LSU’s 51–10 victory over Clemson belonged mainly to an experienced roster, but five members of the Tigers’ 2026 signing class quietly began writing their own stories in Death Valley.

Deuce Geralds, Richard Anderson, Lamar Brown, Corey Barber Jr. and Brysten Martinez were the five true freshmen who appeared in LSU’s season opener.

Their appearances were not limited to the final seconds. Geralds started at defensive tackle. Anderson created pressure during the second half. Barber caught a pass on a touchdown drive. Brown joined the defensive rotation, while Martinez received his first college game experience.

Before the season, Lane Kiffin specifically discussed the possibility of playing Geralds, Anderson and Brown on the defensive front.

“All of them have a chance to play,” Kiffin said. “It’s really exciting in an age where people play older portal players.”

Against Clemson, all three got that chance.

Deuce Geralds Was Ready From the Opening Snap

The most significant freshman development came when LSU’s starting defense took the field. Geralds was lined up at defensive tackle.

He was the only true freshman in LSU’s starting lineup on offense or defense. That was an impressive responsibility for a player making his college debut against Clemson rather than a lower division opponent.

Geralds recorded one solo tackle. His individual total was modest, but LSU’s defense controlled the game around him. Clemson was limited to 40 rushing yards on 26 attempts, an average of 1.5 yards per carry. Clemson finished with only 145 total yards and eight first downs.

The defense also held Clemson to one conversion in 13 third down attempts. Clemson did not reach the end zone until only 3:13 remained, long after LSU had built a 51–3 lead.

Geralds came to Baton Rouge with an impressive recruiting résumé. The former Collins Hill standout was rated as a consensus four star prospect and the No. 3 defensive tackle nationally in the Rivals composite. LSU lists him at 6 feet 1 and 285 pounds.

Starting the opener does not guarantee Geralds will remain in that position every week. It does show that LSU’s staff already trusts him enough to play an important role in the middle of the defense.

Richard Anderson Brings a Different Kind of Power

Anderson did not start, but he made his presence known after entering the game.

The 6 foot 3, 330 pound defensive tackle recorded one assisted tackle and one quarterback hurry. His pressure came when he and Dominick McKinley forced Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds to release an incomplete pass during the second half.

LSU credited six defenders with at least one quarterback hurry and finished with seven as a team. McKinley recorded two, while Anderson, Geralds’ fellow freshman defensive tackle, joined several veterans in producing pressure.

That is exactly what made LSU’s freshman defensive line class so intriguing. Geralds arrived as a quick and disruptive interior defender. Anderson brought unusual size and strength after a dominant career at Edna Karr.

Anderson was ranked as the No. 1 defensive line prospect, the No. 2 overall player in Louisiana and the No. 24 national prospect in the Rivals composite. LSU’s biography also lists him as the No. 1 defensive lineman in the 247Sports rankings.

Geralds and Anderson are different types of defensive tackles, but their skills could eventually complement one another. Against Clemson, LSU fans received their first look at that possibility.

Corey Barber Jr. Takes Advantage of His First Target

Barber only received one target, but the true freshman did exactly what LSU needed.

With LSU leading 44–3 in the fourth quarter, Landen Clark found Barber for 15 yards. Barber secured the pass at Clemson’s 35 yard line and gave the Tigers another first down.

The drive ended with Clark throwing a 30 yard touchdown pass to Phillip Wright III. Barber’s reception helped LSU move into position to score its final touchdown of the night.

It was Barber’s first official college catch. He finished with one reception for 15 yards, giving him a perfect catch rate on his only target.

Barber joined LSU after an outstanding career at Clay-Chalkville High School in Alabama. LSU lists him as a consensus four star prospect who was ranked as the No. 28 receiver nationally and No. 7 overall player in Alabama in the On3 and Rivals composite.

He caught 68 passes for 1,130 yards and 14 touchdowns as a high school senior while helping Clay-Chalkville finish 15–0 and win the Alabama Class 6A state championship.

LSU has an experienced group of receivers, so Barber may have to compete for opportunities early in the season. His first reception showed that he can make those limited chances count.

