LSU football secured a commitment from Jalan Chapman, an interior offensive lineman from New Orleans. Chapman, a three-star recruit from Warren Easton, has chosen the Tigers, making him the third commitment for LSU’s 2026 signing class.
He is ranked as a top-400 national prospect and one of the top 12 rising juniors in Louisiana, according to 247Sports composite rankings. Chapman mentioned that LSU’s running backs coach Frank Wilson and offensive line coach Brad Davis were pivotal in his recruitment.
The other two recruits for LSU’s 2026 class are also from New Orleans: four-star defensive lineman Richard Anderson from Edna Karr and three-star safety Jakai Anderson from McDonough 35, both of whom committed in June. LSU’s 2025 recruiting class is currently ranked fourth nationally, bolstered by recent commitments from Florida five-star corner DJ Pickett and Nevada four-star receiver Derek Meadows, according to 247Sports.
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Are LSU’s defensive ends going to create more pressure now that they have a new coach?
New LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s scheme is centered on creating havoc, particularly through the defensive ends. Last season, LSU didn’t get enough production from this position, leading to the hiring of designated edge rushers coach Kevin Peoples, who is tasked with maximizing the potential of a unit filled with highly-recruited players. The term “edge rushers” will often be used since players who previously played Jack linebacker are now listed as defensive ends. Baker employs two defensive ends instead of a rush linebacker, but their duties remain similar: they need to set the edge, generate pressure, and occasionally drop into coverage, much like the former Jack linebackers.
Burning question
Can the defensive ends generate more pressure?
First, it’s important to note that sacks aren’t the only measure of disruption, and linebacker Harold Perkins plays a significant role in this discussion. However, he can’t carry the burden alone. Last season, five edge rushers collectively managed 10½ sacks, with starters Sai’vion Jones and Ovie Oghoufo each contributing 2½.
Jones, who had 4½ sacks as a backup the previous year, was expected to deliver more, with coach Brian Kelly predicting a “monster” season for him. Despite gaining 30 pounds to prepare for his starting role and tying for the second-most hurries on the team with seven, Jones struggled to finish plays. He appears set to start again as the bigger defensive end, with senior Paris Shand likely rotating with him after showing promise in the latter half of 2023.
On the other side, senior Bradyn Swinson is expected to start following Oghoufo’s departure. Swinson, a former Oregon transfer, led the Tigers with nine hurries last year and had the best pass rush win rate on the team at 15.8% among players with more than five reps, according to Pro Football Focus. The question is whether he can maintain or improve this performance as a starter.
Two promising underclassmen, former five-star recruit Da’Shawn Womack and four-star freshman Gabriel Reliford, could also make an impact. Womack had 1½ sacks as a freshman, and Reliford recorded two in the spring game. Kelly has highlighted them as young players with potential to contribute.
What to know
LSU’s entire defensive line struggled due to the coaching instability the position faced last year. Now, the defensive tackles and defensive ends each have separate, experienced coaches leading their groups.
LSU is counting on Kevin Peoples to replicate his success from Missouri, where three edge rushers each recorded at least four sacks last season. Darius Robinson led the team with 8½ sacks and 14 tackles for loss, eventually becoming a first-round NFL draft pick. Before Peoples’ arrival, Robinson had only one sack in three seasons.
Robinson praised Peoples at the Senior Bowl, saying, “Honestly, my defensive line coach Kevin Peoples changed the trajectory of my career. He’s an amazing coach. He really taught me upper body rotation and how to better use my hands. Coach Peoples maximized my God-given abilities. He’s the best coach I’ve ever had. I give him a lot of credit.”
Stat to know: 2.22
LSU averaged 2.22 sacks per game over the past two seasons, placing them in the bottom half of the SEC in both years. Under former defensive coordinator Matt House, the team totaled 60 sacks. In contrast, Missouri, with Blake Baker as the defensive coordinator, recorded 74 sacks in one fewer game. Missouri averaged 2.85 sacks per game during Baker’s tenure, consistently ranking in the top three of the conference both years.
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