LSU Transfer Portal Update: Analyzing New Players and What the Tigers Still Need to Add

The LSU Tigers are gearing up for another exciting season of college football under head coach Brian Kelly, and the transfer portal has once again been a pivotal part of their offseason strategy. Since its introduction, the transfer portal has revolutionized the way college football teams build and shape their rosters. LSU, known for its deep talent pool and championship pedigree, has actively utilized the portal to address key areas of need and ensure they are ready to compete at the highest level.

In this article, we’ll take a close look at the players LSU has added through the transfer portal, break down their potential impact on the team, and analyze what positions the Tigers still need to address as they prepare for the 2024 season.

 

LSU’s Transfer Portal Strategy

Since Brian Kelly’s arrival in Baton Rouge in 2022, LSU has utilized the transfer portal with remarkable success. The Tigers have added impact players at various positions, helping to fill immediate needs and providing depth in critical areas. The success of the 2023 season, where LSU finished in the top 10 and competed in the SEC Championship Game, showcased the importance of portal acquisitions. Now, with an eye on the 2024 season, Kelly and his staff have continued to improve the roster by bringing in talent from other programs, while also dealing with the departures of several key players.

Key Transfers to LSU for 2024

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most significant transfers LSU has secured for the 2024 season and how these players fit into the team.

1. Jaden Rashada (Quarterback, from Arizona State)

One of the most intriguing additions to LSU’s roster is quarterback Jaden Rashada, who transferred from Arizona State after a season with the Sun Devils. Rashada, a former 5-star recruit, brings a wealth of potential and talent to Baton Rouge. While Jayden Daniels remains firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback, Rashada is expected to compete for the backup role, potentially earning a spot as the future leader of the Tigers’ offense in the years to come.

Rashada’s skill set is what makes him such an exciting addition to the LSU quarterback room. With a strong arm, impressive mobility, and the ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the run, Rashada provides a dynamic option for LSU’s offense. His decision to transfer to LSU indicates his belief that he will have the chance to develop under the guidance of Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock.

For LSU, this addition gives them depth at a critical position. With Daniels returning for his senior season, Rashada will likely take on a developmental role while learning from one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. His presence in the quarterback room could help LSU transition smoothly when Daniels eventually moves on to the NFL.

2. Ricky Pearsall (Wide Receiver, from Florida)

LSU’s offense is already loaded with playmaking talent, led by star wide receiver Malik Nabers. However, the addition of Ricky Pearsall, a transfer from the University of Florida, bolsters the receiving corps even further. Pearsall is a dynamic and experienced wide receiver who brings versatility, speed, and deep-ball ability to LSU’s passing attack.

At Florida, Pearsall showcased his ability to stretch the field and make big plays, and he will now look to continue that success in Baton Rouge. With the departure of players like Kyren Lacy to the transfer portal, Pearsall’s arrival gives the Tigers an immediate contributor at the wide receiver position. His ability to operate in both the slot and on the outside makes him a perfect complement to LSU’s existing group of talented receivers.

Pearsall’s experience at a major program like Florida also means he is battle-tested and ready for the big stage. His addition gives LSU a deep and versatile receiving corps, allowing the team to rotate players and keep defenses guessing. Expect Pearsall to become a key target in LSU’s high-powered offense in 2024.

3. Omar Speights (Linebacker, from Oregon State)

LSU’s defense took a step forward in 2023, and with the addition of linebacker Omar Speights from Oregon State, the Tigers’ defensive front seven looks even more formidable heading into 2024. Speights is a highly experienced linebacker who will immediately compete for a starting role alongside fellow linebacker Harold Perkins Jr., one of the nation’s top defensive prospects.

Speights brings leadership, football IQ, and a knack for making plays in the middle of the field. In his time at Oregon State, he was a consistent producer, recording over 100 tackles in multiple seasons and establishing himself as one of the top linebackers in the Pac-12. His decision to transfer to LSU is a major coup for the Tigers, as they were looking to add depth and experience to their linebacker unit.

With Speights in the fold, LSU’s defense now has a powerful one-two punch at linebacker with him and Perkins. This addition also allows for greater flexibility in defensive scheming, as both players can be used in a variety of roles to exploit opposing offenses. Speights’ presence in the middle of the defense will be crucial for LSU as they look to remain one of the nation’s top defenses.

4. Jalen Lee (Defensive Lineman, from Florida)

LSU has always been known for its dominant defensive line, and the addition of Jalen Lee from Florida gives the Tigers more depth and strength in the trenches. Lee is a versatile defensive lineman capable of playing both inside and on the edge. He has the size and strength to disrupt the pocket and create chaos in the backfield, making him an excellent addition to LSU’s already talented defensive line rotation.

Lee’s decision to transfer to LSU comes at a time when the Tigers are looking to fill gaps along the defensive front, especially with the departures of some key players to the NFL. Lee’s experience in the SEC, having played at Florida, gives him an immediate edge in understanding the level of competition LSU faces week in and week out. His addition solidifies LSU’s defensive line depth and provides them with another playmaker to complement players like Maason Smith and Mekhi Wingo.

The defensive line is a critical component of LSU’s success, and with Lee joining the fold, the Tigers’ defensive front looks even stronger in 2024.

5. Bo Edmundson (Offensive Lineman, from Texas)

Offensive line play will be critical to LSU’s success in 2024, especially with Jayden Daniels returning as the starting quarterback and a talented group of running backs set to carry the ball. To strengthen their offensive line, LSU has added Bo Edmundson, an offensive lineman from Texas. Edmundson is expected to provide much-needed depth and potentially compete for a starting role along the line.

Edmundson’s experience in a Power 5 program like Texas gives him a strong foundation, and his physicality and blocking ability should help solidify LSU’s offensive line. With some turnover along the offensive front, Edmundson’s arrival provides LSU with a reliable option who can contribute immediately. His presence will allow LSU to develop more depth and flexibility on the offensive line, ensuring the Tigers can protect Daniels and open holes for the running game.

What LSU Still Needs to Add

While LSU has had a successful transfer portal period thus far, there are still a few areas where the Tigers could look to add talent as they prepare for the 2024 season. Let’s take a look at some positions where LSU could use additional help.

1. Defensive Back

LSU’s defense has been one of the best in the country, but there is still a need to bolster the secondary. The Tigers lost key contributors in the defensive backfield, including Greg Brooks, and while they have a talented group returning, adding more depth and experience at cornerback and safety could help LSU maintain its elite defensive status.

The Tigers could look to add a transfer cornerback or safety who has experience at a high level and can immediately step into a starting or rotational role. LSU has recruited well in the secondary, but another experienced player in the transfer portal could provide much-needed competition and depth, particularly given the high-powered offenses in the SEC.

2. Running Back Depth

Although LSU’s running back room is solid, with Noah Cain, Josh Williams, and freshman Trey Holly ready to contribute in 2024, adding another dynamic playmaker through the transfer portal could be beneficial. Injuries can plague running backs, and having another top-tier option would give LSU added flexibility in its backfield.

A transfer running back with a proven track record could provide LSU with a more balanced attack and further strengthen their offensive depth. While LSU has good depth, adding another explosive option would make them even more dangerous on the ground.