LSU's revamped defense gets lofty rating in EA Sports' CFB26

In Blake Baker’s first year as the defensive coordinator at LSU, he helped lead this unit to taking a substantial step forward in 2024. Even with Harold Perkins sidelined for most of the season, we saw new players step up and into bigger roles. Now, Brian Kelly has hit the transfer portal and is ready to make more progress on the defensive side of the ball to compliment the offense.

EA Sports sees the potential for LSU and has tabbed the Tigers as a top ten defense in the country, with a 92 rating — even higher than the Tigers’ offense.

Individual ratings come out later, but here’s a look at the top defenses in CFB26.

TOP 25 DEFENSES

1. Alabama Crimson Tide | 96
2. Texas Longhorns | 94
3. Penn State Nittany Lions | 94
4. Georgia Bulldogs | 92
5. Ohio State Buckeyes | 92
6. Michigan Wolverines | 92
7. Oregon Ducks | 92
8. LSU Tigers | 92
9. Texas Tech Red Raiders | 92
10. Clemson Tigers | 90
11. Notre Dame Fighting Irish | 90
12. Texas A&M Aggies | 90
13. Tennessee Volunteers | 88
14. Indiana Hoosiers | 88
15. Miami Hurricanes | 88
16. Duke Blue Devils | 88
17. Oklahoma Sooners | 88
18. Illinois Fighting Illini | 86
19. Kansas State Wildcats | 86
20. Ole Miss Rebels | 86
21. Pittsburgh Panthers | 86
22. South Carolina Gamecocks | 84
23. Arizona State Sun Devils | 84
24. Iowa Hawkeyes | 84
25. Florida Gators | 84

“LSU is a sneaky title pick for many pundits out there. EA Sports believes the hype for Brian Kelly’s team, it seems, with quarterback Garrett Nussmeier leading the charge.

The Tigers are the tenth-ranked team, but they’re the No. 6 offense and the No. 8 defense. Don’t forget about having to play them in Death Valley. That controller is going to be rattling as you try to stifle Nic Anderson and Barion Brown, while Harold Perkins Jr. chases your quarterback.” – On3

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE – LOUDER, TOUGHER, AND MORE PERSONAL

“Last year’s launch of Home Field Advantage made an instant impact—on gameplay, and all over social media. We heard your feedback loud and clear, and we loved how many of you embraced the challenge of playing on the road, feeling the nerves when stepping into the toughest stadiums in the country.

But this year? We’re turning that pressure up a notch.

Because when you walk into hostile environments like Death Valley at night, or step into a rivalry game with your season hanging in the balance, it’s not just about volume anymore—it’s about survival.

We kept the name, brought up the intensity of the Stadium Pulse Meter, but everything about Home Field Advantage in College Football 26 has evolved.

It hits harder. It stretches deeper. It feels more alive. And if you’re walking into the wrong stadium at the wrong time? Be prepared for an experience that can break your spirit or forge legends—welcome to College Football 26.

NIGHT GAMES & RIVALRIES

In College Football 26, nighttime and rivalry modifiers add an extra edge to schools ranked among the toughest places to play.

Now, when you’re on the road under the lights, it’s a different kind of chaos. Away quarterbacks will struggle managing the clock—just like we’ve seen visiting QBs in The Swamp lose their composure in crucial moments. Kicking becomes dramatically tougher, especially with the game on the line. And in rivalry matchups? Expect more false starts, more broken communication, and more composure breakdowns as the crowd pushes every moment to the breaking point.

That means places like LSU at night, The Swamp during Florida-Bama, or at Autzen during a Civil War showdown aren’t just hard—they’re hostile.”