Texas redshirt freshman defensive tackle Sydir Mitchell has announced his decision to transfer to LSU. LSU confirmed the move on Friday, following Mitchell’s two-year stint at Texas, where he appeared in eight games. During this time, he participated in 36 defensive snaps in the 2023 season. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 350 pounds, Mitchell is a physically imposing player, and he enters LSU with three years of eligibility remaining.
Mitchell’s transfer to LSU marks a reunion with defensive line coach Bo Davis, who coached him during his freshman year at Texas before taking the position at LSU. His transfer to Baton Rouge offers Mitchell the chance to reunite with Davis and continue his development under a familiar coach.
A highly regarded recruit, Mitchell was ranked as a four-star prospect and placed as the No. 25 defensive lineman in the nation in the 2023 recruiting class by 247Sports. His transfer to LSU makes him the 11th player to join the Tigers through the transfer portal this offseason, and notably, he is the first defensive tackle to do so.
LSU’s defensive line was an area of focus in the transfer portal this offseason, as the team faced departures and injury challenges. Defensive tackles Paris Shand and Gio Paez had both exhausted their eligibility, while Jay’Viar Suggs entered the transfer portal. This created a significant need for depth in the defensive tackle position.
Despite the return of Jacobian Guillory from a torn Achilles and the development of players like Ahmad Breaux, Shone Washington, and Dominick McKinley, LSU recognized the importance of bolstering their defensive line further. Mitchell’s experience, combined with his prior relationship with Davis, makes him a strong addition to the team, potentially providing the depth and stability LSU needs for the upcoming seasons.
Mitchell, who has accumulated seven career tackles thus far, will be a key player to watch as he joins the Tigers. His size, experience, and familiarity with LSU’s coaching staff offer a promising foundation for his impact on the team. With three seasons of eligibility remaining, Mitchell’s future at LSU holds significant potential as he continues to evolve under Bo Davis’ guidance.
