Brian Kelly, head coach of LSU football, made it clear before the 2024 regular season concluded that his program was gearing up to be “very aggressive” in the transfer portal. As promised, Kelly and his coaching staff have proven to be far more active this year, making their presence felt as they pursued some of the top players who entered the portal when it opened in early December.
LSU has made significant moves in the transfer portal this offseason, signing more players than they did in the previous year. This increased activity signals their intent to strengthen the team for the upcoming season. The NCAA transfer portal opened on December 9 and will remain open until December 28, giving teams the opportunity to bolster their rosters for 2024.
As of now, LSU has successfully signed 11 players from the transfer portal, a move that represents a more robust effort compared to the previous year. According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, three of the 11 incoming players are rated among the top 50 transfer portal players. The highest-rated of these transfers is wide receiver Nic Anderson from Oklahoma, who is expected to make an immediate impact.
Here is a full list of LSU’s transfer portal signings:
- Sydir Mitchell – Defensive tackle, Texas
- Grant Chadwick – Punter, Middle Tennessee State
- Nic Anderson – Wide receiver, Oklahoma
- Destyn Hill – Wide receiver, Florida State
- Mansoor Delane – Cornerback, Virginia Tech
- Jack Pyburn – Defensive end, Florida
- Michael Van Buren – Quarterback, Mississippi State
- Jimari Butler – Defensive end, Nebraska
- Barion Brown – Wide receiver, Kentucky
- Ja’Keem Jackson – Cornerback, Florida
- Bauer Sharp – Tight end, Oklahoma
In contrast to these additions, LSU has also seen several players enter the transfer portal themselves. As of now, the following LSU players have opted to leave the program in search of new opportunities:
- Rickie Collins – Quarterback
- Sage Ryan – Safety
- Jay’viar Suggs – Defensive lineman
- Ka’Morreun Pimpton – Tight end
- De’Myrion Johnson – Defensive lineman
- J.K. Johnson – Cornerback
- Nathan Dibert – Kicker
- Xavier Atkins – Linebacker
- Bernard Causey – Cornerback
- Jyaire Brown – Cornerback
- Shelton Sampson Jr. – Wide receiver
- Kylin Jackson – Safety
- Jordan Allen – Safety
- C.J. Daniels – Wide receiver
- Da’Shawn Womack – Edge rusher
- Landon Ibieta – Wide receiver
- AJ Swann – Quarterback
The surge in LSU’s transfer portal activity this year signals Kelly’s commitment to improving the team’s depth and talent pool for the 2024 season. The addition of players such as Nic Anderson, who is expected to be a standout wide receiver, could help LSU strengthen areas of need and maintain competitiveness in the tough SEC landscape.
LSU’s transfer portal strategy seems to focus on securing players who can contribute immediately. This proactive approach will likely play a key role in shaping the Tigers’ success next season, as the program seeks to recover from a challenging 2024 campaign and build a more balanced, dynamic roster.
The continued use of the transfer portal is becoming an increasingly vital part of college football, allowing programs to address gaps in their rosters and add immediate contributors. LSU’s aggressive strategy reflects an understanding of how crucial this period is in assembling a roster that can compete at the highest level. With a mix of experienced transfers and promising newcomers, Kelly aims to put together a team capable of contending for championships in the coming years.
While some of LSU’s departures may be concerning, especially with key players leaving the program, the influx of talent through the portal has helped offset these losses. Players like Grant Chadwick, a punter from Middle Tennessee State, and Mansoor Delane, a cornerback from Virginia Tech, are expected to bring valuable experience and competition to their respective positions.
The Tigers’ expanded focus on the transfer portal could also signal a shift in the way LSU approaches roster management. As more high-profile players opt to enter the portal each year, programs like LSU are forced to stay competitive by engaging in the portal aggressively. This can result in both positive and negative consequences, as seen by the departures alongside the new signings. However, it also offers the opportunity to bring in experienced players who can contribute right away.
With the transfer portal closing on December 28, LSU’s activity is far from over. The program’s staff will continue to evaluate potential transfer targets, and the team’s roster could see further changes before the deadline. While the Tigers have already made some promising moves, it is likely that there will be additional adjustments made to fill any remaining needs and refine the roster for the 2024 season.
In conclusion, LSU football’s efforts in the 2024 transfer portal reflect a deliberate and calculated approach to improving the roster. With 11 new signees, including several highly ranked players, and a commitment to addressing areas of need, LSU is positioning itself for a strong season ahead. As the transfer portal remains open for another week, LSU’s coaching staff will continue to look for opportunities to strengthen their squad further. While departures have also occurred, the additions made by the Tigers thus far suggest that they are on track to compete at a high level in the upcoming season. The impact of these transfers will be closely monitored as the program seeks to bounce back in 2024.
