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

Welcome to Depth Chart Thursday for Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026. After a transitional period that saw Lane Kiffin take the reins as head coach last November, the LSU Tigers have concluded their 15 closed spring practices. As the dust settles following the April 24 finale, a clear picture of the 2026 depth chart is beginning to emerge under Kiffin, offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., and defensive coordinator Blake Baker.

The most drastic transformation has occurred in the quarterback room. With Garrett Nussmeier heading to the NFL and Michael Van Buren Jr. transferring out, Kiffin entirely rebuilt the position. Transfer arrival Sam Leavitt has secured the QB1 role. Fellow highly-touted transfer Husan Longstreet and Landen Clark will provide essential depth behind Leavitt.

On the offensive side of the ball, Kiffin and his staff capitalized on a historic transfer and recruiting class. The offensive line is headlined by incoming standout transfer Jordan Seaton, a massive addition brought in to protect Leavitt. With key pass-catchers like Zavion Thomas, Barion Brown, and tight end Bauer Sharp off to the professional ranks, returning starter Trey'Dez Green will be heavily relied upon as a primary target. In the backfield, transfer Dilin Jones arrives to help fill the void left by Kaleb Jackson's departure.

Defensively, Blake Baker faces the task of replacing dynamic playmakers like Harold Perkins Jr., Mansoor Delane, and A.J. Haulcy. The defensive front is anchored by returning starter Dominick McKinley, heavily fortified by impact transfers Princewill Umanmielen and Malik Blocton. At linebacker, Whit Weeks returns as a crucial veteran presence. The secondary features intense competition, with returning starters PJ Woodland, DJ Pickett, and Tamarcus Cooley joined by key transfer addition Ty Benefield.

As LSU prepares for Kiffin's highly anticipated return to Ole Miss on September 19, this reloaded depth chart proves the Tigers are rapidly moving past their late-2025 bowl loss to Houston and eyeing a massive 2026 campaign.