Lane Kiffin is bringing some serious firepower to LSU Football as he kicks off his first season in Baton Rouge. With the No. 1 transfer portal class, according to 247Sports, Kiffin's roster is stacked with talent, including standout recruits like QB Sam Leavitt, OT Jordan Seaton, and EDGE Princewill Umanmielen.
One name that’s generating a lot of buzz is linebacker TJ Dottery. Following Kiffin from Ole Miss to LSU, Dottery is poised to make an immediate impact. His skill set is impressive, but what really stands out is his durability-a trait that could be a game-changer for the Tigers.
Dottery's Elite Durability
Last season, Dottery logged 958 defensive snaps for Ole Miss, the most among linebackers nationwide and second overall in college football. This kind of reliability is a major asset for LSU, especially alongside star LB Whit Weeks, who struggled with injuries last season. Dottery’s presence could be just what the Tigers need to bolster their defense.
A Closer Look at Dottery's Impact
Dottery's snap count isn't just impressive-it's historic for LSU. Only Derek Stingley Jr. and JaCoby Stevens have surpassed 900 snaps in a season for the Tigers since 2014. If Dottery stays healthy, he’s likely to join that elite group in 2026.
With 27 starts over two seasons at Ole Miss, Dottery was a cornerstone of the Rebel defense. In 2025, he led the SEC with 98 tackles, including 48 solo stops, and added two forced fumbles, two pass breakups, and 1.5 sacks to his resume.
Filling Big Shoes
As a redshirt senior, Dottery is expected to play a crucial role in Blake Baker's defense this year. With Harold Perkins Jr. heading to the NFL, the combination of Dottery and Weeks could be formidable for LSU, setting the stage for a potentially explosive season.