Lamar Brown Begins a Highly Anticipated Career

Few LSU freshmen have arrived with more attention than Brown.

The University Lab product grew up near Tiger Stadium and signed with LSU as a consensus five star prospect. He was rated as the No. 1 overall high school player in the Rivals composite and by ESPN.

LSU identifies Brown as its first No. 1 overall signee since Leonard Fournette in 2014.

Brown appeared at defensive end against Clemson but did not record a tackle, sack, tackle for loss or quarterback hurry. The official game statistics do not publish individual snap totals, so it would be unfair to make a broad judgment about his debut based only on an empty statistical line.

The important development was that Brown played.

LSU already has experienced defensive ends, including Princewill Umanmielen, Jordan Ross, Dylan Carpenter and Junior Tuihalamaka. That gives Brown time to develop without immediately carrying the position.

At 6 feet 5 and 282 pounds, he already has the size to compete in the SEC. The next step will be turning that size and recruiting potential into a regular place in LSU’s defensive rotation.

Brysten Martinez Gets His First Taste of College Football

The 6 foot 5, 304 pound offensive tackle was not credited with an individual statistic. The public game book also does not provide an official snap count or identify his exact assignments, so his performance cannot be evaluated fairly from the available information.

For Martinez, simply getting into the opener was valuable. Offensive linemen often need more time to adjust to the speed, strength and complexity of college football than players at other positions.

The Gonzales native played at East Ascension before signing with LSU. He was rated as a four star recruit by On3 and 247Sports. LSU’s biography lists him as the No. 9 tackle nationally and the No. 4 prospect in Louisiana.

LSU’s offensive line includes several experienced players and transfers. That should allow Martinez to develop while competing for a larger role rather than being rushed into the starting lineup.

Verified True Freshman Production

Player

Position

Clemson performance

Recruiting rating

Deuce Geralds

Defensive tackle

Started; 1 solo tackle

Consensus four star; No. 3 defensive tackle in Rivals composite

Richard Anderson

Defensive tackle

1 assisted tackle; 1 quarterback hurry

No. 1 defensive line prospect and No. 24 overall in Rivals composite

Corey Barber Jr.

Wide receiver

1 reception for 15 yards

Consensus four star; No. 28 receiver in On3 and Rivals composite

Lamar Brown

Defensive end

Played; no individual statistic

Consensus five star; No. 1 overall prospect in Rivals composite and ESPN

Brysten Martinez

Offensive tackle

Played; no individual statistic

Four star prospect according to On3 and 247Sports

LSU’s Freshman Foundation Is Already Taking Shape

The numbers were not overwhelming. LSU’s true freshmen combined for two tackles, one quarterback hurry and one reception for 15 yards.

The meaning behind those numbers was more important.

One true freshman earned a starting position. Another created pressure from the interior. A young receiver converted his first opportunity into a first down. The nation’s former No. 1 prospect began his LSU career, and a four star Louisiana offensive tackle received his first college experience.

LSU did not need these freshmen to carry the team against Clemson. The veterans handled that responsibility while the newcomers found places to contribute.

That is an ideal situation for a talented recruiting class. LSU can allow its freshmen to develop without keeping its best young players off the field. Geralds, Anderson, Barber, Brown and Martinez have taken their first steps. Their roles should become one of the most interesting stories to follow as the season moves forward.

Sources

1. LSU Athletics. Clemson vs. LSU Official Game Statistics and Participation Report⁠. September 5, 2026.
2. LSU Athletics. 2026 LSU Football Overall Statistics⁠. Updated September 6, 2026.
3. LSU Athletics. 2026 LSU Football Roster⁠.
4. LSU Athletics. Kiffin Era Begins in National Spotlight⁠. September 4, 2026.
5. LSU Athletics. Deuce Geralds Biography⁠.
6. LSU Athletics. Richard Anderson Biography⁠.
7. LSU Athletics. Corey Barber Jr. Biography⁠.
8. LSU Athletics. Lamar Brown Biography⁠.
9. LSU Athletics. Brysten Martinez Biography⁠.