LSU football is gearing up for an exciting 2026 season, and all eyes are on tight end Trey'Dez Green. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-7, Green is already generating buzz as a potential preseason first-team All-SEC selection. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches makes him a nightmare for defenders, and he's poised to be a key weapon in the Tigers' offensive arsenal.
However, while Green's star power is undeniable, the real question for LSU's offense lies in the depth behind him. Green is primarily a pass-catching tight end—he's made strides as a blocker, but it's still a work in progress. To keep the offense balanced and effective, LSU will need a reliable TE2 who can step in and handle the gritty work of blocking SEC-level defensive linemen.
Looking at how other top programs manage their tight end rooms offers a blueprint. Take Ole Miss, for example. In 2025, Lane Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr. leaned heavily on Dae'Quan Wright, who logged an impressive 804 snaps. But they didn't stop there—Trace Bruckler (228 snaps), Caleb Odom (184), and Luke Hasz (131) all saw meaningful action. That's four tight ends they trusted on the field, even if Wright carried the bulk of the load.
LSU won't have that same depth—the Tigers don't boast the four-deep rotation that Ole Miss enjoyed last season. Still, they'll need a couple of reliable options to complement Green. Enter the transfer portal additions: Malachi Thomas and Zach Grace.
Thomas and Grace bring contrasting skill sets to the table. Thomas, at 6-foot-3 and 242 pounds, is more of a classic tight end. He's athletic enough to make plays in the passing game and has the frame to hold his own as a blocker. In 2025, he posted a solid 71.7 PFF grade at Pitt, one of the best marks among ACC tight ends. That kind of production suggests he could carve out a meaningful role in Baton Rouge.
Grace, on the other hand, is a blocking specialist. During his time at Oregon, he was primarily used in that capacity—out of his 60 snaps in 2025, 53 came as a run blocker. His role at LSU will likely be limited to specialty packages, like short-yardage and goal-line situations, where his blocking prowess can shine.
Thomas has the greater potential to expand his role, but don't expect him to steal many targets from Green in 2026. Still, if he builds on his strong 2025 campaign, LSU could start incorporating more 12-personnel looks this fall. For that to happen, Thomas will need to prove he provides enough value to justify taking a wide receiver off the field.
As the Tigers prepare for the season, the tight end position will be one to watch. Green may be the headliner, but the supporting cast could be the key to unlocking LSU's full offensive potential.