Updating the defensive depth chart for LSU football with the addition of new transfers

The LSU Tigers football team, known for its rich history of producing elite defensive players, is entering the 2025 season with high expectations, especially on the defensive side of the ball. As head coach Brian Kelly and defensive coordinator Matt House continue to shape the team into a national championship contender, one of the most significant areas of focus has been adding talent through the transfer portal. With a few key additions to the defensive roster, LSU’s defense is primed for improvement, and their depth chart is evolving to reflect these changes.

The Tigers’ defense has traditionally been one of the most dominant units in college football, and the coaching staff is continuing to elevate it by bringing in experienced transfers who will immediately compete for starting roles. These new additions bring a mix of experience, versatility, and raw talent that should add another layer of depth to LSU’s already impressive defensive squad.

Here’s an in-depth look at how the defensive depth chart for LSU football is shaping up heading into the 2025 season, with special attention to the impact of the new transfers and how they fit into the team’s defensive schemes.

Defensive Line

The defensive line is one of the most crucial areas for any team, and LSU has always had a tradition of producing NFL-caliber defensive linemen. Heading into 2025, LSU has bolstered its defensive front with a few key additions through the transfer portal, aiming to add more depth, size, and pass-rush ability.

Key Returners:

• Makai Wingo (Junior, DT): Wingo has been a key force in the middle of LSU’s defensive line, showing tremendous ability as a run-stopper and pass-rusher. His leadership and consistency make him an anchor for the Tigers’ defense.
• Jaquelin Roy (Senior, DT): As one of the standout players from the 2024 season, Roy has the strength and athleticism to dominate in the interior. His ability to disrupt plays in both the run and pass game is invaluable for LSU.

Transfers:

• Javon Dumas-Johnson (Senior, DE from Georgia): The addition of Dumas-Johnson, who was a starter for Georgia’s championship defense, brings elite pass-rushing ability to LSU’s defensive line. His speed off the edge and ability to finish plays will help LSU generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Dumas-Johnson’s experience at a top-tier program like Georgia will allow him to step into a starting role and contribute immediately.
• Owen McNeil (Junior, DT from Oklahoma State): McNeil is a plug-and-play defensive tackle who brings physicality and strength to LSU’s interior defensive line. Known for his ability to clog up running lanes, he will give LSU more options in defensive rotations, especially on early downs.
• Tyree Johnson (Senior, DE from Alabama): A transfer from Alabama, Johnson adds depth and versatility to LSU’s pass rush. With his explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and his experience against top-tier SEC competition, he could challenge for a starting spot at defensive end.

Depth Chart Outlook:

• Starting 3-4 DE: Jaquelin Roy
• Starting 3-4 DT: Makai Wingo
• Starting 3-4 DE: Javon Dumas-Johnson
• Backup 3-4 DT: Owen McNeil
• Backup 3-4 DE: Tyree Johnson

The influx of transfers gives LSU a mix of experienced players and rising stars who should immediately help bolster the defensive front. With the size and speed of these new additions, LSU will have one of the most formidable defensive lines in the SEC.

Linebacker Corps

Under Matt House, LSU’s linebackers have become a more versatile unit, capable of covering the run and the pass. With the recent additions via the transfer portal, LSU’s linebacker corps has been significantly bolstered, allowing for better depth and more options in terms of defensive schemes.

Key Returners:

• Harold Perkins Jr. (Sophomore, OLB): Perkins has quickly become one of the most exciting young linebackers in college football. His ability to cover ground, rush the passer, and make plays in space makes him a key player in LSU’s defense. Perkins’ versatility is unmatched, and he will be a critical part of LSU’s defensive success moving forward.
• Greg Penn III (Senior, ILB): A leader in the middle of LSU’s defense, Penn is known for his smarts, tackling ability, and leadership. He will be the heart of LSU’s linebacker group and will help coordinate the defensive line in both run-stopping and pass coverage.

Transfers:

• Tayvion Land (Junior, ILB from West Virginia): Land, a standout player at West Virginia, provides much-needed depth in the middle of LSU’s defense. Known for his sideline-to-sideline range and tackling ability, Land will challenge for a starting role at inside linebacker and could play a key role in the rotation.
• Devin Jackson (Senior, OLB from Oklahoma): Another addition to LSU’s linebacker corps is Devin Jackson, a veteran who has seen significant playing time at Oklahoma. Jackson’s ability to rush the passer and cover tight ends will make him a valuable asset for LSU’s defense, especially in passing situations.

Depth Chart Outlook:

• Starting OLB: Harold Perkins Jr.
• Starting ILB: Greg Penn III
• Starting OLB: Devin Jackson
• Backup ILB: Tayvion Land
• Backup OLB: Micah Baskerville

The linebacker position for LSU looks significantly stronger with the addition of Jackson and Land, complementing the already stellar Perkins and Penn. LSU now boasts one of the more dynamic linebacker units in the SEC.

Defensive Backs

The secondary is always one of LSU’s most important units, as the Tigers are known for producing elite cornerbacks and safeties. The addition of transfers has only improved LSU’s depth and talent at these positions.

Key Returners:

• Jay Ward (Senior, S): Ward has been one of LSU’s most consistent defensive backs. His ball-hawking ability, leadership, and experience make him a key figure in LSU’s secondary. Expect Ward to continue to lead from the back end and be a key playmaker.
• Mekhi Garner (Senior, CB): Garner was a standout cornerback for LSU in 2024, playing at a high level in coverage and run support. His physicality and ability to lock down receivers make him a key piece of the Tigers’ defense.

Transfers:

• Kiernan Wright (Senior, CB from Texas Tech): Wright, a transfer from Texas Tech, brings much-needed experience to LSU’s cornerback room. Known for his excellent ball skills and ability to lock down receivers on the outside, Wright will challenge for a starting role and help solidify LSU’s coverage units.
• Shemar Stewart (Junior, S from Florida State): Stewart brings a physical presence to LSU’s secondary. A versatile safety with excellent speed and tackling ability, he will be used in multiple roles, including as a deep safety and in coverage against tight ends and running backs.

Depth Chart Outlook:

• Starting CB: Mekhi Garner
• Starting FS: Jay Ward
• Starting SS: Shemar Stewart
• Starting CB: Kiernan Wright
• Backup FS: Major Burns
• Backup CB: Seven McGee

With the addition of Wright and Stewart, LSU’s secondary is now deeper and more talented. The combination of returners and transfers ensures that LSU can match up with the diverse offensive threats in the SEC and beyond.