The LSU football team has several exciting new names and faces within the program, from the team’s new head coach Lane Kiffin to new quarterback Sam Leavitt. Kiffin and his staff signed 40 new players this offseason, with much of the media hype focused on them and their potential impact on the team in 2026.
However, all this hype has led some to forget about some key returning players. Arguably the most important player on offense is Trey’Dez Green, the Tigers’ 6-1, 240-pound former basketball player turned tight end. Green emerged as one of the most important players on offense last season, and that’s expected to continue into 2026. On Tuesday, Green was named a premature 2026 All-American by On3, setting the bar high for a potential breakout star.
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Chris Low, who published the article, discussed the impact he thinks LSU’s new offense will have on Green’s role next season:
“Green must be a fan of the Lane Kiffin/Charlie Weis Jr. mercenary, and after catching 11 touchdown passes in his first two seasons at LSU, he will certainly see his role expand in 2026,” Le wrote. “The 6-foot-7, 240-pound former basketball player automatically gets into the red zone with his size and athleticism, but he will become a more integral part of the offense as Wes calls the plays and creates mismatches for him.”
To be clear, automation may be underestimating Green’s talent. In a season where the Tigers’ offense lacked any easy buttons, the 14-pitch-max became LSU’s most efficient red zone offense.
Among the top four tight ends, only Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq — a projected first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft — has more touchdowns this season than Green. Green has the second-most snaps among Final Four tight ends this season, with 12, according to PFF.
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Green is more than just a big guy, either. He can be a weapon with the ball in his hands, has the speed to pick up big pieces on underneath routes, and the playmaking power to make tackles when needed. In 2025, he averaged 6.1 yards after the catch, well above the average for the position.
It’s a little surprising that Green was the only player named to LSU’s first team given the talent that was brought in this offseason, but it’s certainly well-deserved.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU football star named early All-American by top CFB writers