GAME 1 – Saturday, Sept 5, 2026
At HOME vs Louisiana Highlights
SEC YouTube
WIN – 51 – 10
Watch video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4EXb0jEpE4
GAME 1 – Saturday, Sept 5, 2026
At HOME vs Clemson Tigers
WIN – 51 – 10
Sept 6 – Scouts in attendance at Clemson game
Colts, Jaguars, and Dolphins
Sept 7 – The Athletic – NY Times
Video: Ty Benefield vs. Clemson
Watch the 0:16 video here: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/video/gCBj1De9eQnJonn/
Sept 8 – Crescent City Sports
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly from LSU’s rout of Clemson
The LSU defense took advantage of the retooled Clemson offensive line. Edge rusher Jordan Ross scored an FBS eighth-best 94 PFF grade among edge rushers. He had four pressures, four stops, two tackles for loss, one sack and a 30-yard pick-six. His edge-mate, Princewell Umanmielen, totaled six tackles, a pair of sacks, two tackles for loss and a 91 pass-rush grade. Linebacker and Ole Miss transfer T.J. Dottery had five stops and a 91.3 overall mark.
Boise State transfer Ty Benefield was given a 76.9 PFF grade.
FYI – The PFF Grading Scale
PFF evaluates player grades on a 0 to 100 scale based on how well they execute their assignment on every individual play: [1, 2]
- 90+: Elite (All-American or future high-round NFL draft pick level)
- 80–89: Very Good / High quality (All-Conference level)
- 70–79: Good / Above-Average (Solid starter or reliable contributor)
- 60–69: Average (Backup or replacement-level player)
- Below 60: Below average to poor [1]
Sept 9 – HJ News
Photo only by Matthew Hinton
Sept 9 – On3.com
LSU announces 40 athletes joining Nike’s Blue Ribbon Elite program through NIL deals
LSU is the latest school to announce its 2026-27 Blue Ribbon Elite NIL class. Alabama announced 18 athletes came aboard through the initiative as Nike continues to expand its reach in the NIL space ahead of this academic year. Through the program, athletes at Nike partner schools can sign NIL deals with the apparel giant.
Football (11)
Ty Benefield, Harlem Berry, Jayce Brown, Lamar Brown, Caden Durham, Trey’Dez Green, Husan Longstreet, DJ Pickett, Jordan Seaton, Princewill Umanmielen, Whit Weeks
Read more: https://www.on3.com/news/lsu-announces-40-athletes-joining-nike-blue-ribbon-elite-program-nil-deals/
Sept 9 – LSU Football on IG
just to feel like this it took a long time. AGTG.
#teamnike
Sept 9 – LSU Wire
LSU football defensive notebook: How Blake Baker dominated Clemson
LSU football defensive notebook
- LSU safety Ty Benefield was a difference-maker. Benefield, a Boise State transfer, drew rave reviews throughout the offseason after arriving in Baton Rouge. His debut lived up to the hype. On Clemson’s first series of the game, Benefield broke up a third-down pass to force a three-and-out. Benefield played LSU’s high-safety role for most of the game. That put Benefield in position to make plays all over the field, which included crashing down into the box to stop the run.
Sept 10 – Vikings Wire
2027 NFL Draft: Vikings projected to land breakout SEC defender
The 2027 NFL Draft will take place in Washington, D.C. next year. In that draft, the Vikings still have their first-round pick, but a lot could happen in the next 9 months. Before then, though, there will be plenty of speculation and buildup for the team and who they may add to the roster through the draft in a class that many are saying could be one of generational wealth.
CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson recently released the latest 2027 NFL mock draft of the cycle, which has the team going with a new defensive addition in one of the top safeties, Ty Benefield.
Wilson explains the Benefield pick, writing, “Harrison Smith returning for another year is a fun story, but Benefield brings some Brian Flores-level physicality to the position along with deep-range coverage traits.”
The team is going to be mocked for having several safeties between now and April, but Benefield is one of my favorites. He just seems to be more of what the Vikings look for, with the natural instincts and run-stuffing ability.
Sept 10 – KVUE ABC
The Play That Made Tiger Stadium SHAKE | Ty Benefield Exclusive
Watch the 19:44 video here: https://www.kvue.com/video/sports/locked-on/lo-new-orleans/lsu-tigers-show/the-play-that-made-tiger-stadium-shake-ty-benefield-exclusive/535-d7e1ead8-adca-4774-a49f-f8bc53e2128d
Sept 10 – TSN
Lalji explains why Canadian safety Benefield could have a major impact in the CFP picture
Each of the last two years, a Canadian has made a major impact in the College Football Playoff picture, and this year, LSU’s Ty Benefield might continue that trend. TSN’s Farhan Lalji has more.
