LSU’s Offseason Focus: Lane Kiffin’s First Big Test Is Retaining These Three Stars
LSU’s 2025 season came to a close in dramatic fashion, falling 38-35 to Houston in the Texas Bowl. Now, with the page officially turned, it’s Lane Kiffin’s time to get to work in Baton Rouge. And while the Early Signing Period delivered a strong start - including a pair of 5-star recruits in Lamar Brown and Richard Anderson - the real challenge is just beginning.
Kiffin’s next major hurdle? Navigating the transfer portal, which opens on January 2, and making sure the foundation of his roster doesn’t walk out the door.
That means locking down key pieces who can be difference-makers in 2026. Among the talent on LSU’s roster, three players stand out as absolute must-keeps: tight end Trey’Dez Green, running back Harlem Berry, and cornerback DJ Pickett.
Let’s break down why each of them is so critical to the Tigers’ future.
Trey’Dez Green: The Ultimate Red Zone Weapon
Trey’Dez Green isn’t just a promising tight end - he’s already one of the most dangerous red zone threats in college football. At 6'7", 240 pounds, with the athleticism to match, Green is a nightmare matchup for any defense.
Linebackers can’t keep up with him, and safeties can’t outmuscle him. That combination has made him a go-to target when LSU gets inside the 20.
In 2025, Green hauled in 33 catches for 433 yards and a team-best 7 touchdowns. And he saved one of his best performances for last, posting 4 catches for 80 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Texas Bowl. That’s the kind of production that turns heads - not just from fans, but from programs across the country looking to poach talent through the portal.
Green’s from Jackson, Louisiana - a homegrown talent who’s already delivering at a high level. Losing him would be a major blow to Kiffin’s offense. If LSU wants to establish a high-powered attack in 2026, keeping Green in purple and gold is non-negotiable.
Harlem Berry: The Future of the Backfield
Harlem Berry came to LSU as the top-ranked running back in the 2025 class and the No. 1 player in Louisiana. Expectations were sky-high, and while his role started small, he began to find his rhythm as the season progressed.
Over the final stretch of the year, Berry saw double-digit carries in five of LSU’s last seven games, topping 50 yards in five of those contests. He finished his freshman campaign with 491 rushing yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry, and added two touchdowns.
What makes Berry’s future so intriguing is how well his skill set aligns with Kiffin’s offensive philosophy. We’ve seen what Kiffin can do with dynamic backs - just look at Quinshon Judkins and Kewan Lacy at Ole Miss.
Berry has the burst, vision, and versatility to thrive in that kind of system. The potential for a breakout sophomore season is real - if he stays.
DJ Pickett: A Star in the Making on Defense
On the defensive side, DJ Pickett wasted no time showing why he was the No. 1 cornerback in the 2025 recruiting class. Rated a 5-star by both On3 and Rivals, Pickett stepped into a major role as a true freshman and didn’t flinch.
He played in all 13 games, racking up 37 tackles (30 solo), 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 3 pass breakups. That’s not just solid production - that’s impact. Pickett showed the kind of instincts and physicality that you rarely see from a first-year player, especially at a position as demanding as cornerback.
Defensive coordinator Blake Baker clearly trusted him, and with Baker returning in 2026, Pickett’s role could expand even further. He’s the kind of player you build a secondary around - and the kind LSU can’t afford to lose.
Kiffin’s First Big Test
Rebuilding a roster isn’t just about who you bring in - it’s about who you keep. And for Lane Kiffin, keeping Green, Berry, and Pickett in Baton Rouge is the first real test of his tenure.
Each of them has already shown they can produce at the SEC level. Each of them has the potential to be a cornerstone of LSU’s future.
The portal is going to be active. The offers will come. But if Kiffin can hold onto these three, he’ll have a strong foundation to build from in Year 1 - and a real shot at making noise in 2026.