LSU Football Defense Ahead of Offense in Spring Practice, Says Kiffin

New coach sees more progress on defensive side as Tigers install new offense

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:37pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the chaotic action of a college football game, with sharp planes of color representing players, the field, and the crowd, all in the distinct visual style of Pablo Picasso.A cubist interpretation of the competitive energy and strategic complexity of college football, as LSU's defense outpaces the offense in spring practice.Baton Rouge Today

In his first spring practice as LSU's head football coach, Lane Kiffin says the Tigers' defense is currently ahead of the offense. With a number of new players and transfers joining the team, Kiffin notes the defense, led by returning coordinator Blake Baker, has an advantage over the offense which is still working to install Kiffin's up-tempo scheme.

Why it matters

Kiffin's comments provide insight into the state of the LSU football program as he takes over, with the defense appearing more cohesive early on compared to an offense that is still gelling. This could impact the Tigers' performance in the upcoming season as Kiffin works to get the offense up to speed.

The details

Kiffin said if LSU were to play a game today, they would be 'a defensive football team' based on what he's seen so far in spring practice. The offense is still working to find chemistry with new quarterbacks, offensive linemen and wide receivers, while the defense led by coordinator Blake Baker has an advantage with more returning players familiar with the system.

  • LSU held its first spring scrimmage on April 11, 2026.
  • Spring practice for the Tigers began on April 1, 2026.

The players

Lane Kiffin

First-year head coach of the LSU football team.

Blake Baker

Returning defensive coordinator for the LSU football team.

Sam Leavitt

Projected starting quarterback for LSU who is recovering from a Lisfranc foot injury.

Husan Longstreet

Freshman quarterback competing for the starting job at LSU.

Landen Clark

Freshman quarterback competing for the starting job at LSU.

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What they’re saying

“There's a lot of work to do. If we were to play today, which we're not, we'd be a defensive football team.”

— Lane Kiffin, Head Coach

“We're always going to look different every year based off our players. I'm never going to say, 'This is just what we do.' We may put together teams that win in different styles and we've done that before.”

— Lane Kiffin, Head Coach

What’s next

After the first spring scrimmage, Kiffin and the coaching staff will continue evaluating the offense and defense to determine where more work is needed before the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Kiffin's comments highlight the challenge of integrating a large number of new players, especially on the offensive side, as he installs his up-tempo scheme. The defense's head start could prove crucial early in the season as the offense continues to develop chemistry and familiarity with the new system.