LSU football's defense will be the best in the SEC in 2026

The LSU football defense could be the best in the SEC this year. That may seem like a hot take, but defensive coordinator Blake Baker has the tools to build an elite unit.

ESPN's SP+ projections, one of the top ratings systems in college football, ranked LSU's defense No. 2 in the country in the initial preseason rankings released earlier this year. The only unit projected to be better is Ohio State's defense.

Some fans may raise their eyebrows at that projection. LSU is losing key difference makers in the secondary, including Mansoor Delane, a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft. Safety AJ Haulcy is off to the next level and LSU lost both starting defensive ends.

But look at what's coming back. Delane is gone, but LSU returns cornerback DJ Pickett, a former five-star who is a budding star. Corner PJ Woodland returns, too, after a breakout 2025. Losing Haulcy hurts, but LSU added one of the top safeties in the transfer portal with the arrival of Ty Benefield.

Benefield will play next to TaMarcus Cooley, a veteran safety who impressed in his first campaign with the Tigers last fall.

There's little concern about LSU's linebacker room, especially if Whit Weeks is healthy.