Three key needs for LSU football's 2027 recruiting class

Edge Rusher

Aug 30, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels linebacker Princewill Umanmielen (1) waits for the snap during the third quarter against the Georgia State Panthers at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Kiffin and his staff did a quality job signing talent at edge rusher this offseason, bringing in the No. 1 player at the position, Princewill Umanmielen, and former five-star Jordan Ross. However, Umanmielen is out of eligibility after this season, and Ross is a junior who did not play to his potential during his time at Tennessee.

The Tigers signed the No. 1 player in the country this offseason, Lamar Brown, who will play defensive end under Blake Baker. Brown played more three-technique in high school but is expected to transition smoothly into his new role. They also signed four-star Trenton Henderson, who beefed up considerably this offseason and will hopefully make an impact in the fall.

Beyond those three future pieces, things become more concerning. Redshirt sophomore Jaylen Brown signed with the Tigers out of South Carolina, but he struggled to see the field in Columbia, and it’s hard to see him developing into a high-level starter. There’s also the oft-injured Gabriel Reliford, who had a strong start to the 2025 season before tearing his rotator cuff in Week 4. Reliford was expected to be an impact player this upcoming season, but he tore his ACL in LSU's second spring practice, raising questions about his availability this upcoming year. Given Reliford’s injury history, it’s hard to trust him to become a high-level starter in 2027.

LSU has already secured a commitment from one high-level recruit at this position this offseason, South Carolina native Jaiden Bryant. Bryant is the No. 4 edge rusher in the 2027 class, but if LSU could add some more talent behind him, it would pay dividends.

Cornerback

Sep 13, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback DJ Pickett (3) reacts to intercepting the ball from Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (not pictured) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

This is the most concerning position group on LSU’s roster heading into the season. After sophomore cornerback Aidan Anding tore his Achilles this spring, depth at the position is paper-thin.

During a recent press conference, Lane Kiffin was asked for his thoughts on the depth at the position after Anding's injury, and his response didn’t exactly inspire confidence.

“Some guys did some decent things, but nobody stepped up to make you feel great in that,” Kiffin said. “We’ve got a lot of work to do [there].”

The starting two at the position, DJ Pickett and PJ Woodland, have the potential to be one of the best starting cornerback tandems in the country. Both have remaining eligibility beyond this year, but if Woodland has the type of season many expect from him, he could easily decide to forgo that final year of eligibility and enter the draft.

The players behind Pickett and Woodland have potential, despite Kiffin’s concerns. Ja’Keem Jackson is a former top-50 recruit and is entering his second season under cornerbacks coach Corey Raymond. The Tigers’ latest recruiting class also includes four-star cornerbacks Havon Finney Jr. and Dez Ellis, so there’s a chance one or both could develop into starters down the road. However, it would be helpful to have a top-notch recruit or two come in and challenge for a starting spot next season.

There's no way to know how a recruit might develop once they reach the SEC, but LSU could really use some more bites at the apple to ensure a future at the position.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Three key needs for LSU football's 2027 recruiting class