Lamar Brown can be an impact player for LSU football this fall. The five-star freshman didn't enroll early, so he didn't get the benefit of spring practice, but he's impressed after making his fall camp debut.
Brown, a Baton Rouge native, is an elite talent. He was the No. 1 recruit in the country, per ESPN. At the high school level, Brown stood out on both sides of the ball, playing offensive and defensive line. While Brown has narrowed it down to defense now, the versatility is still there. Brown has the skills to play interior defensive line or rush off the edge.
Brown is one of several true freshman defensive linemen pushing for playing time. Defensive tackles Richard Anderson and Deuce Geralds also figure to get playing time. All three are
important, but Brown emerging at defensive end would solve a problem for LSU.
The Tigers' depth at DE is thin after Gabriel Reliford tore his ACL in spring practice. Princewill Umanmielen and Jordon Ross figure to be quality starters, but there are questions down the depth chart. LSU is hoping to add former Notre Dame DE Junior Tuihalamaka to the roster, but his eligibility is up in the air.
If Brown is ready to contribute quality SEC snaps, even if it's only 10-15 a game, it takes pressure off Umanmielen and Ross. Umanmielen and Ross could stay fresh, too.
Lane Kiffin and Co. saw 5-star DL Lamar Brown return on Friday morning in Baton Rouge.
— Zack Nagy (@znagy20) August 21, 2026
Brown - the No. 1 ATH in America - missed Thursday’s Fall Camp practice.#LSU continues working through rotations along the EDGE - with Brown pushing for first-team duties in Year 1. pic.twitter.com/CFIWZ0UGyn
I expect LSU to have a fine pass rush, and LSU should have trust in Umanmielen and Ross, but Brown can take this group to the next level. He's a leverage point for this defense.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU football counting on young defensive end to emerge in 2026
