Lane Kiffin isn’t wasting any time reshaping LSU’s roster, and he’s doing it the modern way-through the transfer portal. With over 30 additions already in the fold, Kiffin is clearly going full throttle in his first offseason at the helm in Baton Rouge. And he’s not done yet.
LSU hosted a wave of recruits on Thursday, and the early returns are already rolling in. Among the visitors was tight end Zach Grace, a former Oregon Duck, who committed shortly after his visit. But the Tigers have their eyes on even bigger prizes-and one of them could be a game-changer in the secondary.
LSU in the Hunt for Top Safety Transfer Faheem Delane
One of the most intriguing names on campus this week was Faheem Delane, a top-10 safety in the transfer portal according to 247Sports. Delane, who spent his freshman season at Ohio State, redshirted in 2025 and enters the portal with four full years of eligibility remaining. That kind of long-term upside is rare in the portal era, and it’s no surprise LSU is pushing hard to land him.
Delane’s visit to Baton Rouge comes with a family connection that Tiger fans know well-his older brother, Mansoor Delane, was a breakout star for LSU in 2025. Mansoor locked down opposing receivers all season long, allowing just six catches on 14 targets across 138 man-coverage snaps. That’s not just good-it’s elite.
His dominance earned him the second-highest man-coverage grade in the country from Pro Football Focus (89.1), and he led the SEC in both passes defended (13) and pass breakups (11). With 45 tackles to his name and a reputation as a lockdown corner, Mansoor capped off his season as a unanimous All-American-the fourth defensive back in LSU history to earn that honor-and was a finalist for the Thorpe Award. He’s now projected as a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
So yes, Faheem Delane has some big shoes to fill-but he’s got the pedigree and potential to make a name of his own. A move to LSU would not only reunite him with the program that helped elevate his brother, but also give the Tigers another dynamic piece in the secondary.
LSU’s Safety Room Reloading for 2026
The Tigers’ safety group heading into 2026 already has some familiar faces. Returning contributors Dashawn Spears and Tamarcus Cooley bring experience, while Jhase Thomas and Aiden Hall offer depth.
Kiffin also dipped into the portal earlier this cycle to bring in Ty Benefield from Boise State, a versatile safety who’s expected to compete for starting reps right away. And don’t forget about freshman Isiah Washington, who’s set to join the mix this offseason.
Still, adding Faheem Delane would raise the ceiling of this unit in a big way. He’s a physical, instinctive player with high-end potential, and with four years of eligibility, he’s not just a short-term fix-he’s a foundational piece.
It’s clear Kiffin is building this roster with both immediate impact and long-term development in mind. If he can close the deal with Delane, it’ll be another strong step toward reshaping LSU’s defense into one of the SEC’s most formidable units.