LSU's Defense Is a Total Unknown and These 5 Questions Will Make or Break Their Season

Holy smokes, you guys, this LSU defense? It's a straight-up puzzle box right now! We're hearing Blake Baker stuck around, dodging that Tulane job, which is HUGE for Lane Kiffin's crew. Baker is an important piece, no doubt. But let's be real, the chatter out of Baton Rouge is less about Baker building an elite SEC unit and more about figuring out if they'll even be *good*. Five massive questions swirl around, and how they're answered decides if this unit is absolutely lethal or if they fall short of expectations. The roster mixes proven returners with key additions, but those questions loom large!

The Front Seven: Who Steps Up When It Counts?

First up, the trenches and the heart of that defense. A seriously tight battle is brewing for interior defensive line spots. Spring standout Deuce Geralds goes toe-to-toe with 5-star talent Richard Anderson and Auburn transfer Malik Blocton. That's serious competition Baker needs to dominate. Then there's the big news with Whit Weeks, back healthy after an ankle injury. This dude is set to anchor the linebacking group with TJ Dottery for his senior season, aiming to reclaim his leader status. Weeks' return is clutch for a fast start, especially with that opener against Clemson less than 100 days away in Death Valley. But wait, it gets tougher: Gabriel Reliford is out with a torn ACL, leaving a massive hole on the edge. Ole Miss transfer Princewill Umanmielen brings instant help, but he and Lamar Brown better hit the ground running and soak up those snaps and opportunities!

Secondary Under the Microscope: Can Anyone Hold Down the Corner?

Okay, let's be honest, the secondary looks shaky right now. Aidan Anding tore his Achilles tendon in spring camp, a gut punch creating a major CB4 hole. DJ Pickett and PJ Woodland are starters, but after them, it's a wide-open race. Ja’Keem Jackson, Michael Turner, Havon Finney Jr., and JUCO transfer Lavonte Williams all battle for that crucial spot heading into fall camp. Luckily, Corey Raymond coaches those corners, and his track record of developing elite cornerbacks is legendary. There's hope he can develop these young guns fast and keep the secondary steady. Over at safety, though, there's a definite bright spot. Boise State transfer Ty Benefield has been an absolute standout, impressing throughout the offseason and earning praise for his leadership and versatility. He was a three-year starter at Boise State, an All-Mountain West guy, racked up 107 tackles, and started 28 straight games. The dude brings serious size and experience, pairing with Tamarcus Cooley while Dashawn Spears holds down the STAR position. Benefield is a key piece in Baker's defense, no doubt.

What Does This Mean for Baker's Big Year?

So, facing down the season, these questions aren't just minor tweaks; they're foundational. Blake Baker's decision to stay means he's all-in, but his ability to actually build that "monster" defense depends entirely on how these battles shake out. Will Whit Weeks truly return to form? How great will Ty Benefield be? Who emerges as CB4, and will Lamar Brown hit the ground running on the edge? The answers to these five major defensive concerns will ultimately determine if LSU starts fast and competes for a playoff run in 2026 with confidence on defense. It's going to be a wild ride in the SEC, and every snap, every practice, every single decision from Baker and his staff is going to matter. Get ready, folks, because the stakes for Baker's unit overall balance are sky-high!

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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.