Watch the 3:20 video here: https://www.tsn.ca/ncaa/video/2026/09/10/lalji-explains-why-canadian-safety-benefield-could-have-a-major-impact-in-the-cfp-picture/
Sept 10 – And the Valley Shook
LSU Football Draft Stock: Entering Week 2
Projected Day 2 Picks
Second Round – EDGE Jordan Ross
Second Round – S Dashawn Spears
Third Round – Princewill Umanmielen
Third Round – LB Whit Weeks
Third Round – S Ty Benefield (was Day 3 last week)
Third Round – QB Sam Leavitt (was day 3 last week)
Read more: https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/nfl-draft/52715/lsu-football-draft-stock-entering-week-2
Sept 11 – Vikings Wire
NFC North 2027 NFL Mock Draft: Player values change after Week 1
Minnesota Vikings
- Round 1: Jamari Johnson, TE, Oregon
- Round 2: Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Edge, Ohio State
- Round 3: Ty Benefield, SAF, LSU
- Round 3: Anthony Smith, DL, Minnesota
Read more: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nfc-north-2027-nfl-mock-180044573.html
Sept 11 – Geaux Mail
GAME 2 – At HOME vs Louisiana Tech
WIN – 45 – 14
GAME 2 – Saturday, Sept 12, 2026
At HOME vs Louisiana Tech Highlights
SEC YouTube
WIN – 45 – 14
Watch video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYbZ9ArrCAM
Sept 12 – HJ News
Louisiana Tech LSU Football – Photo by Matthew Hinton only
Sept 13 – LSU Wire
The best photos from LSU football’s Week 2 win
Sept 16 – LSU Wire
LSU vs Ole Miss: Three Tigers must deliver in Kiffin’s return
LSU S Ty Benefield
Ty Benefield, a Boise State transfer, was one of LSU’s top offseason portal additions. So far, Benefield has lived up to the hype. Benefield has been dynamite manning the deep middle of the field and is effective at crashing down to stop the run. Benefield will have to do all of the above on Saturday.
The Ole Miss offense will count on running back Kewan Lacy to break free and create explosive runs. Benefield is in position to stop that. LSU DC Blake Baker will use Benefield on a few blitzes, too, hoping to get after athletic Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss.
Benefield has been talked up as one of the country’s top defenders. In Week 3, he has a chance to deliver a signature performance.
Sept 18 – Death Valley Voice
5 X-Factors who could swing LSU’s top-10 clash in Lane Kiffin’s Oxford homecoming
Ty Benefield – Safety
When LSU added Ty Benefield from Boise State, many started to bill him as a potential game changer in the secondary, but thus far, opponents haven’t tested the Tigers’ back end. This is going to be the first passing attack that can hurt the Tigers, and Benefield is going to have to show up as a difference-maker, especially when the Rebels try to strike for big plays.
Sept 19 – ESPN
Trinidad Chambliss leads No. 8 Mississippi past No. 7 LSU 32-24 in Lane Kiffin’s return to Ole Miss
The Tigers’ comeback bid began in earnest with pressure by Benefield, whose blitz forced Chambliss into a rushed throw that was intercepted by Ja’Keem Jackson and returned 10 yards to the Rebels 33.
Chambliss faked a handoff and ran 14 yards against the grain, outracing LSU safety Ty Benefield to the left pylon, and Ole Miss (3-0, 1-0 Southeastern Conference) added a 2-point conversion to take an eight-point lead with 6:14 to go.
Read more: https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401856688
Sept 19 – Yahoo Sports
College Players to Watch: Week 2
Ty Benefield is a fast-rising safety at LSU. He is very experienced, but he is also a first-off-the-bus type of defender. Not only does he look the part, but he can play multiple positions across the secondary. He can play down in the box, deep off the ball or even in the slot. Benefield will be in Oxford taking on the Rebels on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
Read more: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/college-players-watch-week-2-130000548.html
Sept 19 – TimesUnion
LSU TE Trey’Dez Green and Ole Miss RB Kewan Lacy leave game with injuries
Sept 20 – X
A HUGE sack by Ty Benefield
Sept 20 – HJNews
Louisiana Tech LSU Football
Sept 20 – 247 Sports
‘Not gonna happen again’: LSU’s Ty Benefield addresses defensive struggles at Ole Miss
Blake Baker’s defense surrendered 426 yards of total offense in LSU’s 32-24 loss to Ole Miss on Saturday.
Senior safety Ty Benefield, who had a rollercoaster night against the Rebels, spoke to the media following the loss to address the multiple breakdowns by his unit. Here’s everything he said:
THE OUTSIDE NOISE SURROUNDING LANE KIFFIN’S RETURN TO OXFORD
Question: How do you feel like you guys, as players on the field, handled all the bells and whistles and everything that was going on early tonight?
Benefield: “Honestly, that wasn’t the issue. Like, the fans and whatever they had, that really wasn’t the issue. More the issue was just doing your job, executing what you were supposed to do. And again, like, I’m gonna sit here and I’m gonna take that because as a leader of this team, that’s on me. There are times where I didn’t execute.”
THE LEADERSHIP NEEDED MOVING FORWARD
Question: How do you kind of, as a leader, help this team come back down to Earth after an emotional game like that and kind of flip the script for next week against A&M?
Benefield: “Look at the film. Talk things through. You know, ask guys, ‘What are you seeing?’ I’m gonna talk to guys whoa re coming in, you know, who haven’t really played as much. You know, getting them going, giving them confidence and again, just rallying our guys, rallying the troops.”
Sept 20 – TigerBait
LSU’s Whit Weeks, Ty Benefield React to Tough Loss at Ole Miss
I take full responsibility.
Watch the video here: https://tigerbait.com/s/8610/lsus-whit-weeks-ty-benefield-react-to-tough-loss-at-ole-miss
Sept 20 – nola.com
Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss deals stingy LSU defense a frustrating reality check
This game was played at another level, and Blake Baker’s defense didn’t always meet the test. In the end, the Rebels drove 75 yards on 13 plays, scored a go-ahead touchdown and then a two-point conversion to put even more pressure on LSU’s offense.
Sam Leavitt couldn’t answer, throwing a fourth-down pass toward the end zone that was tipped up and picked.
