Offense
The quarterback position belongs to Lunch Winfield. The dual threat signal caller took over in the come from behind win over Marshall and never looked back. He still has plenty of developing to do as a passer, but he did lead the team to four straight wins and bowl eligibility to end the season.
The running back room is utilized heavily. There may be some new faces, but production will continue. The return of Steven Blano, Darrell Smith, and JJ Garner is big. The additions of Anthony Reagan Jr. (Howard), Omarion Brown (Arkansas State), and true freshman Ke’Rynn Smith makes this an all-around solid unit.
The wide receiver room returns experience in Shelton Sampson Jr., Landon Strother, KaDarius Wade, Rahji Dennis, and tight ends Caden Jensen and Brock Chappell. Sampson Jr. is a former 5-star, LSU transfer, who has star potential. Watch out for redshirt freshman Trenton Chaney to be a breakout candidate.
The offensive line room dealt with injuries last season and seven of the top 10 return from last season. Cooper Fordham, Andrew Martinez, Matthew Broussard, Kaden Moreau, Jakoby Isom, George Jackson, Ryder Bentley, and Zay Alexander all started games last season. The addition of Jayce Mitchell (Tulane) provides even more depth.
Defense
The defensive line room returns experience in Fitxgerald West Jr., Lance Williams, Chase Edwards, and Maxie Baudoin IV, among others. The additions of Tito Chikere (East Texas A&M) and Brodrick Stewart (Tarleton State) are massive for this unit.
The linebacker room will need players to emerge from mostly special teams’ roles. Ashley Williams, Conor McPherson, Micah Johnson, Ethan Veal, Jake St Andre, and Kailep Edwards will all get opportunities. As will LSU transfer Princeton Malbrue.
The secondary returns experience in Brent Gordon Jr., Maurion Eleam, Avery Demery, Kody Jackson, Steven Ranel II, Collin Jacob, and Lake Bates. Gordon Jr. could be a future star. He has 12 passes defended as a true freshman.
Specialists
Kicker Tony Sterner returns after a very solid season last year. Punting duties will belong to true freshman, Australian, Mason Golding. Kick returner Ja’Corian Norris is a good one. He returned the opening kickoff against rival ULM to the house.
2026 Schedule
- 9/5 Lamar
- 9/12 at USC
- 9/19 UAB
- 9/26 at Charlotte
- 10/3 Arkansas State
- 10/10 at Louisiana Tech
- 10/17 Troy
- 10/24 at Southern Miss
- 11/7 South Alabama
- 11/12 at ULM
- 11/21 Coastal Carolina
- 11/28 at Georgia State
Final Analysis
Michael Desormeaux is a Cajun through and through. He develops and retains talent on his roster. Louisiana had one of the smallest transfer classes in the country. 6-7 records are becoming a bit of a trend, but there is no doubt that Desormeaux can coach and win at UL. Just look at 2024.
