LSU Targets Boise State Transfer Ty Benefield to Fill Safety Vacancy After Colts Draft AJ Haulcy

Context Last summer LSU lost two starting safeties, Major Burns and Sage Ryan, prompting a transfer‑portal push. The Tigers added Houston’s AJ Haulcy and NC State’s Tamarcus Cooley, who together logged 158 tackles, six pass breakups and five interceptions. Haulcy alone contributed 88 tackles, four breakups and three interceptions before the Indianapolis Colts selected him in the third round of the NFL Draft.

Key Facts Ty Benefield arrived from Boise State after a three‑year stint that produced 235 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 12 pass breakups, two forced fumbles and five interceptions. He earned back‑to‑back first‑team All‑Mountain West honors and was named defensive MVP of the 2024 Mountain West Championship Game. At 6‑foot‑3, Benefield logged 355 man‑coverage snaps and over 300 box snaps in 2025, matching LSU’s defensive scheme that relies on safeties in both man coverage and blitz packages. Head coach Lane Kiffin praised Benefield’s “ultra‑elite” skill set and mindset, noting that scouts rarely see work ethic on film. Kiffin compared Benefield’s combination of talent and attitude to LSU’s top offensive prospects Trey’Dez Green and Jordan Seaton, emphasizing that such a blend is rare.

What It Means Benefield’s arrival gives LSU a direct replacement for Haulcy’s versatility—center‑field coverage, shallow zone, and interior blitzing—while adding stronger man‑coverage ability. His proven production and the coaching staff’s confidence suggest LSU can maintain defensive continuity despite the draft loss. The Tigers’ secondary should stay competitive as they integrate Benefield into spring practices and prepare for the upcoming season.

Looking Ahead Watch LSU’s spring game to see how Benefield adapts to Blake Baker’s blitz‑heavy scheme and whether his “ultra‑elite” work ethic translates into on‑field leadership for the 2025 season.