Despite a disappointing 7-6 finish in 2025, the LSU Tigers still managed to showcase elite talent on the national stage-proof that even in a down year, the program isn’t lacking star power. Two Tigers defenders earned spots on ESPN’s Top 100 college football players list for the season, and both were prime examples of how the transfer portal, when used right, can reshape a defense in a hurry.
Senior safety A.J. Haulcy landed at No. 60 on the list, and his journey to Baton Rouge is one of resilience and production.
After stops at New Mexico and Houston, Haulcy found his stride at LSU, emerging as a key piece in the secondary. He racked up 89 total tackles, three interceptions, and four pass breakups-solid numbers on their own, but even more impressive considering he battled through injuries that eventually pushed him into a hybrid linebacker role late in the season.
Haulcy’s physicality and versatility gave LSU’s defense a much-needed edge, even as the team struggled to find consistency.
Higher up the list at No. 27 is senior defensive back Mansoor Delane, another transfer success story. Delane arrived from Virginia Tech and immediately made his presence felt.
He was a do-it-all defensive back, switching between corner and safety throughout the year while consistently locking down opposing receivers. The numbers speak for themselves: just 10 completions allowed for 119 yards and no touchdowns.
Add in two interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and four forced fumbles, and it’s clear Delane was one of the most disruptive defensive backs in the SEC-maybe even the country.
But while individual performances stood out, LSU’s season didn’t go according to plan. Midseason losses to Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, and Alabama derailed any hopes of a College Football Playoff run and ultimately cost Brian Kelly his job. The Tigers capped off the season with a narrow 38-35 loss to Houston in the Texas Bowl, a game that summed up their year: flashes of brilliance, but not enough to overcome inconsistency.
Then came the headline-grabbing move. LSU pulled off one of the most talked-about coaching hires in recent memory, luring Lane Kiffin away from Ole Miss.
The courtship was anything but quiet, and it’s still making waves across the SEC. Kiffin brings his offensive pedigree and bold personality to Baton Rouge, and all eyes will be on how quickly he can turn things around.
The 2026 season opener is already circled on the calendar: LSU hosts Clemson on September 5 in what promises to be a tone-setting matchup. Just two weeks later, Kiffin heads back to Oxford to face his former team in LSU’s SEC opener. That storyline writes itself.
For now, LSU fans can take some pride in the fact that, even in a turbulent season, the Tigers produced top-tier talent. With Kiffin at the helm and players like Haulcy and Delane setting the standard, the foundation is there. The question now is whether LSU can turn individual excellence into team success.