LSU football defensive end Gabe Reliford was listed as probable for the Texas game on LSU's Wednesday injury report. If Reliford plays, it would be a quick, impressive return from an ACL tear suffered in spring practice. Reliford is yet to suit up in 2026.
Reliford's spring injury dealt a significant blow to LSU's defensive end depth. Reliford is a talented player who saw immediate playing time as a true freshman in 2024. In 2025, he started strong until shoulder surgery ended his year after four games.
The last time Reliford saw the field was LSU's Week 4 win over SE Louisiana in 2025. Prior to the injury, Reliford had four pressures and seven stops.
LSU's defensive end duo of Princewill Umanmielen and Jordan Ross is one of the best in the SEC.
Still, Reliford's return would be welcomed, as he provides a physical, bruising presence against the run.
With Reliford out, Dylan Carptenger emerged as LSU's core third defensive end and has given Blake Baker's defense valuable reps.
Even if Reliford does go, it remains to be seen how he'd factor into the rotation. He's a capable player, but this would be a big spot to return to given how much time he's missed. Anything LSU can get from the third-year defensive end is a positive, though, given it looked like he would miss the entire year after the injury occurred in the spring.
LSU's entire defense has been impacted by the injury bug this year. Safety Da'Shawn Spears tore his ACL vs. Ole Miss and is out for the year. Linebacker Whit Weeks has been out since Week 4.
LSU football vs. Texas betting odds
- Per FanDuel, LSU is a 4.5-point favorite vs. Texas. The moneyline is LSU -172 and Texas +142. The total for the game is 46.5
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU injury report: Gabe Reliford probable vs. Texas in return from ACL tear
