The LSU Tigers’ defensive backfield has been a hallmark of “DBU,” producing NFL stars like Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, and Derek Stingley Jr. In 2024, the secondary played a pivotal role in LSU’s 9-4 season, culminating in a Texas Bowl victory over Baylor, as the Tigers ranked fifth in the SEC with 12 interceptions and allowed 217.3 passing yards per game (36th in FBS). Led by cornerback Zy Alexander and safety Jardin Gilbert, the unit forced 18 total turnovers, helping a defense that improved to 22.6 points allowed per game under first-year coordinator Blake Baker. With Alexander and Sage Ryan off to the NFL, and new position coach Corey Raymond returning to LSU, the 2025 defensive back room faces a transition but remains loaded with talent. Strategic transfer portal additions and a top-10 recruiting class ensure depth and playmaking, positioning the secondary to complement LSU’s explosive offense. Under Baker’s aggressive 4-3 scheme, the defensive backs aim to elevate LSU to a top-tier SEC defense and fuel a playoff push. This deep dive explores the expectations for the 2025 defensive back room, offseason additions, players to watch, and the challenges ahead.
Expectations for the 2025 Defensive Back Room
LSU’s defensive backs enter 2025 with expectations to be a strength, building on a 2024 season that saw them snag 12 interceptions and 35 pass breakups while limiting opponents to a 61.2% completion rate (28th in FBS). Baker’s scheme, which mixes man and zone coverages with heavy safety involvement, demands versatile defensive backs who can lock down receivers and support the run game. With SP+ projecting LSU’s defense at No. 18 nationally, the secondary is tasked with leading the SEC in interceptions (aiming for 15+) and holding opponents under 200 passing yards per game to support a projected 10-win season and playoff berth.
The loss of Zy Alexander (three INTs) and Sage Ryan (two INTs) creates a void of 42 tackles and five picks, but the return of key contributors and new faces under Raymond, a “DBU” coaching legend, fuels optimism. The unit must handle a schedule featuring pass-heavy offenses like Clemson’s Cade Klubnik (Week 1) and Florida’s DJ Lagway (Week 5). Early games against Louisiana Tech and Southeastern Louisiana offer chances to build chemistry, to rank top-15 nationally in pass defense, and to drive LSU’s playoff aspirations.
Offseason Additions: Portal Depth and Elite Recruits
The departure of Alexander, Ryan, and rotational corner JK Johnson to the NFL and portal left gaps. Still, Brian Kelly and Raymond countered with a stellar transfer class and the nation’s No. 5 recruiting haul (per 247Sports). These additions blend experience and upside to maintain LSU’s secondary dominance.
Mansoor Delane (Virginia Tech transfer): A 6-foot-1, 181-pound junior cornerback, Delane recorded 146 tackles, four interceptions, and 16 pass breakups in three seasons at Virginia Tech. His 2024 PFF coverage grade (87.2) and physicality make him a plug-and-play CB1, with On3’s Billy Embody calling him “LSU’s lockdown answer” on X.
D.J. Pickett (Freshman): The No. 1 cornerback in the 2025 class, Pickett’s 6-foot-4, 180-pound frame and 4.4 speed draw comparisons to Stingley. His high school tape (six INTs as a senior) and fall camp buzz suggest early starting potential.
Ja’Keem Jackson (Florida transfer): A 6-foot-1, 185-pound redshirt sophomore, Jackson had 16 tackles and five pass breakups in 2024. His length and ball skills add depth, with Raymond praising his “instincts” in camp, per LSU’s official site.
These additions join a returning core, ensuring a deep rotation that handles SEC passing attacks. The focus on transfers addresses immediate needs, while freshmen like Pickett signal a return to DBU’s elite standard.
Players to Watch
LSU’s 2025 defensive back room combines veteran leadership, transfer firepower, and blue-chip recruits, creating a unit with elite potential. Here are the key players to watch:
Jardin Gilbert: A 6-foot-1, 197-pound senior safety, Gilbert led LSU with 64 tackles, three interceptions, and six pass breakups in 2024, earning second-team All-SEC honors. His range and tackling (86.3 PFF run-defense grade) make him a defensive anchor, projected to lead with 70+ tackles and 4–5 picks.
Mansoor Delane: The Virginia Tech transfer steps in as CB1, bringing lockdown coverage skills. His 2024 performance (10 pass breakups, two INTs) and physicality position him for All-SEC honors, with a projected 50 tackles and 8–10 pass breakups.
D.J. Pickett: The five-star freshman corner could start immediately, with his size and speed disrupting receivers. Fall camp reports from Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger highlight his “elite ball skills,” projecting 2–3 interceptions as a rookie.
Ashton Stamps: A 6-foot-0, 188-pound sophomore corner, Stamps emerged in 2024 with 29 tackles and four pass breakups. His growth under Raymond could lead to a breakout, with 40 tackles and projected 6–8 pass breakups.
Challenges and Outlook
The secondary’s depth is a strength, but challenges remain. Integrating transfers like Delane into Baker’s complex coverages requires early cohesion, with a tough opener at Clemson testing their readiness. Nagging injuries must be avoided to maintain consistency. The rebuilt offensive line’s struggles (3.6 YPC allowed in SEC play) could force the secondary to cover longer, especially against dual-threat quarterbacks like Ole Miss’s Austin Simmons.
Balancing snaps in a crowded room will test Raymond’s ability to keep players engaged for late-season games against Alabama and Texas A&M.The schedule offers opportunities to shine against Louisiana Tech and Southeastern Louisiana. Still, road tests at Ole Miss, Alabama, and Oklahoma will challenge the group’s handling of explosive passing attacks. If Delane and Pickett lock down the perimeter and Gilbert anchors the back end, LSU could lead the SEC in interceptions and rank top-10 nationally in pass defense.
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