LSU football: 3 freshmen can have immediate impact for the Tigers

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Despite a coaching transition, LSU football finished with the No. 12-ranked high school recruiting class. Lane Kiffin took over just a few days before the early signing period began in December. Kiffin checked all the boxes, holding on to LSU's top recruits and flipping a few more.

LSU's team will look a lot different in year one under Kiffin. The staff is bringing in over 60 new players between the transfer portal and high school recruiting. LSU needs several transfers to step in and make an immediate impact — that's why you take proven players from the portal.

But LSU will need contributions from youngsters, too. A few true freshmen will need to be difference makers in year one if the Tigers are to compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

The good news? Several freshmen stand out as guys ready to play right away. Here are three that will emerge in 2026.

Richard Anderson — Defensive Tackle

Rivals and 247Sports slot Edna Karr's Richard Anderson as a five-star. 247Sports ranked Anderson as the No. 1 defensive lineman in the class, while Rivals wasn't far behind, placing Anderson No. 3 in the class.

Anderson is a force on the interior. He's nearly 6-foot-4 and weighs around 350 pounds. Despite his size, he's explosive. That combination of size and athleticism made Anderson an impossible assignment for high school offensive linemen.

Anderson can do it all. He's big enough to hold up vs. the run and take on double teams and he's twitchy enough to rush the passer and break the interior of the pocket. He's not a guy who has to be taken off the field on certain downs. That should give Anderson plenty of chances to find the field in 2026.

Corey Barber — Wide Receiver

LSU only returns one wide receiver who caught a pass in 2025: Phillip Wright. And he only caught one pass.

That gives LSU's rebuilt wide receiver room and opportunity. It's wide open and everyone can fight for immediate playing time. LSU landed a few impressive transfers, including former Kansas State wideout Jayce Brown, but there's room for a freshman to emerge, too.

No better candidate than Corey Barber, one of the flips Kiffin's staff pulled off a few days after arriving at LSU. Barber is the total package. The Rivals' scouting report highlights Barber's ability to separate, make plays with the ball, and win contested catches.

Barber won't rack up 1,000 yards as a freshman, but don't be surprised if he becomes a regular in LSU's wide receiver rotation.

Deuce Geralds — Defensive Line

Geralds is one of several impact defensive linemen LSU signed this cycle, leaving Georgia for the Bayou. 247Sports ranked Geralds as the No. 4 defensive lineman in the class and 247's Director of Scouting Andrew Irvins was high on what Geralds could do right away, saying Geralds could see the field early as a situational rusher.

LSU is losing Bernard Gooden, who served as an athletic and speedy pass rusher on the interior. Geralds' physical profile is similar to Gooden and it may not be long before Geralds assumes that role.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU football: 3 freshmen who could make an immediate impact in 2026

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