LSU Tigers Land Elite Boise State Safety in Transfer Portal

Ty Benefield, a top-40 transfer, is generating significant buzz ahead of the 2026 season in Baton Rouge.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The LSU Tigers have added an elite defensive weapon via the NCAA Transfer Portal, landing Boise State safety Ty Benefield. The 6-foot-2, 204-pound defensive back is generating significant buzz after logging 105 total tackles, 69 solo tackles, 3 pass breakups, 2 interceptions and 1 forced fumble for the Broncos in 2025. Benefield chose LSU over several other top programs and is expected to thrive in defensive coordinator Blake Baker's scheme, particularly in the STAR role closer to the line of scrimmage.

Why it matters

Benefield's addition is a major coup for the Tigers, who have assembled an impressive transfer class headlined by nine top-100 players. The physical safety's versatility and playmaking ability will provide a significant boost to LSU's defense as they look to compete for a championship in 2026.

The details

Benefield, a top-40 overall transfer, received interest from a number of schools after entering the portal but ultimately chose to continue his career at LSU. The Tigers beat out programs like Oregon for his commitment, and he is expected to excel in defensive coordinator Blake Baker's scheme, particularly in the STAR role which will allow him to make plays closer to the line of scrimmage.

  • Benefield logged 105 total tackles, 69 solo tackles, 3 pass breakups, 2 interceptions and 1 forced fumble for Boise State in the 2025 season.
  • Benefield entered the NCAA Transfer Portal following the 2025 season.

The players

Ty Benefield

A 6-foot-2, 204-pound safety who transferred from Boise State to LSU after a standout 2025 season for the Broncos.

Lane Kiffin

The head coach of the LSU Tigers, who has assembled an impressive transfer class this offseason.

Blake Baker

The defensive coordinator at LSU, whose scheme is expected to allow Benefield to thrive, particularly in the STAR role.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think talent-wise, probably is. A lot of that too is also the numbers. The volume helps when I make that statement. I think, over time, in general, volume's gone up because as the system evolved.”

— Lane Kiffin, Head Coach, LSU Tigers (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

As offseason workouts continue leading into Spring Camp on March 24, Benefield remains a name that has received rave reviews ahead of the 2026 campaign in Baton Rouge.

The takeaway

Benefield's addition to the LSU defense is a major boost for the Tigers as they look to compete for a championship in 2026. His versatility and playmaking ability will allow him to thrive in the STAR role and provide a significant upgrade to the secondary.