“Just not finishing, just not getting it done,” Benefield said. “The thing about it, it’s too late. You gotta start fast and carry it all throughout. Again, as a leader on this team, that’s on me. So I take everything and take full responsibility.
“Coaches can’t go out there and play the game because we’re out there.”
Sept 20 – LSU on SI
3 LSU Tigers Who Stood Out vs. Ole Miss
While the offensive production made the Tigers come up short on the scoreboard, there was a fair amount of missed opportunities and mistakes from the defensive side of the ball that contributed to the loss.
The second half of the game became a true competition after a brutal first half from the Tigers. The team was solely relying on momentum to get a win on the road over the Rebels.
Which is when safety Ty Benefield stepped up on the defense with a major blitz on Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, delivering pressure that made Chambliss throw an intercepted pass for the Tigers to takeover the drive, one that eventually led to a touchdown.
Just two possessions later, Benefield once again disturbed the Ole Miss offense with a crucial 20-yard sack, which led the Rebels to a forced punt on a 4th & 30.
It might not have been the best job done by both the offense and defense, but these stars still shone on one of the biggest stages the season will present.
Read more: https://www.si.com/college/lsu/football/3-lsu-tigers-who-stood-out-vs-ole-miss
Sept 20 – LSU Reveille
LSU drops in AP Poll following loss to Ole Miss
Read more: https://lsureveille.com/288287/featured_story/lsu-drops-in-ap-poll-following-loss-to-ole-miss/
Sept 21- Geaux Mail
GAME 4 vs Texa A&M
Sept 22 – And the Valley Shook
PFF Report Cards: LSU vs Ole Miss
The worst grades from the defensive side of the ball were:
CJ Jimcoily: 37.6
Dashawn Spears: 51.2
Ty Benefield: 52.7
Jimcoily being the lowest-graded player on defense is not surprising. There were times when he was in the game on Saturday where he looked a little out of place and was just a step slower than what he should have been. Maybe the atmosphere was a little too much for Jimcoily, but the staff made the adjustments and moved on for the remainder of the game.
Benefield and Spears being here is no shock. The offense that Ole Miss ran with Trinidad Chambliss puts a lot of stress on safeties to be right all of the time. Chambliss is the best QB in college football, and he did not disappoint. There were plays that he made, and throws specifically that he made, that no one but Chambliss could have made.
When Thomas entered the game in the second half to replace CJ Jimcoily after Dashawn Spears was injured in the first half, the defense found its footing. Tamarcus Cooley was moved into the star role to replace Spears, Thomas was paired with Ty Benefield as the two safeties, and Blake Baker began to dial up more aggressive defensive schemes.
Read more: https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/lsu-tigers-football/53264/pff-report-cards-lsu-vs-ole-miss
The PFF Grading Process
- Trained Analysts: PFF employs hundreds of analysts who break down game film. Less than 10% of these analysts are certified to actually grade individual plays.
- Play-by-Playing Evaluation: Analysts grade every player on every single snap on a scale from -2.0 to +2.0 in 0.5 increments, judging performance relative to the expectation of that specific play.
- Senior Reviewers: Only the top 2% to 3% of senior analysts are responsible for reviewing and finalizing the grades before they are published or sent to college and NFL coaching staffs.
Sept 22 – Tiger Rag
LSU Safety Ty Benefield Talks Moving On From Ole Miss Loss And Containing Marcel Reed
LSU safety Ty Benefield has flashed the talent his teammates and coaches raved in the offseason. Although his snaps and opportunities were limited by the Tigers’ dominant defensive front in the first two games of the season, Benefield has racked up 10 total tackles on the season and had five tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss against Ole Miss in Week 3. After struggling to contain Rebels’ quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, LSU will face another mobile passer in No. 23 Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed on Saturday.
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spCFDTbJhvY&t=1s
Read more: https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-safety-ty-benefield-talks-moving-on-from-ole-miss-loss-and-containing-marcel-reed/
Sept 22 – Tiger Rag
LSU safety Ty Benefield explains why he transferred to program from Boise State: ‘I want the smoke’
But why the SEC, which he called “the baby NFL”?
“I want all parts of any fight,” he said. “I want the best competition. I don’t care who’s in front of me. I want everything. I want the hard road, and that’s how it’s going to be the rest of my life. That’s why I came to LSU. … I want the smoke. I don’t care who we line up against, who I line up against.”
Benefield and the Tigers kick off against Texas A&M at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday.
I WANT ALL THE SMOKE
Sept 23 – LSU on SI
LSU’s Team Mentality Is Exactly Why Safety Ty Benefield Chose the Tigers
“I want the smoke,” Benefield said. “I want to go against the best competition. I don’t care who’s in front of me. I want everything. I want the hard road. And that’s how it’s gonna be for the rest of my life.”
That’s the mindset that seperates great players from good ones, and for Benefield, that shows on the field.
Benefield has recorded 10 total tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, one pass breakup and one pass deflection from the safety position.
Benefield has shown more than the stat book shows, travelling and making playes sideline to sideline like no other on LSU’s elite defense.
Sept 23 – Acadian News First
LSU looks to respond against No. 23 Texas A&M after loss at Ole Miss
BATON ROUGE, La. (Acadiana News First) – LSU learned a difficult lesson in its loss at Ole Miss last weekend.
Now, the Tigers have an opportunity to respond with a ranked Texas A&M team coming to Tiger Stadium.
