Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers are ramping up their recruitment efforts as they continue to target several key players through the NCAA Transfer Portal. With a focus on filling crucial positions, LSU has already added 10 transfers to their roster, but the team is far from finished in securing reinforcements for the upcoming season.
One of the notable visitors this week was South Florida safety Tawfiq Byard, who made an official visit to LSU’s campus. During his stay, Byard had the opportunity to meet with multiple coaches, tour the campus, and watch an LSU practice as the team prepares for its upcoming bowl game against the Baylor Bears. The visit marks another step in Byard’s journey as he evaluates his future options, having become a sought-after target after a standout 2024 season at South Florida.
Byard made a name for himself this season with impressive stats, including 54 tackles, two sacks, and an interception. His performance has earned him attention from several top-tier programs, and LSU is actively pursuing him as a potential addition to their secondary.
“Visiting LSU was a significant moment for me,” Byard shared with LSU Tigers On SI. “One of my favorite safeties is former LSU standout Grant Delpit, so the opportunity to play for the same program and potentially showcase my skills in front of their passionate fanbase was an exciting prospect.”
The LSU coaching staff brought Byard in on Monday, where he spent an entire day with the team, engaging with coaches and players alike. The following day, Byard attended LSU’s bowl practice, and the experience only solidified his interest in the program.
Byard’s recruitment is heating up as he weighs multiple options from schools across the country. Before visiting LSU, he toured Virginia Tech, and after his time in Baton Rouge, he traveled to Nashville to check out what Vanderbilt has to offer. With visits to Virginia Tech, LSU, and Vanderbilt now behind him, Byard is preparing for his final scheduled visit to the University of Colorado. On Friday, he will head to Boulder to meet with Coach Deion Sanders and explore the opportunities at Colorado.
After his visit to Colorado, Byard plans to take some time to reflect on his options before making a final decision. “After I visit Colorado, I’ll take a few days to think things over,” he said. “I want to consider what’s the best fit for me, and I’m planning to make a decision by New Year’s for sure.”
LSU’s continued focus on bolstering its defense is clear, particularly when it comes to the safety position. The team has already made significant progress by securing commitments from two top-tier cornerbacks: Mansoor Delane, the No. 2 ranked cornerback in the transfer portal, and Ja’Keem Jackson, who ranks as the No. 8 cornerback. However, despite these strong additions in the secondary, there is still a pressing need to add depth at the safety position, which has made Byard a top priority for LSU.
As LSU continues its work in the Transfer Portal, the team has added 10 transfers so far but has also seen 17 players from the 2024 roster depart Baton Rouge. The influx of new talent, combined with strategic acquisitions like Byard, is part of Kelly’s larger plan to build a championship-caliber squad for the coming seasons.
With the transfer portal opening new doors for college football programs, LSU is capitalizing on the opportunity to address its weaknesses and strengthen its roster in key areas. As the Tigers continue to pursue Byard and other potential transfers, the focus remains on creating a well-rounded and competitive team capable of making a deep run in both the SEC and on the national stage.
Byard’s decision could play a crucial role in shaping the future of LSU’s defense. His talent and experience would provide an immediate boost to the safety position, an area where the Tigers are looking to improve. If LSU is able to secure his commitment, it would further solidify the team’s standing as one of the most aggressive and successful recruiters in the transfer portal.
For now, LSU’s staff remains in active pursuit of Byard and other transfer targets as they work to complete their roster ahead of the 2024 season. While the team has already made significant strides, they are determined to fill any remaining gaps with high-quality talent that can contribute to the Tigers’ success in the future.
As the transfer portal process progresses, LSU fans are eagerly awaiting the next steps in the program’s recruiting efforts. The team’s ability to attract top-tier talent like Byard, combined with its strong 2024 recruiting class, could set LSU up for continued success and help the Tigers compete at the highest levels in college football for years to come.
