The LSU Tigers’ defensive line has long been synonymous with dominance, producing NFL stars like Glenn Dorsey and Barkevious Mingo. Still, recent years have seen inconsistency, with no All-American lineman since Sam Montgomery in 2011 and only one first-round draft pick (Mingo, 2013) in over a decade. In 2024, under first-year defensive coordinator Blake Baker, the unit took a step forward, helping LSU to a 9-4 record and a Texas Bowl victory over Baylor. The defensive line generated 38 sacks (fourth in the SEC) and held opponents to 3.8 yards per carry in conference play, anchoring a defense that allowed 22.6 points per game.
With key departures like Bradyn Swinson and Sai’vion Jones to the NFL and a new defensive line coach in former LSU and NFL star Kyle Williams, the 2025 unit faces a pivotal season. Bolstered by a top-ranked transfer portal haul and a talented sophomore class, the defensive line is poised to be a strength under Baker’s aggressive scheme. This deep dive explores the expectations for the 2025 defensive line, offseason additions, players to watch, and the challenges ahead.
Expectations for the 2025 Defensive Line
LSU’s defensive line enters 2025 with expectations to be a cornerstone of a defense aiming to rank among the SEC’s elite. In 2024, the unit’s 38 sacks and 78 tackles for loss (13th nationally) showcased its disruptive potential, but Baker’s “wreak-havoc” 4-3 scheme demands even more in year two. With SP+ projecting LSU’s defense at No. 18 nationally, the goal is to surpass 40 sacks and hold opponents under 3.5 yards per carry, driving a top-15 unit capable of fueling a playoff push. The defensive line’s ability to generate pressure (38% pressure rate in 2024) and stop the run will be critical against a schedule featuring mobile quarterbacks like Florida’s DJ Lagway and physical backs like Texas A&M’s Le’Veon Moss.
Baker’s system emphasizes quick penetration and versatility, with new coach Kyle Williams, a 13-year NFL veteran, bringing a high-motor mentality to the group. Early games against Clemson, Louisiana Tech, and Southeastern Louisiana offer a chance to build chemistry before SEC play. The defensive line is expected to produce at least two double-digit sack contributors and a 1,000-yard rusher limiter, setting the tone for a defense that could propel LSU to 10 wins and a College Football Playoff berth.
Offseason Additions: Portal Haul and Rising Stars
The departure of Swinson (9.5 sacks) and Jones (6.5 sacks) left significant voids, but Brian Kelly and Williams addressed them with an elite transfer portal class and a top-10 recruiting haul. The additions bring immediate impact and long-term upside, ensuring a deep rotation.
- Patrick Payton (Florida State transfer): A 6-foot-6, 255-pound senior, Payton was a top-10 portal recruit (No. 7, per On3) with 31.5 career tackles for loss and 16 sacks at FSU. Despite a dip in 2024 (11 TFLs, four sacks), his 2023 performance (14.5 TFLs, seven sacks) on an ACC title team highlights his potential as a first-round NFL prospect.
- Jack Pyburn (Florida transfer): A 6-foot-4, 264-pound senior, Pyburn brings high-effort run defense and 4.5 career sacks. His spring practice dominance, noted by Golfweek, makes him a likely starter.
- Bernard Gooden (South Florida transfer): A 6-foot-1, 268-pound senior, Gooden led the American Conference with 35 pressures in 2024, per PFF, with a 9.9% win rate. His quickness compensates for his undersized frame, which is ideal for Williams’ scheme.
- Jimari Butler (Nebraska transfer): A 6-foot-5, 265-pound sixth-year senior, Butler adds size with 12 career sacks. His experience makes him a contender for a starting edge role.
- Sydir Mitchell (Texas transfer): A 6-foot-6, 355-pound sophomore, Mitchell offers massive depth with 2.5 tackles for loss in limited 2024 snaps. His size bolsters run defense.
These transfers join a young core, with freshmen like C.J. Jackson adding future potential. The portal haul addresses immediate needs, while Williams’ coaching aims to unlock the group’s NFL-caliber talent.
Players to Watch
LSU’s 2025 defensive line combines veteran experience, transfer firepower, and sophomore breakouts, creating a unit with elite potential. Here are the key players to watch:
- Patrick Payton: The Florida State transfer is LSU’s most accomplished pass rusher, with 31.5 career TFLs and 16 sacks. His length and speed make him a game-changer, projected to lead the team with 8–10 sacks. Baker called him a “difference maker,” per And The Valley Shook, and his NFL Draft stock hinges on a big 2025.
- Ahmad Breaux: A 6-foot-3, 278-pound sophomore, Breaux played in all 13 games as a freshman in 2024, starting two, with 22 tackles and 1.5 sacks. His high-effort style and history with Williams (his high school coach) position him for a breakout, with 5–7 TFLs expected.
- Dominick McKinley: A 6-foot-6, 308-pound sophomore, McKinley overcame turf toe to shine late in 2024, earning SEC Freshman of the Week honors with four tackles and two sacks against Oklahoma. His size and quickness draw Glenn Dorsey comparisons, with a projected 6–8 sacks.
- Jacobian Guillory: A 6-foot-2, 318-pound graduate senior, Guillory missed most of 2024 with an Achilles injury but returns as a run-stuffing force. His ability to command double teams (86% double-team rate in 2023, per PFF) frees linebackers like Harold Perkins. Guillory could tally 30+ tackles and 3–4 TFLs.
- Jack Pyburn: The Florida transfer’s relentless motor and run-stopping ability make him a likely starter. While his 4.5 career sacks lag in pass-rush production, a breakout 5–7 sacks is possible under Williams’ coaching, per Golfweek’s fall camp notes.
Other names to monitor include sophomore Gabe Reliford, who started against Florida in 2024 and played 44 snaps in the Texas Bowl, and redshirt freshman Kolaj Cobbins, a high-upside edge rusher drawing buzz in camp.
Challenges and Outlook
The defensive line’s depth is a strength, but challenges loom. Integrating transfers like Payton and Gooden into Baker’s scheme requires early cohesion, with a tough opener at Clemson testing their readiness. Guillory’s health is critical after his 2024 injury, and the young offensive line’s struggles (3.6 YPC allowed in SEC play) could expose the front if run defense falters. Balancing snaps among a deep rotation will test Williams’ ability to keep players fresh for late-season games against Alabama and Texas A&M.
The schedule offers early opportunities to dominate against Louisiana Tech and Southeastern Louisiana, but road tests at Ole Miss, Alabama, and Oklahoma will challenge the line’s ability to handle dynamic offenses. If Payton and McKinley deliver as expected, and Guillory anchors the run defense, LSU could surpass its 2024 sack total and rank top-10 nationally in defensive line production.