The 23rd ranked Aggies visit Baton Rouge on Saturday as LSU looks to get back on track and begin building momentum in Southeastern Conference play.
LSU safety Ty Benefield said the Tigers’ focus is on returning to the fundamentals that have helped them succeed.“Honestly, you just can’t really let anything get to you and don’t do anything extra,” Benefield said. “When it comes to being on that field, you just have to be yourself and give the best effort.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Saturday. LSU enters the game as an 8.5-point favorite.
Sept 24 – LSU on SI
5 LSU Players Who Could Decide Tigers vs. Texas A&M
Ty Benefield
The Tigers left Saturday’s game against Ole Miss with injuries, including safety Dashawn Spears. LSU’s secondary is a bit vulnerable, which means Benefield has to step up.
The Boise State transfer is coming off his best game of the season. He recorded five total tackles, one sack, and delivered several big hits. Benefield is a premier safety, and a good performance against Texas A&M would go a long way toward a victory.
Read more: https://www.si.com/college/lsu/football/5-lsu-players-who-could-decide-tigers-vs-texas-am
Sept 25 – TigerRag
Ty Benefield And The LSU Defense Face A Pressure-Packed SEC Test
LSU safety Ty Benefield knew the challenge he was accepting when he decided to transfer from the Mountain West Conference’s Boise State to LSU and the Southeastern Conference. In fact, he said that challenge is what drew him to Baton Rouge.
Benefield was coming off a first-team All-Mountain West 2025 season with 107 tackles, 8 ½ tackles for loss, two interceptions and three pass breakups, and he was named the MVP of the MWC title game. In three seasons as a Bronco, he helped Boise State to three consecutive conference titles and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024, but he wanted more.
“I want to go against the best competition,” Benefield said after practice on Tuesday. ”I don’t care who’s in front of me. I want everything. I want the hard road, and that’s how it’s going to be for the rest of my life. That’s why I came to LSU. I wanted the smoke, going from Boise to the SEC – the best conference in the nation, the baby NFL. I want the smoke. I don’t care who we line up against, who I line up against.”
Read more: https://www.tigerrag.com/ty-benefield-and-the-lsu-defense-face-a-pressure-packed-sec-test/
Sept 26 – NY Giants on SI
4 NFL Draft Prospects Giants Fans Should Watch This College Football Weekend
SAF Ty Benefield, LSU
LSU got picked apart by Trinidad Chambliss and Ole Miss last weekend, but they’ll attempt to bounce back against Texas A&M on Saturday. Aggies receiver Mario Craver, whom we highlighted last week, has enough speed to threaten the Tigers over the top.
Benefield will be tasked with keeping those deep shots under control. He had an up-and-down day against Ole Miss, standing out in coverage but missing two of his six tackle attempts. Missed tackles have been a common issue for Benefield, who averages a missed-tackle rate of 17.8% across his collegiate career.
His consistency needs to improve, both for LSU and for his draft stock.
Benefield and the Tigers will get a breather against McNeese State next weekend before resuming their SEC schedule with Kentucky.
Read more: https://www.si.com/nfl/giants/onsi/giants-2027-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-week-4-01m3a8939pk1
Sept 25 – Philly Voice
Five college prospects who could interest the Eagles in the 2027 NFL Draft
Ty Benefield (2), S, LSU (6’3, 216): (23) Texas A&M at (10) LSU, 7:30 p.m.
Benefield played three seasons at Boise State before transferring to LSU this offseason. He is a monster safety at 6’3, 216, who loves to hit.
Unfortunately, because he is always hunting knockouts, he also misses way too many tackles. In the pros, he’s going to have to do a better job of picking his spots when to try to light guys up, amd when to just make sure he gets the ball carrier on the ground.
Benefield is a good athlete who should be able to cover tight ends. He also had a pair of INTs each of the last two seasons, and 7 pass breakups. He had good range on the back end and he triggers downhill quickly against the run.
Sept 25 – Vikings Wire
NFC North 2027 NFL Mock Draft: Picks made after Week 2 of the season
Detroit Lions
• Round 1: Will Echoles, DL, Ole Miss
• Round 2: Will Heldt, Edge, Clemson
• Round 3: Ty Benefield, S, LSU
Read more:
Sept 25 – HEAVY
Photo only
Sept 27 – TigerRag
A STAR Emerges, Ty Benefield Excels In New Role Against Texas A&M
In LSU’s 35-6 routing of Texas A&M, Blake Baker’s defense did something it had never accomplished before – shut down Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed. Reed finished the game with -13 rushing yards on 10 attempts and was 10-of-26 for 106 passing yards and an interception.
Safety Ty Benefield was a major contributor to the Tigers’ success as he took over the STAR role for an injured Dashawn Spears. In his first game as the STAR, Benefield led LSU with seven total tackles, all of which came in the first half, and nearly doubled the 10 he had on the season entering the game. Coach Lane Kiffin said that physical tackling ability was the exact reason the coaching staff made the decision to make Benefield the STAR.
“Those perimeter runs and quarterback runs,” Kiffin said. “That’s a really great tackler right there, and rerouting perimeter plays and stuff.”
Sept 27 – YouTube
Ty Benefield reacts to LSU defense shutting down Texas A&M
BATON ROUGE, La. — LSU safety Ty Benefield met with the media following the Tigers’ dominant 35-6 victory over Texas A&M on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium.
Benefield discussed a huge night for the LSU defense, which held the Aggies to just six points, and the Tigers’ response in an important SEC matchup.
