LSU football’s been making moves lately, especially on defense. The Tigers just landed two top-rated defensive players from the transfer portal: Boise State safety Ty Benefield and Clemson sophomore defensive lineman Stephiylan Green.
This shows a clear focus on shoring up the defense, with Lane Kiffin and his staff leading the charge. Green’s addition feels especially big, considering what he did at Clemson and the kind of spark he could bring right away.
LSU’s Aggressive Approach in the Transfer Portal
The Tigers aren’t sitting back in the transfer portal. They’ve gone after key defensive positions to beef up the squad.
With the transfer window closing on January 16, LSU already has six new signings, including two defensive standouts.
Key Defensive Additions
Stephiylan Green stands out among the new faces. At 6-4 and 290 pounds, the Clemson transfer brings both experience and raw talent.
In his last two seasons, Green put up 34 tackles, 3½ sacks, and knocked down a pass. Even though his playing time dropped off in 2025, he’s got a real shot at earning a starting spot at LSU.
Boise State safety Ty Benefield is another key get. With Green, he’s one of the first two defensive signings for LSU in this transfer window.
That really says a lot about LSU’s drive to fix holes in their defensive lineup.
Impact of Defensive Coordinator Blake Baker
Defensive coordinator Blake Baker is making his mark. He’s clearly focused on the defensive line, especially with Green joining the mix.
247Sports Composite ranks Green as the sixth-best defensive lineman in the portal, so that’s not nothing.
Expectations for Green at LSU
Why did Green pick LSU? More playing time, most likely, and a shot to compete at the highest level.
With some gaps on LSU’s defensive line, Green could easily end up starting. His skill set and experience really stand out here.
Other Notable Transfers
LSU’s not just adding on defense. They’ve picked up several other commitments to boost both sides of the ball, including:
- Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt
- Penn State edge rusher Chaz Coleman
- Kansas State wide receiver Jayce Brown
- Florida wide receiver Eugene Wilson
- North Carolina State wide receiver Terrell Anderson
- California-Davis running back Carter Vargas
- McNeese State cornerback Javon Davis
- UAB wide receiver Iverson Hooks
Strategic Focus on Defensive Reinforcement
LSU’s really leaning into defense under Lane Kiffin. By bringing in top-rated defensive players from the portal, they’re looking to build a unit that can actually hang with the best.
Looking Ahead
LSU isn’t wasting any time as the transfer portal window nears its end. They’re moving fast to lock down key defensive players for next season.
Adding Green and Benefield—plus a few other smart recruits—shows just how serious LSU is about staying at the top of college football. You can really sense their determination to compete with the best.
Want more details on LSU’s latest moves and what they might mean for the team’s future? Check out The Advertiser for a deeper dive.
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