The Tigers’ “Way-Too-Early” expectations for the new-look LSU football defense

Several new players are expected to arrive in Baton Rouge this offseason, giving Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers a new defense in 2025.

Kelly’s staff has kept important players for the upcoming season in addition to several newcomers going to Death Valley.

With the workers happy with what is being constructed in Baton Rouge, Kelly and Co. are officially in “win now” mode as they enter 2025.

During Kelly’s first three seasons with the school, LSU added a number of young players to create the groundwork, but now the staff is actively using the portal to bring in proven players.

In December, Kelly stated, “We have a strong young nucleus in our program, but now it’s time to add to that.” “We wish the best to those who have moved on, and we believe we’ve put ourselves in a position where we can assemble a roster for the SEC Championship.”

What will this fall’s “new-look” defense from LSU look like?

The Main Returned Elements: First: Defensive Tackle Location: Jacobian Guillory, Dominick McKinley, and Ahmad Breaux

With rising sophomores Ahmad Breaux and Dominick McKinley hoping to advance after strong true freshman performances in 2024, the LSU defensive line will have several key players back in 2025.

In addition to the two young players, LSU will welcome back Shone Washington and Jacobian Guillory, who suffered a torn Achilles in 2024.

Due to a dearth of experienced experience, the Tigers may still have choices here even if they added Sydir Mitchell through the NCAA Transfer Portal. The “old head” is Guillory, but it will be intriguing to watch how he develops after suffering a ruptured Achilles.

No. 2: Davhon Keys, Whit Weeks, and West Weeks Stacked in the Linebacker Room

During the Tigers’ Texas Bowl game against Baylor, LSU linebacker Whit Weeks sustained a horrific ankle injury. A dislocated ankle and a shattered fibula were the official diagnoses. He is anticipated to fully recover from his surgery this week in time for the 2025 campaign.

After dominating America and leading the Southeastern Conference in single tackles, Weeks made a big splash in 2024.

West Weeks and Davhon Keys, a true freshman sensation, will also be back. This offseason, a number of new players will join the excellent linebacker room.

Third place: Cornerback Returnees: Michael Turner, PJ Woodland, and Ashton Stamps

Ashton Stamps, a cornerback for LSU who started for the Tigers during his freshman and sophomore seasons, will return to the purple and gold in 2025.

In addition to Stamps, the Tigers will welcome back Michael Turner and PJ Woodland, both true freshman who chose not to use the NCAA Transfer Portal during the first window.

No. 4: Insufficient Safety Depth: Jardin Gilbert, Dashawn Spears, and Javien Toviano

With several players leaving this summer, including Major Burns, Sage Ryan, and Kylin Jackson, the safety room is the program’s weakest spot.

Javien Toviano, who was recruited as a safety out of high school, has been shifted back to that position by LSU, while Jardin Gilbert and freshman Dashawn Spears will return.

Because there isn’t much competition in this room, expect the Tigers to sign one or two safeties through the NCAA Transfer Portal before the upcoming season.

In order to strengthen the overall talent of coordinator Blake Baker’s defense, who has LSU added this offseason?

The defensive additions: Florida CB Ja’Keem Jackson

LSU has signed Ja’Keem Jackson, who started at cornerback for Florida this season. He played in 13 games over his two years at Florida, making 11 tackles, four pass breakups, and a quarterback hurry. He now attends LSU.

Before missing the rest of the 2024 season due to an ankle injury, he started the first two games as a cornerback for Florida.

Jackson played in 11 games as a true freshman in 2023, recording three pass breakups and seven tackles. Jackson, a native of Kissimmee, Florida, was a four-star prospect by most accounts at Osceola High School, where he was ranked as the third-best cornerback in the country by On3 and included in the ESPN Top 300.

He assisted in leading his team to a 10-4 record and a Florida high school playoff quarterfinal as a senior.