LSU Shores Up Secondary With Star Safety A.J. Haulcy — A Game-Changing Move for Brian Kelly’s 2025 Hopes
If there was one glaring issue on LSU’s roster entering the core of the offseason, it was undoubtedly the defensive secondary. But with the addition of former Houston safety A.J. Haulcy, head coach Brian Kelly may have just secured the perfect fix—not only for the depth chart, but for his own job stability.
Let’s be honest: Kelly’s tenure in Baton Rouge has been a mixed bag so far. Despite strong recruiting classes and respectable showings in the SEC, the rollercoaster performances have left critics unconvinced. This offseason, one of the most pressing concerns remained the secondary, which underperformed last season.
That concern is now significantly eased with Haulcy’s arrival.
The 6-foot, 215-pound safety brings elite production and experience, having logged 259 tackles, seven interceptions, and 15 pass breakups across three seasons with New Mexico and Houston. In 2024 alone, Haulcy posted five interceptions, over 70 tackles, and still managed to shut down quarterbacks who often avoided targeting his side of the field. His efforts earned him First-Team All-Big 12 honors and positioned him as one of the top defenders available in the spring transfer portal.
This isn’t just a depth piece. It’s a foundational addition.
LSU’s 2025 Season Starts with a Statement Game
LSU kicks off the season with a marquee non-conference clash against Clemson—a likely Top 10 matchup. Win, and the Tigers are instantly vaulted into national contention. Lose, and the margin for error narrows heading into an SEC gauntlet featuring Florida, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Texas A&M, plus tough road tests at Alabama and Oklahoma.
So, what’s the outlook?
If the offense clicks and the defense—bolstered by Haulcy—holds strong, a 10-2 record isn’t far-fetched, which would thrust LSU into the SEC title race and even the College Football Playoff picture. On the flip side, if things unravel, a 7-5 or 8-4 campaign could reignite calls for change at the top.
That’s why Haulcy’s commitment is massive. It’s more than just another body in the secondary. It’s a statement of intent—an insurance policy for a coaching staff that’s navigating high stakes and higher expectations.
The pressure is real in Baton Rouge, and Brian Kelly knows it. But with this move, LSU just might have turned the tide heading into what could be a defining season.
