LSU football's top five ranked transfer portlal additions on defense

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LSU football currently possesses the top transfer portal class in the country. Head coach Lane Kiffin went to work rebuilding what the Tigers lost to the portal and the NFL.

Kiffin retained defensive coordinator Blake Baker after the Tigers' defense took another step forward in 2025. While there was still room for improvement, the defense gave LSU a chance to win in most SEC games.

The Tigers brought in the top class in last year's spring transfer portal cycle, which included multiple critical defenders. A.J. Haulcy and Mansoor Delane elevated the secondary while Patrick Payton and Jack Pyburn bolstered the defensive line on the edge.

Last year, Baker and former head coach Brian Kelly targeted players who could contribute immediately alongside linebackers Whit Weeks and Harold Perkins. Kiffin and his staff did much of the same with an increased focus on building depth.

Here are LSU's top-five defensive transfers, per On3's Industry Rankings.

Princewill Umanmielen, Edge

On3's Industry Rankings lists Umanmielen as the cycle's top edge rusher and No. 3 overall player in the transfer portal. The five-star defensive end followed Kiffin from Ole Miss and entered the portal as the deadline approached.

Umanmielen broke out in 2025 and elevated the Rebels' defense to a championship-caliber unit. He finished with 51 pressures, 44 tackles and 11 sacks. LSU's defensive ends struggled to rack up sacks in 2025 — the hope is Umanmielen can improve the Tigers' four-man pass-rush unit.

Jordan Ross, Edge

A former five-star prospect in the 2024 signing class, Ross started his career at Tennessee and while he was in the rotation, he didn't claim a full-time starting role with the Vols. He'll get a fresh start in Baton Rouge and hopes to live up to his potential.

Ross is the No. 5 edge rusher and No. 25 overall player in the transfer portal, per On3's Industry Rankings. He's a hungry player with athleticism and loads of talent who'll get an opportunity to start.

Faheem Delane, Safety

The Tigers hope Delane will follow in the footsteps of his brother and break out as another starting defensive back from the transfer portal. Last year, Delane played in 13 games and logged 81 defensive snaps for Ohio State as a true freshman.

A former four-star prospect in the 2025 signing class, Delane drew a No. 103 overall ranking from On3's Industry Rankings in the transfer portal. The outlet ranks him No. 10 at his position. LSU lost a lot of talent at defensive back from last year. Delane could develop into a cornerstone of the safety room since he's young with loads of talent and power conference experience.

Ty Benefield, Safety

Hailing from Boise State, Benefield is the No. 65 overall prospect and No. 3 ranked safety in the transfer portal. Benefield brings a wealth of experience to LSU's secondary and played 846 snaps with the Broncos in 2025.

Benefield is versatile. He will see reps at LSU's STAR position, voided by Harold Perkins. Don't be surprised if he plays safety, too.

T.J. Dottery, Linebacker

LSU had strong linebacker play in 2025 and with the return of Whit Weeks alongside the addtion of ex-Ole Miss linebacker TJ Dottery, LSU hopes the position is just as effective in 2026.

On3's Industry Rankings slot Dottery at No. 17 among linebackers and No. 239 overall in the transfer portal. He's coming off the best season of his career, logging 98 tackles and two forced fumbles through 15 games.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU football's top five ranked transfer portlal additions on defense

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