LSU football loses four-star defensive end to torn ACL
Bad news out of LSU football's spring practice. Lane Kiffin's Tigers lost a key four-star defensive end to a knee injury.
A key LSU football defender suffered a major injury this week, per a confirmed report from The Advocate. LSU defensive end Gabe Reliford tore his ACL, putting his entire 2026 season in jeopardy. Questions about Reliford's status were raised after he was absent from practice on Saturday.
The redshirt sophomore was expected to be a major contributor on the edge in his third season donning the purple and gold. Reliford played in all 13 games and recorded 10 tackles during his freshman season in 2024. Reliford played the first four games last season but sat out after tearing his rotator cuff.
He made eight tackles and a tackle for loss before then. With Jack Pyburn, Patrick Payton, and Jimari Butler out of eligibility, Reliford was a shoo-in to contribute at a high level. LSU will miss Reliford's run defense.
The Tigers signed defensive ends Jordan Ross and Princewill Umanmielen from the transfer portal, but Ross and Umanmielen are known for their pass rush skills. Reliford, at 6-foot-3 and 265 pounds, Reliford's size gave him the chance to be an all-around defender on the edge. Reliford has played 238 career snaps, racking up 11 pressures and 10 stops.