Sept 27 – TigerRag
LSU Lineup Changes: Ty Benefield Starts At Star, And William Satterwhite Opens At Left Guard
LSU football coach Lane Kiffin changed two starters for the No. 10 Tigers’ game against No. 23 Texas A&M on Saturday night at Tiger Stadium that kicked off at 6:49 p.m. in Tiger Stadium on ABC.
Senior transfer safety Ty Benefield, who started the first three games at the rover safety spot, moved to the star starting position, replacing Dashawn Spears. Spears had started the first three games at star, but was lost of the season last week at Ole Miss in the second quarter to a knee injury.
Tamarcus Cooley remained as starting safety with Jhase Thomas starting in Benefield’s rover spot.
Sept 28 – Yahoo Sports
Kiffin speaks about the role of LSU safety Ty Benefield following injury to Dashawn Spears
Watch 2:41 video here: https://www.yahoo.com/news/videos/kiffin-speaks-role-lsu-safety-174817457.html
Sept 28 – 247 Sports
KIFFIN ON WHAT PLAYING TY BENEFIELD AT STAR DID FOR THE TEAM
KIFFIN ON WHAT PLAYING TY BENEFIELD AT STAR DID FOR THE TEAM
Question: With the changes in the secondary after watching the film, could you assess what that looks like moving forward? And for Ty, is his move to Star permanent, or was that specific to the opponent?
Kiffin: “I mean, that’s pretty schematical. Ty can do a lot of things. Really versatile player. Really unique, and Dashawn was very unique also. And so, you know, that move, at least for last week, allowed us to not have to call much different in our defense, if that makes sense, because you really don’t find guys of that length like those two that can cover, too. I mean, they don’t exist. Both are going to play a long time, so that’s really why that move was made. It was like, “Okay, what can make us not have to change our defense a lot?” And that was the one person that could move there that was a similar skill set.”
Oct 3 – Geaux Mail
GAME 5 vs McNeese
WIN 63-14
Oct 2 – TigerRag
LSU Versus McNeese Scouting Report: A Much-Needed Break From SEC Action For Tigers
Photo only
Oct 2 – LSU TigerWire
LSU vs. McNeese: 5 players the Tigers could rest, including Sam Leavitt
DB Ty Benefield
When LSU lost Da’Shawn Spears for the year, the Tigers lost one of their most versatile and valuable defenders. It’s hard to replace a player like that. LSU did it by moving safety Ty Benefield to the star position and putting Jhase Thomas in the lineup at safety. Benefield is the only other player on LSU’s roster who can rival Spears’ skill set. The STAR position is critical to Blake Baker’s defense, and LSU needs Benefield at full strength for conference play.
Oct 2 – Vikings Wire
NFC North 2027 NFL Mock Draft: Picks made after Week 3 of the season
Chicago Bears
- Round 1: Will Echoles, DL, Ole Miss
- Round 2: Elijah Green, CB, Tulsa
- Round 3: Ty Benefield, S, LSU
Oct 2 – Fox Sports
10 Biggest Risers, Fallers In 2027 NFL Draft: Is QB Drew Mestemaker A First-Rounder?
FALLERS
5. Ty Benefield, S, LSU
Two weeks ago, safety Ty Benefield was left lunging at air a few times in LSU’s emotional loss to Ole Miss, raising concerns about where he’ll fit best in the NFL. Scouts are intrigued by the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder’s speed and physicality, but the position is called “safety” for a reason. Benefield will need to take safer angles in pursuit and show better wrap skills — rather than just relying on his knockdown power — if he is to develop into the top-100 candidate LSU hoped when luring him to the SEC after he began his career at Boise State.
Oct 3 – LSU Football Game Progam
Oct 3 – LSU Sports.net
Ty Benefield Plays with a Sense of Urgency
Benefield did not come to LSU just to be another name on the roster; he came to become one of the greats. “DBU” is not a title you inherit. It is a standard you have to meet on the next snap, then the one after that. That is the bet he made when he picked Baton Rouge: that an elite year here is how you stop being a visitor in the room and start being part of history.
Read more: https://lsusports.net/news/2026/10/3/ty-benefield-plays-with-a-sense-of-urgency
Oct 3 – Riggo’s Rag
Commanders 7-round 2027 NFL mock draft shaped by early warning signs
Washington Commanders draft Ty Benefield
- Safety | LSU Tigers
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 228
The Commanders could very easily take a safety much higher than the seventh round. And depending on the severity of Nick Cross’ internal issue, they just might.
Free agency also has good safeties available every year. But with Quan Martin out of contract and Jeremy Reaves struggling early, they might need another option.
Washington also has Tyler Owens, but he’s seen more as an exceptional special-teams gunner. Daronte Jones’ defense is built on physicality and aggression, and even though Ty Benefield remains an incredibly raw prospect, he has both traits in abundance.
Benefield is making the most of his transfer to LSU so far, making tackles and flashing influence at all three levels of the field. He has some positional issues at times, but the Commanders could bring him along gradually to ensure he is more technically sound when the time comes.
Read more: https://riggosrag.com/commanders-7-round-2027-nfl-mock-draft-shaped-early-warning-signs/3
Oct 6 – Yahoo Sports
Has LSU already put the Ole Miss loss behind them?
