LSU vs. USC: The Offseason Defense Overhaul

Who Improved Their Defense More?

LSU Tigers

LSU's defense struggled in 2022, allowing 34.7 points per game (108th in FBS). They made significant changes in the offseason, hiring Matt House as defensive coordinator and adding several key players through the transfer portal.

House is a veteran defensive coordinator with a history of success. He was the defensive coordinator at Kentucky from 2019-22, where he helped the Wildcats improve their scoring defense from 103rd in 2018 to 12th in 2022.

LSU also added several players with proven track records via the transfer portal. Safety JL Skinner was a first-team All-SEC selection at Georgia. Linebacker Harold Perkins was a five-star recruit who played at LSU in 2022. Defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo was a four-star recruit who started 12 games for Missouri in 2022.

USC Trojans

USC's defense was also not very good in 2022, allowing 30.8 points per game (79th in FBS). They also made some significant changes in the offseason, hiring Alex Grinch as defensive coordinator and adding several key players through the transfer portal.

Grinch is a veteran defensive coordinator with a history of success. He was the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma from 2019-21, where he helped the Sooners improve their scoring defense from 70th in 2018 to 11th in 2021.

USC also added several players with proven track records via the transfer portal. Defensive end Solomon Byrd was a three-time All-ACC selection at North Carolina. Safety Calen Bullock was a two-time All-ACC selection at Miami. Linebacker Eric Gentry was a four-star recruit who played at LSU in 2022.

Comparison

Both LSU and USC made significant changes to their defenses in the offseason. It's too early to say for sure which team improved more, but both teams have the potential to be much better in 2023.

LSU has a more experienced defensive coordinator in House, but USC has a more proven track record of success. LSU added more players with proven track records via the transfer portal, but USC added more players who were highly rated recruits.

Ultimately, it will be up to the players on the field to determine which team improved more. But both LSU and USC have the potential to be much better on defense in 2023.