Kiffin's Kingdom: Projecting LSU's New-Look Depth Chart for 2026

A new era has dawned in Baton Rouge, and with it comes a wholesale reconstruction of the LSU Tigers depth chart. Head coach Lane Kiffin, now steering the ship after his arrival from Ole Miss, has wasted no time putting his stamp on the program, aggressively working the transfer portal to reshape the roster for his inaugural season. As the Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026 season continues, the picture of who will take the field this fall is becoming clearer, driven by a blend of high-impact newcomers and established veteran talent.

The most crucial position battle was settled decisively through the portal. The Tigers will have a new signal-caller in Sam Leavitt, who takes the reins as QB1. The quarterback room has been completely overhauled, with transfers Husan Longstreet and Landen Clark slotting in behind Leavitt to provide depth. This new-look group is tasked with replacing Garrett Nussmeier, who recently departed for the NFL.

Offensively, Leavitt won't be without weapons. The backfield is a major strength, with key returning starters Harlem Berry and Caden Durham expected to carry the load. The passing game will be anchored by breakout star tight end Trey’Dez Green, who is already garnering national attention as one of the best players in the country. Protecting Leavitt is a top priority, and Kiffin addressed that by landing arguably the top prize in the transfer portal: offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, who projects as an immediate, dominant starter on a line that also returns Weston Davis and Braelin Moore.

On the defensive side of the ball, the challenge is more pronounced. Coordinator Blake Baker must find replacements for seven NFL draftees, none bigger than No. 6 overall pick cornerback Mansoor Delane and versatile linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. The foundation for the 2026 defense will be built around a core of key returning starters, including linebackers Whit Weeks and Davhon Keys. In the secondary, the Tigers will rely on the experience of defensive backs Tamarcus Cooley and PJ Woodland to step into larger leadership roles.

With no spring game held, fans have yet to see this revamped roster in action. The position battles have been waged behind the closed doors of spring practice, which concluded on April 24. As Kiffin, with the surprising assistance of special assistant Ed Orgeron, molds this team, the true test will come in fall camp when this collection of portal stars and returning veterans must coalesce into a cohesive unit ready to erase the memory of last season's Texas Bowl loss.