Photo only
Read more: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lsu-already-put-ole-miss-150000679.html
Oct 6 – Yahoo Sports
Steelers find Joey Porter Jr.’s replacement, pick surprise QB in new 2027 mock draft
Second round: S Ty Benefield, LSU
Safety is another position that has reared its ugly head early for the Steelers, and the team would be wise to use one of their first picks to address the long-term stability of the position. Enter Benefield, a 6-foot-3 defensive back with plenty of starting experience at a variety of positions. It’s this versatility that makes him so appealing, capable of playing in the box, in two-high, single-high, and even in the slot. Benefield would give the Steelers a Day 1 contributor in sub-packages and special teams while also offering the team a potential long-term game-changer at the safety position.
Read more: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/steelers-joey-porter-jr-replacement-103113688.html
Oct 8 – Yahoo Sports
Kentucky vs LSU: Defensive x-factors for week six
S Ty Benefield
Safety Ty Benefield is one of the best at his position in the SEC. LSU lost Dashawn Spears who was their starting nickel after he unfortunately suffered an ACL injury that ended his season. This has resulted in Benefield playing a bigger role as a slot corner and playing closer to the box. Benefield is a playmaker, but he will have his hands full when covering the dynamic true freshman Kenny Darby in the slot.
Oct 9 – Yahoo Sports
LSU Football Draft Stock: Entering Week 6
Day 2
Second Round – S Ty Benefield
Top 2027 NFL draft prospects
- 9. OT Jordan Seaton, LSU
- 41. TE Trey’Dez Green, LSU
- 43. S Ty Benefield, LSU
- 57. QB Jayden Maiava, USC
- 65. QB Sam Leavitt, LSU
- 70. OT Lance Heard, Kentucky
- 85. ED Princewill Umanmielen, LSU
- 89. ED Jordan Ross, LSU
- 92. LB Tony Rojas, Penn State
- 108. IDL Tavion Gadson, Kentucky
Oct 15 – On 3 Virginia Tech
Associated Press releases its midseason All-Americans at halfway point in college football
Second Team — Defense
Edge Rushers — Daeden Hopkins, Missouri; Boubacar Traore, Notre Dame
Interior Linemen — A.J. Holmes Jr., Texas Tech; Will Echoles, Ole Miss
Linebackers — Rasheem Biles, Texas; Tony Rojas, Penn State; EJ Smith, Nevada
Cornerbacks — Jett Jefferson, Mississippi State; Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia
Safeties — CJ Heard, Vanderbilt; KJ Bolden, Georgia
Defensive Back — Ty Benefield, LSU
Punter — Will Karoll, Texas Tech
Oct 17 – Mississippi State on SI
The Good, Bad and Ugly From Mississippi State’s Shutout Loss at LSU
Oct 17, 2026; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Xavier Gayten (5) runs past Louisiana State Tigers safety Ty Benefield (2) during the first half against at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Oct 17 – ESPN.com
Leavitt throws for 4 TDs as No. 22 LSU routs No. 16 Mississippi State 31-0
Mississippi State’s offense took the field with second-year quarterback Parker Puckett making his first start. He was intercepted once — by Ty Benefield — and sacked three times before finishing 16 of 26 for 121 yards.
Oct 17 – Tiger Rag
LSU Defense Did Something Saturday It Has Not Done Through 154 SEC Games
“I have nothing but faith in our defense,” LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt said. “They give us hell every day in practice. It’s really no shocker for me.”
Linebacker Davhon Keys, who has replaced the injured Whit Weeks, had 10 tackles with a half sack and another stop for a loss. Edge rusher Jordan Ross had six tackles and 2.5 for loss with a sack and a quarterback hurry. Defensive tackle Dominick McKinley had three tackles with a sack. Edge rusher Dylan Carpenter had two tackles with a half sack after replacing starting edge Princewill Umanmielen, who left with an apparent concussion in the first quarter. Safety Ty Benefield, who has been playing for injured star position player Dashawn Spears, had four tackles and an interception.
Oct 17 – LSU Wire
Kiffin credits Blake Baker as LSU defense goes 5-for-5 on 4th-down stops
“Blake [Baker] did a good job all the way back,” Kiffin said. “We’ve got Ty [Benefield] playing a position he don’t play at all, you know, the last couple weeks because of these massive injuries to significant All-American type players. And today we had very little linebacker depth and had to do some unique things with the front and different things, and especially once Princewill went out.”
Oct 18 – YardBarker
Kids who will be playing on Sundays: Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss continues to make QB1 case for 2027 NFL Draft
LSU Tigers senior safety Ty Benefield
Benefield may be the next star DB from “DBU.”
The Boise State Broncos transfer grabbed his first interception of the season in a 31-0 blowout against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. He also had four tackles.
The Ringer’s Steve Muench rated Benefield as his No. 4 safety in preseason. In his scouting report, he noted, “his tackling needs significant improvement.”
Benefield is making those substantial improvements. Per Pro Football Focus, he has posted a career-best 5.7 percent missed tackle rate through seven games.
Oct 20 – Geaux 247
10 Important Quotes: Jackson Harris reveals Week 8 status, Ty Benefield locked in for Auburn
LSU wide receiver Jackson Harris and safety Ty Benefield took the podium on Tuesday to break down where the Tigers stand heading into Week 8, the buzz surrounding the program, and what to expect of Auburn.
LSU Safety Ty Benefield:
CHALLENGES OF WINNING ON ROAD IN THE SEC
Q: Is there anything you can take away from your previous two road games and apply moving forward? What makes playing on the road in the SEC so difficult?
