ESPN: Key College Football Returning Players For Each Top 25 Team

College Football writer Max Olson of ESPN recently created a list of "Key returning players for each top 25 team" in 2026.

For LSU, Olson selected cornerback DJ Pickett, who enters his sophomore season with the Tigers in 2026.

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15. LSU Tigers
2025 record: 7-6, 3-5 SEC

Key player retained: DJ Pickett, CB

We wrote when the LSU job opened that keeping Pickett, tight end Trey'Dez Green, linebacker Whit Weeks and running back Harlem Berry would be critical. All four are returning for 2026 under Kiffin. Pickett is a talented 6-foot-5 corner and former five-star recruit who earned three starts during his true freshman season and finished with 37 tackles, three interceptions and two sacks. The new staff convincing running back Caden Durham and offensive tackle Weston Davis to withdraw their names from the portal in January was a good win as well amid LSU's efforts to build the No. 1-ranked transfer class.

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