LSU Football has added another significant name to its growing list of commitments from the transfer portal, further enhancing its roster for the upcoming seasons. On Thursday, both CBS Sports and 247 Sports confirmed that Grant Chadwick, one of the nation’s top young punters, has decided to join the Tigers.
Chadwick comes to LSU after an impressive first season at Middle Tennessee State, where he made an immediate impact. Over the course of the season, he recorded 51 punts, averaging 43.4 yards per punt, which ranks as the sixth-best single-season average in school history. Moreover, his performance as a true freshman set a new benchmark for the program, as no other player had posted such a high average in their first year. Chadwick’s accuracy and consistency were also evident in his ability to pin opponents deep. He successfully downed 21 punts inside the 20-yard line and launched 13 punts that traveled more than 50 yards, showcasing his powerful leg and pinpoint placement. His exceptional performance earned him a spot on the prestigious Ray Guy Award watch list, which honors the best punter in college football.
On3’s Industry Rankings have placed Chadwick as a three-star recruit, ranking him as the 26th-best punter in the 2025 transfer class. His decision to commit to Middle Tennessee State during the 2024 recruiting cycle came after a competitive recruitment process, where he ultimately chose the Blue Raiders over Memphis. Chadwick hails from Tullahoma, Tennessee, and his rapid rise in the punting ranks has earned him recognition as one of the most promising young specialists in the country.
Since head coach Brian Kelly took over at LSU, a strong emphasis has been placed on improving the Tigers’ special teams. LSU’s struggles in this area during the 2024 season were notably apparent, particularly in their difficulties with field position, as they often found themselves at a disadvantage when it came to pinning opponents deep in their territory. To address these issues, LSU has focused on strengthening its special teams, and Chadwick’s arrival provides a promising solution. While LSU already has two punters with at least one year of eligibility remaining, Chadwick’s proven track record at the collegiate level brings a level of experience and reliability that the Tigers were seeking.
Chadwick’s addition to the LSU roster is seen as a significant boost to the team’s special teams unit. His consistency, combined with his ability to flip the field with booming punts, will likely make a positive impact on the Tigers’ ability to control field position in future games. This is particularly important in the highly competitive SEC, where every inch of field position can make a difference in the outcome of a game.
In summary, LSU’s acquisition of Grant Chadwick adds a valuable piece to the puzzle as the Tigers continue to strengthen their special teams. With his strong performance at Middle Tennessee State and his potential for continued growth, Chadwick is expected to play a key role in LSU’s future success. As the team prepares for the upcoming seasons, this commitment signals a clear focus on building a well-rounded roster, with special teams being an integral part of the strategy moving forward.
