Two veteran LSU defenders redshirting, potential transfer looms

LSU head coach Brian Kelly revealed plans to redshirt Ashton Stamps and Jardin Gilbert, a decision that could have big implications for LSU’s secondary in 2026 and beyond.

LSU football head coach Brian Kelly made a surprising admission during a press conference on Monday: he and LSU’s staff are trying to “protect” defensive backs Ashton Stamps and Jardin Gilbert to preserve their redshirts.

Stamps and Gilbert have both seen limited time this season. Stamps has only appeared in one game, against Louisiana Tech in Week 2. He’s played just 18 snaps this season overall, which ranks sixth among LSU cornerbacks, according to Pro Football Focus.

Gilbert has seen 48 total snaps, appearing in the team’s contests against Clemson, Louisiana Tech, and Florida. Those 48 snaps rank fifth among LSU safeties.

This is surprising news, as both Stamps and Gilbert started for the Tigers last season. It’s particularly shocking in Stamps’ case, as he had the second-most pass break-ups in the SEC last season, per PFF.

However, this redshirt year doesn’t seem to mean that Kelly is planning to save the duo for next season. Instead, it seems more likely that Stamps and Gilbert will enter the transfer portal to take their talents elsewhere.

Where does this leave the Tigers?

If Gilbert and Stamps do in fact decide to leave, it doesn’t leave the Tigers in too bad a spot for next season. LSU’s star cornerback, Mansoor Delane, will be leaving for the NFL Draft after this season, but LSU has two talents waiting in the wings in PJ Woodland and DJ Pickett.

Woodland has put together an incredibly impressive season, with a 52.4% catch rate allowed when targeted, along with a pass breakup and an interception, according to PFF.

Pickett is a true freshman, but he certainly doesn’t play like one. He was the highest-rated player in LSU’s 2025 recruiting class and the 24th-ranked player in the country, per 247Sports.

Pickett played the most snaps he has all season over the last two games, totaling 38 against South Carolina and 42 against Vanderbilt. He’s allowing a 46.7% catch rate when targeted this year, and even hauled in an interception against Florida, as seen below.

On the other hand, where would Jardin Gilbert’s departure leave LSU at the safety position?

LSU will be losing starting safety AJ Haulcy to the draft, but LSU has sophomore safety Dashawn Spears waiting to fill in for him. Spears has played limited snaps this season, but he’s shone when given the opportunity. That was the case against Florida, where Spears hauled in two interceptions on just nine snaps played.

At the other safety spot sits sophomore Tamarcus Cooley, who has gained significant experience this season, having played 425 snaps. He’s had a solid season for the Tigers, totaling two interceptions and three pass breakups, per PFF.

Ultimately, if Gilbert and Stamps decide to go elsewhere, LSU has the depth to replace them. Both have significant playing experience, which could be helpful if LSU’s young talent isn’t able to get comfortable in starting roles this offseason. Still, both Pickett and Spears have performed well in their somewhat limited roles this season and are on promising trajectories for the future.