One area where LSU football can separate from the SEC in 2026

LSU football eyes a College Football Playoff appearance in year one under new head coach Lane Kiffin. The Tigers have the talent to contend after Kiffin inked the top-ranked transfer portal class in the sport and retained young stars.

LSU has All-SEC-level talent at multiple positions, but one area stands out as a place where LSU can separate from the rest of the conference -- the secondary.

At corner, LSU returns DJ Pickett and PJ Woodland. Both enjoyed breakout years in 2025 and retaining the duo was a priority for LSU. Pickett, a five-star recruit, looked the part as a true freshman. Woodland made the most of his sophomore campaign, playing all over the secondary.

At safety, LSU went out and got Boise State transfer Ty Benefield as AJ Haucly moved on to the NFL. Benefield impressed throughout spring practice and staffers around the sport labeled Benefield as one of the best defenders in college football. Benefield will be joined in the safety room by TaMarcus Cooley and DaShawn Spears -- two talented players familiar with Blake Baker's system.

ESPN's SP+ projects LSU to have the No. 2-ranked defense in the country. For the Tigers, it starts on the backend. Woodland and Pickett have the potential to be shutdown corners. Both excel in man coverage, which will allow Baker to play his brand of defense. With two corners LSU trusts to win one-on-one matchups, Baker's entire playbook is open.

There's not a blitz Baker can't call. If LSU needs to put a safety in the box, Baker can do it without worrying about the pass defense falling apart.

LSU has a couple of questions up front. The Tigers lack depth at defensive end and LSU will count on some young interior defensive linemen. Having veterans in the secondary will allow the front seven to settle in and play stress-free.

LSU's DBs will be tested right away. Clemson will bring a strong group of receivers to Death Valley, but LSU should be able to manage, just as it did in Game 1 at Clemson last year.

LSU will face some of the best offenses in the SEC, including Ole Miss and Texas. Few defenses in the nation have the firepower to match up with Texas's wide receiver room or contain Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss, but LSU does. If LSU's secondary lives up to the hype, LSU is competing for a playoff spot.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: One area where LSU football can separate from the SEC in 2026

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