Depth Chart Thursday: Projecting LSU's New-Look Roster Under Lane Kiffin

The Lane Kiffin era is officially underway in Baton Rouge. Following a disappointing 7-6 finish in 2025 and Brian Kelly's departure, Kiffin has engineered a massive roster overhaul, securing the No. 1 transfer portal class with a staggering 40 incoming commits. With LSU concluding its 15 spring practices on April 24 without a traditional spring game, the focus now shifts to how this reloaded roster will take the field.

For this edition of Depth Chart Thursday, we break down the projected starters and key position battles for the Tigers during the Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026 season.

Quarterback: The Sam Leavitt Show (When Healthy)

There is no controversy at the top of the depth chart: Arizona State transfer Sam Leavitt is the presumed QB1. However, Leavitt's health remains a focal point after a foot injury sidelined him for the majority of spring practice. Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. will need Leavitt at full strength to run his system. Behind Leavitt, Huson Longstreet and Landen Clark handled the reps this spring and remain in a tight battle for the primary backup role.

Offensive Weapons & Protection

Weis Jr. is tasked with revitalizing an offense that lost Garrett Nussmeier and key pass-catchers like Zavion Thomas, Bauer Sharp, and Barion Brown to the NFL. Fortunately, he has an elite mix of returners and portal additions. Returning running back Caden Durham and tight end Trey'Dez Green are poised for massive roles. On the perimeter, transfer wideouts Winston Watkins Jr. and Jayce Brown are expected to make immediate impacts.

In the trenches, Colorado transfer Jordan Seaton is a monumental addition. The offensive line also features key returning starters Weston Davis, Braelin Moore, and Bo Bordelon, along with incoming transfer Aliou Bah, creating a formidable protective wall for Leavitt.

Defense: Baker's Rebuild

Defensive coordinator Blake Baker has his work cut out for him, especially with the NFL departures of Harold Perkins Jr., Mansoor Delane, and AJ Haulcy. However, the returning talent is undeniable. Linebacker Whit Weeks returns as a crucial anchor in the middle of the defense. The secondary features returning starters DJ Pickett and PJ Woodland, who will be heavily supplemented by incoming transfer Faheem Delane.

Up front, the Tigers added serious firepower via the portal with Princewill Umanmielen and Malik Blocton, who are projected to step right into major rotational or starting roles.

With 40 new faces from the portal, the starting lineup will likely remain fluid throughout the summer. But one thing is certain: Kiffin's Tigers will look entirely different than the squad that walked off the field after the Texas Bowl loss to Houston last December.