Locked On LSU - Daily Podcast On LSU Tigers Football & Basketball

Lane Kiffin: THIS Is Why LSU HAD to Keep Blake Baker

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Apr 6, 2026

Lane Kiffin explains why keeping Blake Baker was vital to preserving LSU’s defensive identity. The show breaks down game-by-game swings versus Ole Miss and the defensive rankings jump that followed. There is a broader look at why elite defenses still win in the College Football Playoff and why Kiffin even canceled the traditional spring game.

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INSIGHT

Keeping Blake Baker Was Nonnegotiable

Lane Kiffin said keeping Blake Baker was critical because Baker transformed LSU's defense and improved it each season.
Kiffin watched LSU's defensive turnaround firsthand at Ole Miss, prompting him to prioritize continuity when he arrived.

INSIGHT

Baker's Measurable Defensive Turnaround

LSU's points allowed to Ole Miss fell from 55 under Matt House (2023) to 26 and 24 in the two seasons after Blake Baker arrived.
Total defense ranking jumped from 108th (House) to 61st (Baker year one) to 27th (most recent season).

INSIGHT

Defense Still Dominates College Playoff Paths

Ten of the 12 College Football Playoff teams in 2025 ranked inside the top 18 in total defense, showing elite defenses still drive CFP runs.
Even in an offense-heavy era, top defensive rankings correlated strongly with playoff berths.

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Lane Kiffin made one thing clear—LSU’s defense had to stay intact, and Blake Baker was central to that.

In this episode, we dive into why retaining Baker was a priority for Kiffin after seeing LSU firsthand while at Ole Miss. The difference in the Tigers’ defense with and without Baker wasn’t subtle, and we break down those matchups, the numbers, and what it means moving forward.

We also take a broader look at the College Football Playoff and why, despite the offensive explosion across the sport, elite defenses still drive championship runs. Which recent CFP teams back that up, and where does LSU need to be?

Plus, Kiffin explains his decision to eliminate the traditional spring game—and what that signals about his approach to roster management and development.

If LSU is going to contend in 2026, it starts on defense.

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Lane Kiffin: THIS Is Why LSU HAD to Keep Blake Baker

Keeping Blake Baker Was Nonnegotiable

Baker's Measurable Defensive Turnaround

Defense Still Dominates College Playoff Paths

TurboTax This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.