JR1

I guess Gemini assumes LSU loses no underclassmen.


OFFENSE:
QB,Michael Van Buren (SO/TR),Colin Hurley (RS SO)"Van Buren, a transfer, is tabbed as the likely starter following Garrett Nussmeier's projected departure. Hurley or another transfer would battle for QB2."

RB,Harlem Berry (SO),Caden Durham (JR) OR Kaleb Jackson (SR),"Berry, a 2025 five-star, is expected to take the undisputed lead role. The sheer talent in the running back room will guarantee a strong rotation."
WR-X,Nic Anderson (RS JR/TR),Corey Barber (FR),Anderson is a proven deep threat. Corey Barber (4-star) is a Day 1 wide receiver signee who will immediately compete for backup reps in Kiffin's system.
WR-Z,Barion Brown (SR/TR),Jabari Mack (FR),Brown is an explosive veteran. Jabari Mack (4-star) is a top in-state signee ready to see playing time.
WR-SL,Aaron Anderson (RS JR/TR),Kyle Parker (RS JR),"The slot position is critical in a Kiffin offense, relying on speed and quickness. Aaron Anderson or Zavion Thomas/Chris Hilton would fill this spot."

TE,Trey'Dez Green (SO),Bauer Sharp (RS SR/TR) OR JC Anderson (FR),Green's immense potential makes him the clear starter. JC Anderson (4-star 2026 signee) is big enough to block and offers great receiving upside as a key backup.

LT,Tyree Adams (RS JR),Brysten Martinez (FR),Adams is a returning anchor. Brysten Martinez (4-star 2026 signee) is the top in-state OT and is ready to compete for the two-deep immediately.
LG,Paul Mubenga (RS JR),Coen Echols (RS SO),A returning battle from 2025.
C,Braelin Moore (RS SR/TR),DJ Chester (RS JR),Moore is a proven transfer anchor at Center.
RG,Josh Thompson (RS GR/TR),Ryan Miret (FR),Thompson is a plug-and-play veteran. Ryan Miret (3-star 2026 signee) is a Kiffin flip and a candidate for developmental snaps.
RT,Weston Davis (RS SO),Carius Curne (SO),"Davis and Curne should battle here, giving LSU two powerful young tackles."

DEFENSE:

DE (Edge),Patrick Payton (RS SR/TR),Jack Pyburn (SR/TR),"The transfer portal success at Edge continues, with Payton and Pyburn being the top rotation guys."
DT,Lamar Brown (FR),Dominick McKinley (SO),"Brown is an immediate, elite starter. He is a generational talent who would immediately command double teams, dramatically freeing up other defensive linemen and linebackers."
DT,Richard Anderson (FR),Jacobian Guillory (SR),"Anderson (a 5-star 2026 signee) is now part of an elite all-freshman starting DT tandem. The rotation of Anderson, Guillory, and McKinley ensures freshness and depth."
DE (Edge),Gabriel Reliford (JR),Jimari Butler (GR/TR),Reliford takes a starting spot after developing.
LB (Weakside),Harold Perkins Jr. (SR),Whit Weeks (JR),"Perkins remains the defensive star and an elite, NFL-bound talent. Brown's presence will free up Perkins to blitz and cover more effectively."
LB (Middle),West Weeks (GR/TR),Tylen Singleton (RS SO),The older Weeks provides veteran leadership and tackles. Tylen Singleton is a strong talent waiting in the wings.
CB,Mansoor Delane (SR/TR),Havon Finney (FR),Delane locks down one side. Havon Finney (4-star 2026 signee) is a strong talent from California who can push for playing time immediately.
CB,DJ Pickett (SO),Ashton Stamps (JR),"Pickett, a 2025 five-star, should emerge as the next elite LSU corner."
Safety (SS),A.J. Haulcy (SR/TR),Aiden Hall (FR),Haulcy is an experienced transfer. Aiden Hall (4-star 2026 signee) is a great in-state talent ready to step into the two-deep rotation.
Safety (FS),Tamarcus Cooley (RS JR/TR),Javien Toviano (JR),"Cooley, a transfer from NC State, is projected to hold the starting job."
Nickel/STAR,Dashawn Spears (JR),CJ Jimcoily (SO),"This spot is often where Harold Perkins plays, but Spears is the designated DB here."