LSU’s defensive backfield is staring down a potential No. 1 ranking in college football by season’s end, and if you’re not paying attention to what’s brewing in Baton Rouge, you’re missing out big time. While Phil Steele has them at No. 10 and Pick Six Previews at No. 12 right now, anyone watching knows these Tigers have the pieces to be the absolute best secondary in the sport when November rolls around. That’s a bold claim, but the talent is undeniable.
Elite Corners Set the Tone
The cornerback duo of DJ Pickett and PJ Woodland is legitimately top-notch, and it’s the kind of combo that lets a defensive coordinator get really creative. Pickett, a 6-foot-5 sophomore, was the top-ranked cornerback in his class for a reason, making an immediate impact as a true freshman. Get this: no qualified returning corner in the SEC played man coverage at a higher rate than Pickett. He was in man for 41.9% of his coverage snaps, posting an elite PFF coverage grade of 76.1. That’s not just good, that’s absurd for a freshman. Then you’ve got Woodland on the other side, who logged four forced incompletions in man coverage last year, one of the SEC’s best marks. He’s strong in zone too, hitting a 64.8 NFL passer rating when targeted. LSU might have lost All-American Mansoor Delane to the NFL, but with Pickett and Woodland both now veterans, it’s hard to see any drop-off. The defensive coordinator clearly trusts these guys to lock down in man coverage, which just opens up the entire defense to wreak havoc.
A Safety Stack That Will Make You Drool
It’s not just the corners; the safety room is absolutely loaded. Ty Benefield, a transfer from Boise State, is the headliner and has been drawing rave reviews since he hit Baton Rouge. People around the sport are already telling ESPN he could be one of the best defenders in America and a potential first-round pick. This dude isn’t just a player; he emerged as one of the best on LSU’s entire roster. But it doesn’t stop there. LSU also returns DaShawn Spears and TaMarcus Cooley. Spears, who was a rotational piece last year, is stepping into a much bigger role. The guy can play everywhere, from STAR to traditional safety. Cooley is entering his fourth year, bringing over 1,400 career snaps, 12 stops, and two interceptions from 2025. With at least three proven options at safety, LSU has serious depth and versatility.
This LSU secondary has all the ingredients to blow past Notre Dame, Alabama, and Iowa, who all have strong secondaries themselves. The current No. 10 ranking might be fair *for now*, but it’s clear the Tigers are primed for a massive jump. Keep your eyes on Baton Rouge, because if these guys hit their stride by November, the rest of college football is in for a rude awakening.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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