Ty: The most difficult thing to do is win any game. Winning is hard no matter what level you’re at, but it’s different in the SEC, especially when you’re playing on the road.
The emphasis, and what I want to focus on as an individual but more importantly as a team, including the coaching staff, is that small things equal big things. You see how those small plays can lead to big outcomes, as we saw in the Kentucky game.
Honestly, it’s about forgetting the past and moving on while applying the things we learned schematically and otherwise. Small things equal big things. That’s what you should live by, too.
BENEFIELD MOVING TO STAR, JHASE THOMAS AT SAFETY
Q: When Dashawn [Spears] went down, the defense had to adjust and find a solution. How are you acclimating to that position, and is there anything you like about it that’s different or unexpected?
Ty: I feel like I’ve been doing okay and doing my job, but I definitely have a lot to work on. Those are big shoes to fill.
I do enjoy how fast everything happens at star. You’re closer to the ball and closer to the line of scrimmage, so everything happens really fast. You can pull the trigger faster and things like that.
I’m really willing to do whatever for this team and my brothers. As you’ve seen me move into that role, you’ve also seen Jhase Thomas get a lot of playing time. I want to give him a huge, special shoutout. I don’t want his head to get too big, but he won’t let that happen. He’s very humble, he’s been working his tail off, and he’s really impressing me.
We believe in him, and we believe in everybody in our room, young and old. He’s doing an amazing job, and I’m proud of him.
Oct 20 – Geaux 247
LSU Safety Ty Benefield Discusses LSU Defense Ahead Of Auburn Game
LSU suffered a major loss to its defense when STAR Dashawn Spears went down with a season-ending ACL injury, but Boise State transfer safety Ty Benefield has seamlessly slid into his versatile role in coordinator Blake Baker’s defense. Benefield is third on the team and leads all LSU defensive backs with 30 tackles this season. He also has one sack this year and nabbed his first interception as a Tiger in the 31-0 win against Mississippi State.
Benefield spoke with members of the local media on Tuesday about his new role in the defense and the challenges the No. 18 Tigers (5-2, 2-2 Southeastern Conference) face at Auburn (4-2, 2-2 SEC) on Saturday (11 a.m., ABC).
“Small things equal big things.”
Watch the 8:18 video here: https://youtu.be/YMAKr0X3Ubg?si=IvmdFqK7CSjeEPsx
Oct 21 – Tiger Rag
Ty Benefield Adjusting to Star-ing Role And His “Hammer” On LSU Defense
When Ty Benefield made the 2000-mile move from Boise, Idaho, to LSU, which is a 30-hour drive by the say, he had several adjustments to make.
The heat has been one. The culture change. Playing in the Southeastern Conference after three seasons in the Mountain West.
But Benefield, who grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada and the Los Angeles area, didn’t count on another move – to basically a linebacker position after three seasons at safety.
Benefield has tended to put LSU’s defense on his back at times. He is third on the team with 30 tackles with a sack, an interception, two pass breakups and a quarterback hurry. He also did that at at Boise State as he made 235 tackles in three seasons, including a team-high 107 last year with two interceptions and five pass breakups as an All-Mountain West first team performer. But that was all at safety.
Oct 23 – Browns Wire
AFC North 2027 NFL Mock Draft: Picks made after Week 6 of the season
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Round 1: Jayden Maiava, QB, USC
- Round 2: Boubacar, Traore, Edge, Notre Dame
- Round 3: Ty Benefield, S, LSU
- Round 3: PJ Williams, OT, SMU
Oct 23 – Reveille
Hunting a Win: The Tigers are headed back on the road in hopes of an SEC victory
It has been two years since LSU football has won an SEC game on the road, and this week they’re headed to Aurburn, Alabama to take on a team that just defeated previously No.1 ranked Georgia.
“Winning is hard, no matter what level you’re at, but it is different when you’re in the SEC,” safety Ty Benefield stated.
The Tiger defense is preparing for a big challenge in Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown who is 6’3 and just over 230 pounds, but still has the speed and agility of a runner.
“[He’s] a really hard player to tackle, similar to playing LaNorris [Sellers] in that way,” Head Coach Lane Kiffin said when asked about the challenge of facing Brown. “He’s really strong and can get through a lot of arm tackles, really smart by the way he plays,”
“He’s a very good quarterback, kind of puts the team on his back, you can see, runs the ball hard, got a good arm,” Benefield stated.
Brown and the Auburn offense are a tough contest, but the Tigers have shown they can slow down mobile quarterbacks like Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed earlier in the season.
“Small things equal big things, we’ve seen how those small things lead to outcomes,” Benefield stated. “Forgetting the past and moving on and applying what we’ve learned schematically,”
The Tigers are facing another 11 a.m. kick, and they’ll look to snap the losing streak on Saturday morning.
Oct 24 – Yahoo Sports
Draft prospects to watch for the NY Giants in Week 8
Player spotlight: Ty Benefield (S, LSU)
We mentioned Benefield way back in Week 1, and now it’s time to circle back for a closer look. Ty Benefield has great size for a modern safety at 6-foot-3, 208 pounds, and is rounding into form as a playmaker for LSU’s defense. He transferred to LSU from Boise State and brings versatility as a multi-dimensional playmaker. His size allows him to play the STAR or MONEY role as a hybrid at the second level of the defense, while also having the athleticism to be a traditional safety on the back end of the defense. So far Benefield has 30 total tackles. a sack, a tackle for loss, an interception, and two passes defensed.
