The LSU football program, under head coach Brian Kelly, anticipated major roster changes heading into December, as the NCAA Transfer Portal opened its window. These adjustments were seen as a necessary evolution for the team, balancing critical new additions with inevitable departures of current roster members.
In the first two weeks of the transfer window, LSU witnessed over a dozen players from its 2024 roster decide to enter the portal, exploring opportunities elsewhere. Despite these exits, Kelly remains optimistic about the direction of the program, firmly rooted in the values and standards he aims to instill.
“The Standard is the Standard”
Kelly addressed the roster changes following LSU’s Week 14 victory over Oklahoma, emphasizing the team’s resilience despite a challenging season. “The standard is the standard here,” Kelly said. “I didn’t come down here to go 8-4. I’m not happy about 8-4. Nobody in that room is happy about 8-4, but they’re proud of how they played after a three-game losing streak. They bounced back.”
Kelly highlighted the lessons learned through adversity, citing grit, toughness, and perseverance as key takeaways. “This game teaches you not to give up and to hold the rope. They could have fractured, but they stayed together, committed, and beat two really good teams in this league,” Kelly remarked. “Big picture, I’m excited about our future regardless of what others might think.”
As of now, 17 players have exited the LSU program, while the Tigers have brought in 13 new additions through the portal. Here’s a closer look at who’s leaving, where they’re heading, and who’s joining the fold.
Departures (17 Players):
- Rickie Collins (QB)
- Landon Ibieta (WR)
- CJ Daniels (WR)
- DaShawn Womack (EDGE)
- Jordan Allen (S)
- Shelton Sampson (WR)
- Kylin Jackson (DB)
- Xavier Atkins (LB)
- Jyaire Brown (CB)
- Bernard Causey (CB)
- Nathan Dibert (K)
- De’Myrion Johnson (DT)
- JK Johnson (CB)
- Ka’Morreun Pimpton (TE)
- Jay’viar Suggs (DT)
- Sage Ryan (DB)
- AJ Swann (QB)
Transfer Destinations:
Rickie Collins (QB) – Syracuse Orange The redshirt freshman quarterback appeared in three games during the 2024 season, accumulating 35 yards on five pass attempts and adding 18 rushing yards on four carries. In 2023, Collins used his redshirt year, appearing in one game where he completed two passes for 19 yards. A four-star recruit from Baton Rouge’s Woodlawn High, Collins initially committed to Purdue before flipping to LSU during his senior year. He now heads to Syracuse in search of more playing time.
CJ Daniels (WR) – Miami Hurricanes Daniels transferred to LSU last offseason following a stellar career at Liberty, where he caught 106 passes for 1,954 yards and 21 touchdowns over four seasons. In 2024, Daniels started 10 games for the Tigers, recording 42 receptions for 480 yards. Despite not finding the end zone during his time in Baton Rouge, he showed flashes of his playmaking ability. Now, Daniels joins Miami, aiming to reignite his production.
DaShawn Womack (EDGE) – Ole Miss Rebels Womack, a former five-star recruit, found limited opportunities behind the established duo of Sai’vion Jones and Bradyn Swinson in 2024. Although poised for an expanded role in 2025, Womack opted to transfer and has committed to Ole Miss, where he’ll look to make an immediate impact under Lane Kiffin.
Jordan Allen (S) – Houston Cougars Allen entered the portal early, drawing significant interest from several programs. The redshirt sophomore safety dealt with a toe injury that limited his 2024 season, but he’s shown potential, recording 32 tackles and two pass breakups in his LSU career. He now joins Houston, where he’ll seek a fresh start and more consistent playing time.
Other Notable Transfers:
- Kylin Jackson (DB): Committed to TCU.
- Xavier Atkins (LB): Committed to Auburn.
- Nathan Dibert (K): Committed to Eastern Michigan.
- JK Johnson (CB): Committed to Oklahoma State.
- Ka’Morreun Pimpton (TE): Committed to TCU.
- Sage Ryan (DB): Committed to Ole Miss.
Additions via Transfer Portal (13 Players):
Offensive Additions (6):
- TE Bauer Sharp: Transferred from Oklahoma.
- WR Barion Brown: Transferred from Kentucky.
- QB Michael Van Buren: Transferred from Mississippi State.
- WR Destyn Hill: Transferred from Florida State.
- WR Nic Anderson: Transferred from Oklahoma.
- IOL Braelin Mitchell: Transferred from Virginia Tech.
Defensive Additions (6):
- CB Ja’Keem Jackson: Transferred from Florida.
- EDGE Jimari Butler: Transferred from Nebraska.
- EDGE Jack Pyburn: Transferred from Florida.
- CB Mansoor Delane: Transferred from Virginia Tech.
- DL Sydir Mitchell: Transferred from Texas.
- EDGE Patrick Payton: Transferred from Florida State.
Special Teams Addition (1):
- Punter Grant Chadwick: Transferred from Middle Tennessee.
Looking Ahead
For Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers, navigating the dynamic transfer landscape is as much about addressing immediate needs as it is about building for the future. Despite the loss of 17 players, the 13 incoming transfers reflect a strategic approach to enhancing both sides of the ball. Kelly’s focus on maintaining the program’s high standards remains unwavering, even as the roster evolves.
Kelly’s comments underscore the resilience and commitment required to succeed at LSU. “The big picture is what’s most important. We’re not here to settle for mediocrity, and our actions reflect that,” he said. With a combination of new talent and returning players, the Tigers are set to tackle the challenges of the upcoming season head-on.
