LSU Defensive Coordinator Blake Baker Reveals Key Returning Stars and Transfers Expected to Make Major Impact for Tigers in 2025

When Blake Baker returned to Baton Rouge as LSU’s defensive coordinator, the expectation was clear: bring a new edge to a Tigers defense that had struggled for consistency in recent seasons. Baker, who previously coached linebackers at LSU under Ed Orgeron and most recently served as Missouri’s defensive coordinator, knows the terrain. But this time, he’s coming in with a firm plan and a renewed sense of urgency. And he’s not coming alone—he’s bringing a blend of returning veterans and high-potential transfers who could change the identity of this unit altogether.

In a recent media session, Baker made it clear that while much of the national attention has focused on LSU’s offensive firepower, it’s the defense that may hold the key to LSU’s return to championship contention. With elite-level recruits now maturing into upperclassmen and a few well-targeted transfer additions, Baker sees a unit with not only experience but also explosive upside.

One of the first names Baker mentioned was Harold Perkins Jr., the All-SEC linebacker who has become the face of the Tigers’ defense. Perkins, already a household name across the Southeastern Conference, is set to play a more defined role under Baker. After being used all over the field in previous schemes, Baker intends to lean into Perkins’ strength as a downhill force—both as a pass-rusher and run-stopper.

“Harold’s one of those guys that changes how offenses prepare,” Baker said. “He’s going to be used aggressively. We’re putting him in positions to do what he does best—create chaos.”

Perkins, who recorded 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in 2024, could be on pace for even more under Baker’s aggressive 4-2-5 system. His leadership has grown alongside his play, and Baker believes the junior linebacker’s ceiling has not yet been reached.

Another key returnee is Mason Smith, the dominant interior defensive lineman who flashed game-changing potential when healthy. Injuries have hampered Smith’s ability to produce consistently, but Baker said the senior has looked better than ever during offseason workouts.

“Mason’s healthy and locked in,” Baker said. “He’s been through a lot, but he’s hungry, and we’re counting on him to anchor the interior. When he’s right, he’s one of the best in the country.”

Smith’s presence could make life easier for the Tigers’ edge rushers, including Sai’vion Jones, who Baker also highlighted as someone ready to take a leap. Jones, a senior edge defender, recorded 6.5 sacks last season and has added more weight and speed this spring.

“His burst is real,” Baker said. “He’s one of the most explosive guys off the edge I’ve coached in a long time.”

In the secondary, which was one of LSU’s weakest areas in 2024, Baker pointed to a trio of returning players he believes can help stabilize things: Javien Toviano, Ryan Yaites, and Ashton Stamps. All three were thrown into the fire last season as underclassmen, but the experience they gained could prove invaluable.

Toviano, in particular, has emerged as a vocal leader in the defensive backfield.

“He’s got that swagger you need to play corner at LSU,” Baker said. “He’s physical, he’s smart, and he’s learning how to take away the deep ball.”

But perhaps the most intriguing names Baker discussed weren’t from last year’s roster at all—they’re the transfer additions who have already begun turning heads during spring practice.

Leading that group is Denver Harris, the former five-star recruit who transferred from Texas A&M. After a turbulent start to his college career, Harris seems to have found stability in Baton Rouge. Baker praised Harris for his maturity and growth off the field, noting that he’s embraced the team’s culture and accountability.

“He’s locked in,” Baker said. “All the talent in the world, and now he’s focused. If he stays the course, he could be elite.”

Harris is expected to start at cornerback opposite Toviano, giving LSU two long, physical defenders on the outside—something they lacked last season.

Another major addition is Tyler Baron, the former Tennessee edge rusher who transferred in with SEC experience and production. Baron brings 13 career sacks with him and has been a vocal leader in the locker room from day one.

“Tyler brings toughness and maturity,” Baker said. “He’s been through the battles, and the younger guys feed off that.”

The linebacker room also received a boost from Justin Flowe, a former five-star recruit who transferred from Arizona. Injuries derailed much of Flowe’s time in the Pac-12, but Baker said his explosiveness has returned, and he’s looked “like a different player” this spring.

“I don’t know if there’s a more violent tackler in college football,” Baker said. “He brings an edge to our group that’s contagious.”

Then there’s Charles Turner III, a transfer safety who comes from Miami (Ohio) and has already made his presence felt with consistent play in the back end. Turner brings experience and communication skills that Baker believes will help shore up LSU’s pass defense.

“He’s a quarterback back there,” Baker said. “Gets everyone lined up, knows where to be, and plays with an edge.”

Baker emphasized that LSU’s staff was extremely targeted in their transfer portal approach, opting for players with SEC experience or proven production at the Group of Five level, rather than chasing hype.

“We didn’t just want names—we wanted fits,” Baker said. “Guys who would buy in, guys who could play right away, and guys who wanted to win.”

In total, LSU returns eight players who started at least six games on defense last year, and Baker believes that experience, when combined with fresh talent and a renewed identity, could set the Tigers apart in 2025.

One of the underrated keys, according to Baker, will be the improved play of the nickel and STAR positions—cornerstones of his system. Sophomore Jeremiah Hughes is someone Baker singled out as being “exactly what we want” at nickel due to his versatility and physicality.

“Nickel is a linebacker some plays, a corner others. You’ve got to be tough, smart, and fearless,” Baker explained. “Jeremiah’s taking to that role well.”

While optimism often runs high in the spring, Baker’s assessment feels grounded in both performance and potential. He doesn’t expect instant perfection—but he does expect a unit that plays faster, with more purpose and confidence than what LSU fans saw in 2024.

“We want to be physical. We want to be multiple. And we want to fly to the football,” Baker said. “If we do that every snap, we’ll be where we want to be.”

LSU opens its season with a massive nonconference clash against USC—a test that will immediately showcase whether Baker’s changes have taken root. And while the Tigers’ offense led by Garrett Nussmeier is expected to score plenty, it’s clear that the defense, under Baker’s command, could be the X-factor in LSU’s 2025 campaign.

As the Tigers prepare for a critical summer and fall camp, Baker’s blueprint is straightforward: align the system with the strengths of elite playmakers like Perkins and Smith, and let experience meet opportunity with players like Harris and Baron. If all goes to plan, LSU’s defense won’t just be improved—it could be among the SEC’s best.

In a league where defense still wins championships, that may be exactly what LSU needs to take the next step.