What Have Been the Main Actions Taken by LSU Football When the Transfer Portal Closes?

The transfer portal has become a defining feature of college football, with teams across the country adjusting their rosters in ways that were once unimaginable. LSU football, a program with a proud history of national championships and elite-level talent, has not been immune to the shifting dynamics of the portal era. As the transfer portal officially closed on January 18th for the 2024 season, LSU’s actions in both adding and losing players have underscored a strategy that balances the need for immediate impact with long-term roster building.

The Nature of the Transfer Portal

Before diving into LSU’s specific moves, it’s important to understand what the transfer portal is and how it has changed the college football landscape. The portal, introduced in 2018, allows players to enter their names into an official database, signaling their intent to transfer to another school. Once entered, players can be recruited by any team, effectively opening up opportunities for players to change programs. It also allows coaches to target players they feel can help immediately.

With the portal’s deadlines and windows becoming a fixture in the college football calendar, many teams now have two major periods to shape their rosters: one after the regular season (usually in December) and one after spring practice (in May). These changes add urgency to a team’s off-season strategy, as every program works to address weaknesses, add depth, and maintain competitive balance.

LSU’s Transfer Portal Strategy: A Balancing Act

LSU’s approach to the transfer portal has been one of both activity and prudence. Under head coach Brian Kelly, the Tigers have embraced the portal as a tool for supplementing their roster, while also continuing to recruit and develop high school talent. After the 2023 season concluded, LSU’s actions in the transfer portal took center stage for the team’s off-season plans. With the closing of the portal on January 18th, the Tigers made key decisions to address roster gaps, build depth, and stay competitive in a constantly evolving SEC landscape.

LSU’s Key Transfer Portal Additions

1. Quarterback: Garrett Nussmeier’s Return and Jayden Daniels’ Health

One of the most significant moves for LSU was the return of junior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who was widely expected to be one of the most sought-after players in the portal. Nussmeier, who had backed up Jayden Daniels in the 2023 season, was considered a potential starting quarterback for other programs. His decision to stay at LSU was a major boost for the Tigers, ensuring that they have depth and stability at the position.

Meanwhile, LSU’s efforts to solidify the quarterback position also included keeping an eye on the health of their star quarterback, Jayden Daniels. Daniels had an outstanding 2023 season and is projected to be one of the best quarterbacks in college football for 2024. With Nussmeier staying, LSU now has an established duo at the quarterback spot, with both players capable of leading the team should the need arise. While Nussmeier didn’t technically come from the portal, his decision to stay in Baton Rouge was crucial in LSU’s overall portal strategy.

2. Offensive Line: A Key Focus for Depth and Development

The LSU offensive line is a critical unit in the Tigers’ championship aspirations, and their portal activity reflected the importance of this position. With the departure of several offensive linemen due to graduation or the NFL draft, LSU turned to the portal to help shore up its line. One of the standout additions was Emory Jones, a former offensive lineman from Florida who brings both size and experience to the team.

Jones’ transfer is expected to provide an immediate impact, as he can compete for a starting spot. His addition also adds much-needed depth to an offensive line that needs to be stronger to protect Daniels and establish a powerful running game. LSU has long prided itself on producing physical, dominant lines of scrimmage, and the transfer portal allowed them to address potential weaknesses up front.

3. Defensive Line: Building Depth and Talent for SEC Play

One of the key challenges for any SEC team is maintaining depth and talent in the defensive trenches. LSU’s defensive line had significant departures to the NFL after the 2023 season, including some key players who helped the team remain competitive in a tough SEC West. To address these losses, LSU turned to the portal to bring in players who could make an immediate impact on defense.

One of the standout additions was Mason Smith, a highly touted defensive tackle who transferred from Georgia. Smith’s physicality and versatility on the defensive line give LSU the ability to stay aggressive against both the run and the pass. This addition, along with other defensive transfers, strengthens the Tigers’ ability to compete at the highest level in the SEC, where a stout defensive line is often the difference between winning and losing.

4. Wide Receiver and Secondary: Skill Positions for Immediate Impact

LSU also focused on the skill positions through the portal. The team lost some depth at wide receiver following the 2023 season, and it became clear that they needed to find another playmaker to complement their talented group. LSU added Kyren Lacy, a transfer from Louisiana-Lafayette, who brings both speed and route-running ability to the wide receiver corps. Lacy is expected to be an immediate contributor, providing additional options for Jayden Daniels as he leads the offense.

In addition, LSU addressed its secondary with the transfer of Jarrick Bernard-Converse, a talented cornerback who previously played at Oklahoma State. With the competitive nature of the SEC’s passing attacks, LSU’s need for depth in the secondary was critical. Bernard-Converse’s experience in big games and his ability to cover a wide range of receivers make him a valuable asset for the Tigers as they head into the 2024 season.

LSU’s Player Departures: Managing Losses to the Portal

While LSU’s transfer portal activity has focused heavily on bringing in players, the program also experienced a few key departures. The exit of players such as John Emery Jr., a former running back who transferred to Georgia, was a significant loss. Emery’s departure left a hole in LSU’s backfield, but the Tigers’ recruiting efforts and reliance on emerging talents like Noah Cain mitigated some of the loss.

Furthermore, LSU saw some transfers out from less prominent players, who sought more playing time at other programs. These departures, while expected, speak to the ever-changing nature of the modern college football landscape, where roster turnover is commonplace. LSU will need to continue to recruit and develop talent at all positions to ensure that they remain competitive.