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Lane Kiffin, LSU Receive Good News on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Jan 1, 2026 2:39 PM ET

LSU received some significant news about its defensive future when Whit Weeks announced he will return for the 2026 season. After an injury-filled year that limited both his availability and impact, the All-SEC linebacker chose stability and unfinished business over an early jump to the NFL.

Weeks’ decision comes at a pivotal moment for the program, which is entering a new era under head coach Lane Kiffin. With roster turnover across college football accelerating every offseason, retaining proven leaders has become just as important as recruiting.

Weeks brings experience, production and credibility back to Baton Rouge, giving LSU a reliable centerpiece as it reshapes its identity for next season. His return also sends a message to the locker room that the base of the defense remains intact.

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"College is too much fun to leave, and there is no better place in the country to be right now than Baton Rouge, Louisiana," Weeks wrote on Instagram. "All I want to do is ball in the purple and gold. See you in September."

A Tough and Frustrating 2025 Season

The 2025 season never unfolded as Weeks hoped. Injuries limited him to eight games, and he finished the year with 31 total tackles and one sack. That followed a dominant sophomore campaign in which he totaled 125 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception.

When healthy, Weeks has shown he can be one of the most productive linebackers in the SEC, making last season more about recovery than regression.

Lane Kiffin’s Arrival and a Familiar Leader

Kiffin made bringing Weeks back a priority after leaving Ole Miss to take the LSU job on Nov. 30. Kiffin now inherits a defense that will feature an established captain and proven tone setter in the middle.

Weeks also has a personal connection to the new staff, as he is dating Kiffin’s daughter, Landry. While the relationship has drawn attention, Weeks’ value to the program is rooted firmly in his production, leadership and presence on the field.

LSU new head coach Lane Kiffin Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

What Weeks’ Return Means for LSU

With Whit Weeks back in the fold, the LSU Tigers bring back one of their most important defensive pieces heading into 2026. If healthy, Weeks will once again be expected to lead the defense and help set the standard for a roster adjusting to new leadership. His decision provides leadership, confidence and a major building block as LSU looks ahead to the upcoming season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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