2026 Louisiana State University Depth Chart

LSU’s quarterback hierarchy is straightforward: Sam Leavitt projects as the clear QB1 thanks to his experience and scheme fit. The Arizona State transfer nearly led a College Football Playoff upset and brings the polished dual-threat skill set Lane Kiffin covets. By contrast, blue-chip transfer Husan Longstreet is more raw and likely groomed for the future – he’ll battle incoming FCS transfer Landen Clark for the backup role, with reports indicating Leavitt is firmly atop the 2026 pecking order. Leavitt’s proven production and mobility give him a high fantasy floor, whereas Longstreet’s five-star talent is a long-term upside stash without an immediate path to snaps behind Leavitt.

In the backfield, Harlem Berry earns the RB1 nod due to a rare blend of talent and opportunity. The former No. 1 running back recruit flashes elite burst and receiving ability, making him “a threat to take it to the house on any touch”. As a true freshman he nearly matched veteran Caden Durham in rushing (491 vs. 505 yards), and Berry’s dynamic skill set and likely heavier workload push him ahead of Durham for fantasy purposes. Durham is a reliable runner who actually led the team in carries and touchdowns last year, so his floor is solid as RB2 – but his ceiling is a bit capped now that Berry is poised for a feature role. The addition of Wisconsin transfer Dilin Jones adds another wrinkle: Jones was a starter in the Big Ten (300 yards in seven games before a turf toe injury) and “figures to be a complementary piece alongside Harlem Berry and Caden Durham”. However, given the learning curve and committee setup, Jones slots in as an RB3 with touchdown vulture potential rather than a lead back threat out of the gate. This backfield should be productive under Kiffin, but we’re ranking by upside: Berry’s home-run ability and pass-game upside give him the edge, with Durham’s consistency and Jones’ power rounding out the trio.

At receiver and tight end, the Tigers’ offseason overhaul means proven production wins out in our fantasy projections. Top transfer Jayce Brown gets the WR1 spot as the most accomplished target – he’s coming off a 712-yard, 5-TD season and has nearly 2,000 career receiving yards in three years at Kansas State. That track record (not to mention LSU handing him the coveted No. 1 jersey) suggests Brown will be the go-to weapon in a revamped receiving corps. Right behind him is Jackson Harris, a big-play specialist from Hawai’i who posted 963 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025 – he’ll need to adjust from Mountain West competition, but his knack for getting behind defenses gives him massive weekly upside. We’re slotting Florida import Eugene Wilson III next; despite modest raw stats at UF, he’s a former blue-chip with explosive slot talent (61 catches over two seasons for the Gators) and should thrive on high-percentage routes in Kiffin’s spread. The remaining wideouts are harder to separate, but Tre Brown’s 20.1 yards per catch at ODU and veteran savvy earn him the WR4 spot as a field-stretcher who could have boom weeks. Meanwhile, 6’4″ Roman Mothershed provides a size advantage in the red zone and comes in as WR5 – his production at Troy was modest, but his frame and catch radius could carve out a situational role among LSU’s “embarrassment of riches” at receiver. Rounding out the group is Winston Watkins, a speedy young target who transferred in from Ole Miss; he’s less proven than the others, but his upside as a former top recruit gives him an edge for WR6 in this high-octane offense. Notably, Trey’Dez Green remains a cornerstone of the passing game at tight end. Green emerged as a touchdown machine (7 TD grabs last year) and profiles as Leavitt’s security blanket in the red zone, so he comfortably ranks as TE1. Behind him, freshman JD LaFleur offers receiving upside and a notable pedigree, but he’ll be feeling his way in – we slot him as TE2 with the understanding that Green’s pass-catching role is secure. In summary, LSU’s pass-catchers are ranked by a mix of resume and fit: Brown’s and Harris’s proven production and Wilson’s playmaking floor make them early favorites, while the remaining spots balance physical upside against the uncertainty of integrating so many new faces. The common thread is Kiffin’s fast-paced offense, which should provide ample targets for the top options and justify these aggressive rankings despite the volatility of a remade depth chart.