LSU’s safety squad, bolstered by strategic transfers and developed talent, might just be setting a new standard in SEC defense for the upcoming season.
LSU has long been a powerhouse when it comes to producing top-tier defensive backs, and the 2026 season promises to uphold that tradition. The Tigers are bringing in some serious talent, especially in the safety department, where the spotlight is firmly on Boise State transfer Ty Benefield. Lane Kiffin, LSU’s head coach, can’t seem to stop singing Benefield’s praises, and for good reason.
Benefield is set to team up with redshirt junior Tamarcus Cooley, a player who often flies under the radar but is a crucial component of this defense. Cooley’s not alone in the underrated category. Dashawn Spears is another name to watch, bringing an exceptional ball-hawking ability that shone brightly in 2025, particularly when he snagged two interceptions against Florida, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
Spears is primarily slated for the star position, though his skills as a safety are undeniable. Defensive backs coach Corey Raymond is tasked with shaping this group into a championship-caliber unit, and he’s got plenty to work with.
Kiffin has labeled three of his players as ultra-elite, with Benefield joining tight end Trey’Dez Green and offensive tackle Jordan Seaton in that exclusive club. On the “In The Bayou” podcast with former LSU standout Tyrann Mathieu, Kiffin expressed his high hopes for Benefield, suggesting he could become one of the legends to don the purple and gold.
Mathieu, arguably one of the best safeties to come out of LSU, noted Benefield’s impressive physical attributes-standing 6’3″ and weighing 208 pounds, he’s a force to be reckoned with, capable of delivering hits like a linebacker. This physical prowess only amplifies his already formidable presence on the field.
But Benefield isn’t the only one elevating this safety group. Cooley, who started all 13 games last season, recorded 70 tackles and two interceptions.
His game sense and instinct make him a thrilling player to watch, as he can disrupt plays from anywhere on the field. At 6’0″ and just two pounds lighter than Benefield, Cooley’s size contributes to his ability as a strong tackler.
As teams inevitably try to avoid Benefield, they’ll find themselves testing Cooley more, a challenge he’s more than ready to meet, especially with another year under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Blake Baker. Baker is renowned for his ability to elevate his players’ performances, which is why Spears finds himself in the versatile star position. Spears will be a jack-of-all-trades, covering receivers, spying on quarterbacks, and blitzing into the backfield.
In 2025, Spears made a name for himself, particularly in a standout game against Florida’s DJ Lagway. Despite starting only one game, he proved his worth with three tackles for loss and a sack, numbers he’s poised to improve upon this season.
With this trio anchoring the secondary, opposing offenses will think twice before testing LSU’s airspace. The Tigers are set to make a statement, and their safeties are leading the charge.