5 interesting things in LSU football's depth chart vs Clemson

BATON ROUGE — The 2026 college football season is nearing its start for LSU football.

The No. 13-ranked Tigers host No. 23 Clemson for Lane Kiffin’s highly anticipated debut as LSU’s coach on Saturday, Sept. 5 (6:30 p.m. CT, ABC) inside Tiger Stadium.

And Kiffin’s first official depth chart is intriguing to say the least. There are 13 newcomers listed as starters with seven on offense. One of them is freshman defensive tackle Deuce Geralds.

Let’s get into the interesting items found within the first two-deep of the season. Let’s keep in mind, depth charts don’t hold much weight, but it’s fascinating how coaches structure them.

By the depth chart, LSU’s base offensive formation will feature two slot receivers, one wide out and a tight end. Most base offenses list two wide receivers, one slot and one tight end.

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One of the two top returning running backs for LSU this offseason, sophomore Harlem Berry has had a lot of expectations coming into this season.

The New Orleans native is listed as the fourth tailback on the depth chart behind Wisconsin transfer Dilin Jones, Stacey Gage and returning back Caden Durham.

It would appear that way. Elzy is listed atop the X position ahead of Brown, who looked to be the guy for LSU throughout fall camp.

Elzy did have a quality camp as well, but Brown was expected to be the first player at the X position.

Deuce Geralds is listed as a starter at defensive tackle. Richard “Big Rich” Anderson had a great preseason but is listed No. 3 behind Geralds and Auburn transfer Malik Blocton.

Baton Rouge native and five-star recruit Lamar Brown is not listed on the two deep. That’s surprising as freshmen Trenton Henderson, Jaiden Braker and Damien Shanklin, who missed some time during fall camp due to a coach’s decision, are on the depth chart.

The position battle between Cooley and Thomas was arguably the stiffest competition for LSU during fall camp. It looks like Kiffin and defensive coordinator Blake Baker are going with experience and Cooley.

Cory Diaz covers the LSU Tigers for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his Tigers coverage on Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz. Got questions regarding LSU athletics? Send them to Cory Diaz at bdiaz@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: 5 interesting things in LSU football’s depth chart vs Clemson