LSU just made a late-night splash, announcing the addition of veteran linebacker TJ Dottery from Ole Miss - a move that gives the Tigers an immediate difference-maker in the heart of their defense.
Dottery, a fifth-year senior with serious SEC mileage, brings 27 consecutive starts and a résumé that includes 176 career tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. He began his college journey at Clemson before finding his stride with the Rebels, and now he’s headed to Baton Rouge with one year of eligibility left - and a clear path to a starting role.
LSU had a big need at linebacker after West Weeks wrapped up his senior season. With Whit Weeks returning for another year instead of jumping to the NFL, the Tigers were looking for a proven complement - someone who could step in and lead from day one.
Dottery checks every box. He’s experienced, productive, and battle-tested in the SEC.
This is as close to plug-and-play as it gets.
This move is part of a much larger overhaul. LSU has now brought in 38 transfers this offseason - more than double last year’s total.
While only nine of those additions are on the defensive side, that’s largely due to the continuity LSU managed to maintain on that side of the ball. After Lane Kiffin took over in December, he retained defensive coordinator Blake Baker and most of his defensive staff, giving the unit some much-needed stability heading into 2026.
Still, the Tigers didn’t sit still defensively. They landed one of the portal’s top safeties in Ty Benefield from Boise State, a player who brings versatility and range to the back end.
Up front, they added three edge rushers - Jordan Ross (Tennessee), Jaylen Brown (South Carolina), and Achilles Woods (South Alabama) - along with a pair of interior linemen in Stephiylan Green (Clemson) and Malik Blocton (Auburn). That’s a solid mix of Power Five experience and upside.
And LSU isn’t done yet. On Friday, they secured a commitment from Ohio State freshman safety Faheem Delane, a former top-100 recruit and the younger brother of former LSU All-American cornerback Mansoor Delane. That kind of pedigree - and familiarity with the program - could pay off in a big way.
With Dottery now in the fold and a handful of key defensive additions already on board, LSU’s defense is quietly taking shape. The Tigers may have focused more heavily on offense in this cycle, but they’ve made sure the defense isn’t left behind. And with a veteran like Dottery anchoring the middle, they’ve got a strong foundation to build on.