When the 2026 college football season kicks off, LSU’s defensive backfield will be one of the storylines that analysts will watch closely. The Tigers are projecting an elite secondary that features cornerbacks DJ Pickett and PJ Woodland alongside safety Ty Benefield, a trio that could reshape the team’s defensive identity.
Yet the optimism is tempered by a noticeable gap in depth. The departure of Mansoor Delane, who anchored the secondary in 2025, leaves a void that the program has not filled through the transfer portal. Without a top‑rated cornerback arriving from elsewhere, the coaching staff must rely on internal options to maintain the aggressive style that has defined LSU’s defense.
A secondary in transition
Enter Ja'Keem Jackson. The junior entered LSU after a stint at Florida, where he worked under secondary coach Corey Raymond, a recruiter known for turning raw talent into reliable contributors. Jackson’s limited snap count in 2025 still produced a PFF coverage grade of 74.5 across 84 defensive plays, hinting at untapped potential.
Coaches have repeatedly highlighted Jackson’s readiness to step into a larger role. His recruitment as the No. 6 cornerback in the 2023 class and a top‑60 overall prospect signal a high ceiling, and his decision to remain at LSU reflects the staff’s confidence that he can become a cornerstone of the secondary.
If Jackson can translate his practice performance into game‑changing moments against SEC opponents, the Tigers’ secondary could not only stay competitive but also set a new standard for future recruiting classes. The upcoming season will therefore be a proving ground for both the unit’s depth and the emergence of its next defensive leader.