Benefield is currently considered a Day 2 prospect, and has the potential to be a solid second round player by the time the Draft Process is under way.
Oct 26 – The Auburn Plainsman
Auburn’s offensive line struggles prove costly in loss to LSU
One of the game’s most pivotal plays came early in the second quarter. Auburn had the ball with a chance to tie the game at 10. On third-and-7, LSU’s Ty Benefield sacked Byrum Brown on a safety blitz, forcing Auburn to punt. LSU would go on to score again and take a two-score lead.
Oct 24 – Auburn Wire
Photos: Auburn’s home loss to LSU 38-17
Oct 24, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; LSU Tigers safety Ty Benefield (2) tackles Auburn Tigers wide receiver Keshaun Singleton (11) during the second quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn ImagesJohn Reed, IMAGN IMAGES Via Reuters Connect
Oct 24 – NFL Draftdome
3 Round 2027 NFL Mock Draft Entering Week 7
Round 3
- Los Angeles Chargers – AJ Holmes, DT, Texas Tech
- Miami Dolphins – Elijah Paige, OT, USC
- Tennessee Titans – Samson Okunlola, OL, Miami
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Andrew Marshall, CB, Nebraska
- Washington Commanders – Audavion Collins, CB, Penn State
- Minnesota Vikings – Ty Benefield, S, LSU
Oct 26 – YardBarker
Minnesota Vikings 3-Round 2027 NFL Mock Draft: Finding Franchise QB
Third Round Pick (76th Overall): Ty Benefield, S, LSU
Safety was something that I looked at early on, as the Vikings need to find their Harrison Smith replacement. Considering that Ty Benefield ranks 68th on the TWSN big board and 81st on the public board, the value made sense as well.
Oct 26 – Clutch Points
Jaguars’ 7-round 2027 NFL Draft according to PFF mock draft simulator after bye week
Round 1, Pick 28: S Ty Benefield, LSU
It’s a good opportunity for the Jaguars to upgrade their secondary. Benefield brings plenty of talentfrom the college ranks, according to The Ringer.
“He’s long and fast enough to match up with tight ends, and he has good range and instincts in single-high looks,” The Ringer wrote. “Benefield is a long strider and a big, physical presence over the middle. He’s a natural hands catcher who tracks the ball like a wide receiver, intercepting four passes over the past two seasons. His length also allows him to break up passes in phase and compete for 50-50 balls.
“Benefield has the potential to develop press-cover skills, but his footwork at the line and ability to locate the ball with his back to the quarterback need improvement. He’s tight and faster than quick, which can lead to separation at the top of his routes. He’s also overly physical and was penalized five times in coverage in 2025.”
There’s always room on NFL rosters for players with this kind of ability. And the Jaguars are the beneficiaries of this mock pick.
Oct 28 – Essentially Sports
2027 NFL Draft: 3 Underrated Prospects Flying Under the Radar
Ty Benefield, S, LSU
You want a safety who is gonna fly around the field for 60 minutes? Well, Benefield is your guy. He’s 6-foot-3 and 216 pounds and one of the standouts from this LSU secondary.
The LSU defense is filled with athletes like Benefield, edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen, and defensive back Tamarcus Cooley. Still, Benefield stands out every single week with his tracking ability.
Benefield transferred in from Boise State this offseason, and through eight games he has 33 tackles, two pass breakups, and two sacks.
His biggest limitation is his ability to cover in the back end, but he still has room to improve. Even with some rough matchups on tape, Benefield is still allowing a passer rating of 36.5 when targeted this season.
Benefield thrives in the box and around the line of scrimmage. He got a sack this past weekend against Auburn, showing the type of plays he can make around the line of scrimmage. In the open field, he looks like a rocket tracking players across the field. He’s a fun watch and a player who no doubt deserves more attention.
Oct 31 – Detroit Football.net
Detroit Lions 2027 Draft Watch: Week 9 prospects include disruptive DT, versatile DB and breakout TE playing for Belichick
Ty Benefield, S, LSU
Benefield played more than 60 snaps in LSU’s 38-17 win over Auburn, seeing most of the work between the box and the slot. He gave up receptions all three times he was targeted, but for just 26 yards, while making two runs stops and delivering a drive-ending sack in the first half.
Oct 31 – Draft Countdown
2027 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 150 Prospect Rankings (Updated)
43 | S | Ty Benefield | LSU
Oct 31 – LSU Tigers on SI
LSU vs. Alabama Is Becoming a Defining Moment for Lane Kiffin
Nov 3 – Tiger Rag
Ty Benefield Breaks Down LSU Defense Ahead Of Alabama Showdown
LSU safety Ty Benefield has emerged as a star in the LSU secondary in his first season as a Tiger since transferring from Boise State in the offseason. His length, physicality and versatility gave LSU a seamless substitute at the STAR position when Dashawn Spears was sidelined for the season, and he has racked up 33 tackles and two sacks in his new roles closer to the line of scrimmage. No. 15 LSU (6-2, 3-2 Southeastern Conference) will again call upon his speed and tackling ability as they work to contain the explosive offense of No. 9 Alabama (6-2, 4-2, SEC) on Saturday (2:30 p.m., ABC).
Benefield gave some insight on the LSU defense and how it is preparing to face the Crimson Tide after practice on Tuesday.
Watch the 9:52 video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMQv1XNzREM
“‘Bama is just an overall good team,” the safety responded. “They’re sound, physical. They play fast, but yeah, that’s really all I can say. Good team.”