitzing the quarterback and sometimes dropping into deep zones. Transfers Ty Benefield from Boise State and Aiden Hall from Edna Karr in New Orleans are also cited, along with Faheim Delane. The defensive line section points to Dylan Carpenter, Damein Shanklin and Dominick McKinley, plus transfers including Princewill Umanmielen, Jordan Ross, Malik Blockton and Stephiylan Green. Freshmen are described as the strength, naming Lamar Brown, Richard Anderson and Deuce Geralds. Linebackers are introduced as the separator, with TJ Dottery leading the SEC in tackles in 2025 with 98.