Key LSU edge rusher Gabriel Reliford suffered a torn ACL during a Tigers spring practice earlier this week, according to a report by LouisianaSports.net.
The 6-foot-3, 270-pound in-state product from Shreveport reportedly sustained the serious injury during Thursday’s practice, which was LSU’s second of the spring. Reliford, who already was limited to just 4 games last season because of a season-ending dislocated shoulder, was reportedly seen practicing for Lane Kiffin‘s defense during the portion of Thursday’s practice that was viewed by the media.
But the redshirt sophomore who had just 8 total tackles, 4 of them solo, last season because of that shoulder injury, wasn’t present at Saturday’s practice during the media viewing portion of the Tigers’ workout.
The former standout at Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, who chose to stay in-state and play at LSU, made 1 start as a freshman in 2024, playing in 13 games that first season in Baton Rouge.
Reliford is likely to miss the entire 2026 season with the torn ACL, although Saturday’s report said a return to action late in the season or in a possible postseason situation could still be possible.
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LSU was already rebuilding its depth at the position, with Jack Pyburn, Patrick Payton and Jimari Butler all gone to graduation. Potentially losing Reliford for the whole season as Kiffin takes over would be a devastating blow for the Tigers’ defense.
Even with Reliford’s serious injury, LSU still figures to be in the mix for a College Football Playoff berth in 2026. Here is what the Kalshi market is currently seeing for the top teams in the running for a Playoff spot this fall:
Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.
