December 18, 2024

With LSU football wrapping up its regular season with an upcoming Texas Bowl against Baylor on December 31, the focus now shifts to the offseason, and to how the Tigers can refine their roster after finishing the year with an 8-4 record. The offseason promises to be eventful, with LSU looking to enhance its squad through the transfer portal and capitalize on opportunities for improvement.

After an underwhelming season, LSU is expected to make bold moves in the transfer portal, where they previously struggled to secure top talent. A year ago, LSU engaged in high-profile bidding wars for sought-after players but was often left behind in the race. However, head coach Brian Kelly has made it clear that this offseason will be different. He has pledged to be more aggressive in the portal, promising to spare no expense in bolstering the roster. This strategy will likely involve significant changes to the team’s composition, with both incoming and outgoing players reshaping the Tigers’ lineup.

The winter transfer portal window opened on December 9 and will close on December 24, leaving just a short window for teams to make their moves. During this period, LSU is expected to make some high-profile additions, while also saying goodbye to several players as the program undergoes changes. According to reports, here is a breakdown of the incoming and outgoing transfers for LSU:

Incoming Transfers

LSU has already secured several key players from other programs, including additions at wide receiver, defensive back, and edge rusher positions. These players bring a mix of experience and potential that the Tigers hope will help them improve in the upcoming season.

  1. Nic Anderson – Wide Receiver, Oklahoma (Redshirt Sophomore): Anderson adds depth and skill to LSU’s receiving corps, bringing valuable experience from Oklahoma. His ability to make plays downfield will be crucial for the Tigers.
  2. Destyn Hill – Wide Receiver, Florida State (Sophomore): Hill is another addition to the receiving group, known for his speed and agility. His ability to stretch the field will be an asset for LSU’s offense.
  3. Mansoor Delane – Cornerback, Virginia Tech (Junior): Delane is a physical cornerback with solid coverage skills, adding needed depth to LSU’s secondary.
  4. Jack Pyburn – Edge Rusher, Florida (Junior): Pyburn comes to LSU as an experienced edge rusher. His pass-rushing ability will help shore up the Tigers’ defense.
  5. Michael Van Buren – Quarterback, Mississippi State (Freshman): A promising young quarterback, Van Buren brings excitement and a strong skill set to LSU’s quarterback room. His development could be key for the team’s future.
  6. Jimari Butler – Edge Rusher, Nebraska (Fifth-Year Junior): Butler adds veteran experience to the edge rusher position, bringing his leadership and pass-rushing skills to LSU.
  7. Barion Brown – Wide Receiver, Kentucky (Junior): Brown is a well-rounded wide receiver who can make plays both in the air and after the catch, adding another dynamic threat to the Tigers’ offense.
  8. Ja’Keem Jackson – Cornerback, Florida (Sophomore): A standout defensive back, Jackson provides the Tigers with an opportunity to improve their secondary and add versatility to their coverage schemes.
  9. Bauer Sharp – Tight End, Oklahoma (Redshirt Junior): Sharp brings experience and reliability to the tight end position, offering LSU an additional target in the passing game.

These incoming transfers represent a mix of offensive and defensive reinforcements, all aimed at addressing areas where LSU needs to improve. With strong additions at wide receiver, cornerback, and edge rusher, LSU is positioning itself to be much more competitive in the coming season.

Outgoing Transfers

While LSU adds new talent, the program will also be saying goodbye to several players, either through transfers or other changes. This turnover is expected after a season that didn’t meet expectations, with some players seeking opportunities elsewhere.

  1. CJ Daniels – Wide Receiver, Miami (Redshirt Junior): Daniels, a receiver who didn’t quite break through during his time at LSU, will be moving on to Miami.
  2. Jordan Allen – Safety, Houston (Redshirt Sophomore): Allen, a safety who struggled for playing time, will continue his career at Houston.
  3. Da’Shawn Womack – Edge Rusher, Ole Miss (Sophomore): Womack, an edge rusher who showed promise but failed to secure a significant role, is transferring to Ole Miss for a fresh start.
  4. Preston Hickey – Defensive Tackle, Northwestern State (Redshirt Sophomore): Hickey, who didn’t see substantial playing time at LSU, will be transferring to Northwestern State to gain more opportunities.
  5. Sage Ryan – Safety (Redshirt Junior): Ryan has been a versatile player but will be leaving the program, likely in search of more playing time and opportunities elsewhere.
  6. Jay’viar Suggs – Defensive Tackle (Junior): Suggs, a defensive tackle who didn’t see significant action this season, will be departing LSU.
  7. Ka’Morreun Pimpton – Tight End (Sophomore): Pimpton, who was expected to make an impact at tight end, will be leaving LSU after a season in which he didn’t find his footing.
  8. Knox Dyson – Quarterback (Freshman): Dyson is transferring after a short stint at LSU, possibly in search of a clearer path to playing time.
  9. JK Johnson – Cornerback (Redshirt Junior): Johnson, who contributed at cornerback for LSU, will move on from the program.
  10. De’Myrion Johnson – Defensive Tackle (Freshman): Another player moving on is Johnson, who did not see significant time at LSU.
  11. Nathan Dibert – Kicker (Junior): Dibert will leave the program after a relatively quiet career at LSU.
  12. Xavier Atkins – Linebacker (Freshman): Atkins will seek opportunities at another school after a limited role at LSU.
  13. Jyaire Brown – Cornerback (Junior): Brown is also among those departing LSU after struggling to carve out a consistent role.
  14. Bernard Causey – Cornerback (Freshman): Causey will leave LSU after spending his freshman year with the program.
  15. Kylin Jackson – Safety (Redshirt Freshman): Jackson, another safety, is part of the group transferring out.
  16. Shelton Sampson Jr. – Wide Receiver (Redshirt Freshman): Sampson Jr. has decided to move on after a redshirt year.
  17. Rickie Collins – Quarterback (Redshirt Freshman): Collins will look for a new home after a quiet redshirt season at LSU.
  18. Landon Ibieta – Wide Receiver (Redshirt Sophomore): Ibieta is also among those departing LSU after limited action.

With these players leaving, LSU will have plenty of roster space to bring in fresh talent and focus on building a more competitive team. The transfers of key players reflect both the changing needs of the program and the desire to improve in certain positions. The offseason will be crucial for LSU as they look to reload and rebound in the coming season.

Conclusion

As LSU prepares for its final game of the season against Baylor, the transfer portal remains the focal point for the Tigers’ offseason. With several new faces coming to Baton Rouge and several others moving on, LSU aims to strengthen its roster and set itself up for a more successful season. The moves made during this transfer period will have a significant impact on LSU’s chances for improvement, and the aggressive strategy promised by Brian Kelly will likely yield notable results in the coming months.

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