LSU's secondary aims to remain elite after losing two All-SEC players, Mansoor Delane and AJ Haulcy, to the NFL. While the safety position appears strong, cornerback depth is a looming question for Corey Raymond's unit.
LSU must replace two All-SEC players in the secondary this season: Cornerback Mansoor Delane and safety AJ Haulcy are off to the NFL. The departures leave questions, but the Tigers are positioned to contend again in 2026 after going 11-2 last season and reclaiming the DBU mantle.
New head coach Lane Kiffin retained DC Blake Baker, keeping continuity on the defensive side. That includes secondary coach Corey Raymond, whose presence was key in retaining talent. Here's a look at the state of the LSU secondary more than a week into spring practice.
Projected Depth Chart
At cornerback, DJ Pickett and PJ Woodland are the projected starters. Ja'Keem Jackson is the likely third option. Safety will be handled by Ty Benefield and TaMarcus Cooley, with DaShawn Spears expected to see significant snaps.
Impact Players
Sophomore DJ Pickett could be an All-American in 2026. As a freshman, the five-star recruit played 524 defensive snaps and established himself as a plus-defender. At 6-foot-5, Pickett offers rare size at the position. He also contributed six pressures and two sacks to the LSU blitz package in 2025. The other starting cornerback, PJ Woodland, showed massive progress in 2025, his sophomore year. He broke up five passes with two interceptions, and opposing QBs had a 54.8 passer rating when targeting him.
Cornerback Depth Concerns
After Pickett and Woodland, cornerback depth is a question mark. Ja'Keem Jackson, a Florida transfer, is the next man up. Jackson did not play much in 2025 after coming off a season-ending injury at UF in 2024. If Pickett or Woodland were to miss time, Jackson would be expected to start. Beyond Jackson, there is no proven depth. LSU needs a young player to emerge and play 50-100 snaps.
Safety Position Strong
The Tigers return TaMarcus Cooley and DaShawn Spears at safety and signed Ty Benefield and FaHeem Delane out of the transfer portal. Benefield, a Boise State transfer, will start alongside Cooley. DaShawn Spears played a limited role in 2025, but posted a 90.1 defensive grade in 255 defensive snaps. Cooley was a versatile player for LSU in 2025, capable of playing deep safety or in the box.
Final Word
LSU's secondary has the tools to be productive in 2026, but it may not be significantly better than last year’s unit. The defense lost Jacob Branford, Jardin Gilbert, and Joel Rogers to the transfer portal, further thinning the overall depth.
Spring practice will be key in identifying players who can step up and provide depth, especially at cornerback. The development of Ja'Keem Jackson is paramount.
