Where does LSU rank nationally in total defense?

LSU ranks No. 1 in the FBS in total defense through games played September 12, 2026, allowing 142.5 yards per game.

How many rushing yards has LSU allowed?

LSU has allowed 37 rushing yards on 57 attempts through two games, an average of 18.5 yards per game that ranks No. 2 nationally.

How good is LSU on third down?

Opponents have converted four of 27 third-down attempts against LSU, a 14.8% rate that ranks No. 2 nationally.

How many turnovers has LSU forced?

LSU has forced four turnovers through two games: two interceptions and two recovered fumbles.

LSU Defense Rankings 2026: Where the Tigers Rank Nationally

Hunter Bankston

Sep 13

2 min read

Updated: Sep 27

Updated September 27, 2026. The original No. 1 total-defense ranking on this page reflected LSU's first two games. After four games, the exact national ranking has shifted, but the defense remains one of the strongest units in the country.

Quick answer: How good is LSU's defense now?

Through four games, LSU has allowed approximately 200.8 total yards per game, 21.5 rushing yards per game and 15.5 points per game. The Texas A&M performance strengthened the profile dramatically: LSU allowed only 93 total yards and minus-13 rushing yards in a 35-6 win.

Post–Texas A&M defensive snapshot

Record — LSU is 3-1 overall and 1-1 SEC
Scoring defense — 62 points allowed in four games (15.5 per game)
Total defense — about 200.8 yards allowed per game through four games
Rushing defense — about 21.5 yards allowed per game through four games
Texas A&M — 93 total yards, minus-13 rushing yards, 6 points
Pre–Texas A&M — LSU entered the game leading the nation in rushing defense and sacks through three games

Why the Texas A&M game matters

Texas A&M entered Death Valley with a mobile quarterback and a physical run game, but LSU erased both. The Aggies finished with minus-13 rushing yards, and Marcel Reed was held to 106 passing yards.

Pass rush remains the engine

Princewill Umanmielen entered the Texas A&M game with six sacks through three contests. LSU's front continued to collapse the pocket against the Aggies, while Tamarcus Cooley added a sack from the secondary.

The new challenge: replacing Whit Weeks

Captain Whit Weeks suffered a broken lower right leg against Texas A&M and is out indefinitely. Charles Ross is out for the season, while Dashawn Spears and Phillip Wright III are also season-ending absences. The defense's next test is maintaining its production while the linebacker and STAR rotations change.

Current national context

LSU is No. 11 in the September 27 AP poll at 3-1. National defensive category rankings can move as every Week 4 result is processed, so TigerHype will keep this page centered on the latest verified NCAA/LSU numbers rather than preserving an outdated early-season rank.