A Revamped Defensive Outlook
LSU’s defense faltered throughout the 2025 season after star linebacker Whit Weeks went down with an injury, a downturn that showed up clearly in games against Vanderbilt and Texas A&M, where opponents moved the ball with relative ease.
This offseason the program responded by reinforcing the linebacker unit. Weeks is back and expected to be fully healthy for fall camp, while the team added transfer TJ Dottery, a linebacker who arrives from Ole Miss with a wealth of experience, and Dahvon Keys, who returns after two years of SEC play.
The depth chart now features a group that collectively has logged nearly 4,000 career snaps, a figure that underscores the experience and continuity the coaching staff hopes will translate into more consistent performances on the field.
Coaches point to the importance of strong linebacker play as a foundation for any successful defense, noting that some of Georgia’s most dominant units under Kirby Smart were built around elite talent at that position. The expectation is that Weeks, Dottery and Keys will each enjoy breakout seasons.
Betting Odds Signal Cautious Optimism
Betting markets reflect the growing optimism. According to FanDuel, LSU’s odds to capture the SEC title in 2026 sit at +800, placing them behind only Texas and Georgia but ahead of most of their conference rivals.