Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers are making significant waves in the NCAA Transfer Portal, reeling in impactful players within the first 10 days of the transfer window. The program, under Kelly’s leadership, has been relentlessly active, adding key players to its roster as it heads into the next phase of its offseason.
As Week 1 of the Transfer Portal officially came to a close, LSU had already secured five commitments, signaling an impressive start to their recruitment. Yet, even as the program transitioned into Week 2, Kelly and his staff showed no signs of slowing down. In a rapid 48-hour period, LSU added another four recruits, continuing to build a roster that is poised to make a statement in the coming season.
Among the new additions, the most notable was Bauer Sharp, a talented tight end from Oklahoma, who committed to LSU on Friday. His addition was followed by three more commitments on Saturday, showcasing the Tigers’ ability to attract talent from various positions. But the real surprise came on Sunday, when LSU landed Mississippi State’s starting quarterback, Michael Van Buren, a transfer that has sent ripples through the program and its fanbase.
This series of commitments has sent a clear message: LSU is firing on all cylinders in the Transfer Portal. In less than two weeks, the Tigers have nearly doubled their roster with impressive additions that could immediately impact the team. The influx of talent shows how seriously Kelly and his staff are taking the portal, aiming to fortify their lineup with players who can contribute right away.
However, the program’s success in the portal has also come with departures. As expected, LSU has seen several members of its roster enter the Transfer Portal, with 16 players making the decision to leave. Among the notable departures are Rickie Collins, a quarterback, and Landon Ibieta, a wide receiver. Also parting ways with LSU are defensive players like Dashawn Womack (EDGE), Jordan Allen (safety), and several cornerbacks, including Jyaire Brown, Bernard Causey, and Ka’Morreun Pimpton (tight end). The full list of players leaving includes:
- Rickie Collins: Quarterback
- Landon Ibieta: Wide Receiver
- CJ Daniels: Wide Receiver
- Dashawn Womack: EDGE
- Jordan Allen: Safety
- Shelton Sampson: Wide Receiver
- Kylin Jackson: Defensive Back
- Xavier Atkins: Linebacker
- Jyaire Brown: Cornerback
- Bernard Causey: Cornerback
- Nathan Dibert: Kicker
- De’Myrion Johnson: Defensive Tackle
- Jk Johnson: Cornerback
- Ka’Morreun Pimpton: Tight End
- Jay’viar Suggs: Defensive Tackle
- Sage Ryan: Defensive Back
While it’s common for college programs to experience roster turnover during the transfer window, these departures reflect both the shifting dynamics of college football and the changing needs of the LSU program. With several scholarships now open, LSU has the flexibility to bring in new talent that fits Kelly’s vision for the future.
Despite the loss of multiple players, LSU’s recruitment efforts have been impressive. The nine portal commitments already secured highlight the program’s ability to attract high-quality talent, and the coaching staff’s strategic approach to filling positions of need. Whether it’s bolstering the offensive or defensive lines, or adding depth at key positions like quarterback and tight end, LSU is shaping up to be a formidable contender in the coming season.
One of the most notable aspects of LSU’s transfer strategy has been its ability to fill positions that could immediately impact the team. Quarterback Michael Van Buren’s commitment is especially intriguing, as the Tigers look to solidify their leadership on offense. His arrival adds depth and competition to the quarterback room, which could prove crucial in the upcoming season.
The addition of Bauer Sharp, a tight end from Oklahoma, is another significant move. Tight ends have become an increasingly vital part of modern offenses, and Sharp’s experience could provide an immediate boost to LSU’s passing game. Moreover, the Tigers have made a concerted effort to strengthen their defensive lineup as well, with commitments from players who can help shore up the team’s defensive backfield and front seven.
While the departures of several key players could be seen as a setback, they also present an opportunity for the program to reshape itself. The coaching staff can now focus on recruiting players who are better suited to the needs of the team moving forward, whether that’s improving the depth chart at certain positions or targeting players with specific skill sets. The Transfer Portal allows for a dynamic approach to roster construction, and LSU has shown it can adapt and evolve quickly to stay competitive.
As the transfer window continues, LSU remains one of the most active programs in college football. The combination of new recruits and the departures of several players indicates a period of significant transition for the Tigers. Still, under Brian Kelly’s leadership, the program seems poised to capitalize on the opportunities the Transfer Portal presents. With several positions still open for improvement, LSU could see even more additions in the coming weeks, further solidifying its standing as a program on the rise.
In summary, LSU’s aggressive approach to the Transfer Portal has positioned the program well for the future. With a series of impactful commitments already secured and a solid recruitment strategy in place, Brian Kelly and his staff are building a team that can compete at the highest level. The next few weeks will likely see even more developments, as LSU continues to use the portal to enhance its roster and prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season. Whether it’s filling holes on the roster or adding depth at critical positions, LSU’s Transfer Portal activity signals a program that is ready to compete and succeed in college football’s ever-evolving landscape.
