Depth Chart Thursday: Projecting the LSU Tigers Under Lane Kiffin
How the transfer portal and returning stars are shaping LSU's roster for Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026.
As Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026 heats up, LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin is working diligently to finalize a newly shaped roster. Following a tough 38-35 loss to the Houston Cougars in the Texas Bowl to close out the previous era, Kiffin and his staff used their recent month-long spring practice session to evaluate the pieces of a top-ranked transfer class and establish the depth chart.
For this week's Depth Chart Thursday, the most critical position is already locked in. Transfer arrival Sam Leavitt has secured the QB1 role, tasked with leading the offense after the NFL departure of Garrett Nussmeier. The quarterback room has been completely revamped through the portal, with Husan Longstreet and Landen Clark serving as the primary backups to Leavitt.
Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. has an arsenal of talent to build around. Tight end Trey'Dez Green returns following a breakout 2025 season and is already commanding national attention as one of college football's premier players. The offensive line features highly touted transfer Jordan Seaton as an immediate starter, while Weston Davis and Braelin Moore provide critical returning experience. In the backfield, the returning tandem of Harlem Berry and Caden Durham will share touches, bolstered by new transfer additions like Raycine Guillory, Rod Gainey Jr., and Dilin Jones.
Defensively, coordinator Blake Baker faces the tall task of replacing seven NFL Draft departures, including standout No. 6 overall pick Mansoor Delane and star Harold Perkins Jr. To reload, LSU has integrated edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen from the portal. The defense will lean heavily on returning linebackers Whit Weeks and Davhon Keys, as well as defensive backs Tamarcus Cooley and PJ Woodland.
With former national championship-winning head coach Ed Orgeron making a surprising return as a special assistant, the Tigers have an experienced voice in the building helping piece this complex puzzle together. As the program navigates the remainder of Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026, Kiffin's revamped depth chart looks poised to make noise this fall.
Published 5 months ago
Staff
Staff writer for SEC Saturday Wire covering college sports.
Process Notes & Methodology
The article focuses on projecting LSU's starting lineups and key depth pieces under new head coach Lane Kiffin. It aligns perfectly with the Depth Chart Thursday theme by outlining the revamped offense and retooled defense.
The introduction hooks readers by referencing Kiffin's arrival and the team's ongoing roster evaluation during Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026. It anchors the piece with the context of the recent spring practice session and the Texas Bowl loss to Houston.
The body heavily relies on the provided depth chart, specifically naming Sam Leavitt as QB1 and outlining the portal additions. It highlights OC Charlie Weis Jr.'s offense with Trey'Dez Green and Jordan Seaton, and DC Blake Baker's task of replacing NFL departures like Mansoor Delane.
The conclusion pivots to the intriguing storyline of Ed Orgeron's return as a special assistant. It sets an optimistic tone for the remainder of the offseason and the upcoming fall campaign.
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