COMMITTED: “LSU Strikes Gold! 5-INT Star Safety from Houston Joins Tigers in Game-Changing Move”
LSU Bolsters Secondary with Ball-Hawking Safety A.J. Haulcy in Major Transfer Portal Win
The LSU Tigers just made a significant splash to reinforce their struggling secondary by securing a commitment from former Houston Cougars safety A.J. Haulcy, a move that could immediately revamp their defensive backfield.
LSU entered the 2025 season facing serious concerns about its lack of takeaways in the passing game. But on Sunday, the Tigers addressed that issue head-on, landing Haulcy through the college football transfer portal — a defensive standout who recorded five interceptions last season with Houston. The commitment was first confirmed by On3 Sports.
A.J. Haulcy, who stands at 6-foot and 215 pounds, has been a consistent force in college football. Over the last two seasons, he started every game for the Cougars, showcasing not just his durability but also his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. In addition to his five picks, he also broke up 13 passes and was named to the All-Conference First Team.
“LSU will immediately rely on him to bolster the takeaway opportunities,” the report stated — and with good reason. The 2024 Tigers defense saw only five players record an interception, with Zy Alexander leading the way with just two. Alexander later signed with the Seattle Seahawks after going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Haulcy’s path to Baton Rouge started at New Mexico, where he made an immediate impact in the Mountain West Conference. As a freshman, he tallied 87 total tackles, including 38 solo stops, and picked off two passes — all signs of his natural instincts and playmaking ability.
He transferred to Houston for the 2023 season and elevated his performance even further. Haulcy racked up 98 tackles (73 solo), deflected four passes, and continued to cement himself as one of the most productive safeties in the nation.
His arrival is even more crucial considering that Jardin Gilbert was the only LSU safety to record an interception in 2024, which came in a 34-17 win over UCLA on September 21.
Now, Haulcy is set to compete in his third different FBS conference, bringing his talents to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in hopes of igniting a stagnant LSU secondary.
He also becomes the second major defensive back addition in just a week. On April 28, four-star 2026 cornerback Havon Finney committed to the Tigers, turning down high-profile offers from Oregon and USC.
With Haulcy in the fold, LSU’s defense gains not only experience but a proven playmaker capable of flipping the field — exactly what the Tigers need heading into the new season
