LSU has secured a significant addition to its defensive roster with the transfer of standout edge rusher Payton from Florida State. According to a source close to the team, Payton committed to LSU on Saturday, a move that positions him as a pivotal player in rebuilding the Tigers’ defensive front. His decision to transfer also sets the stage for him to potentially elevate his NFL draft stock as he aims to finish his college career on a high note.
The news was initially reported by 247Sports and has since been confirmed by multiple outlets. Payton arrives at LSU as one of the most decorated edge rushers currently on the roster. Over three seasons at Florida State, he amassed an impressive stat line, recording 110 total tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, and 13 pass breakups. His impact was felt early in his career, earning him the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year title in 2022.
Payton’s transfer is particularly notable due to his ranking within the 247Sports transfer portal system. He was rated as the second-best overall player and the top defensive player available in the portal. His arrival marks LSU’s 12th addition from the transfer portal this offseason and the third edge rusher brought in to bolster the defensive line.
The 2022 season was a breakout year for Payton. He emerged as one of Florida State’s most dynamic defensive players during their undefeated regular season campaign. That year, he led the team with 14.5 tackles for loss, complemented by 44 total tackles, seven sacks, and an impressive 10 pass breakups. However, this past season saw a dip in his production. Despite starting strong, Payton’s numbers decreased to 35 tackles and four sacks, coinciding with Florida State’s challenging 2-10 season.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 250 pounds, Payton brings both size and experience to LSU’s defensive line. He was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school, ranked as a four-star prospect in the 2021 class from Miami, Florida. His decision to transfer to LSU also reunites him with fellow Florida State transfer Destyn Hill, a wide receiver originally from Louisiana. Hill joined LSU earlier this offseason, further strengthening the team’s roster with talent from the transfer portal.
The addition of Payton comes at a critical juncture for LSU. The Tigers are undergoing significant changes on the defensive front, needing to replace several key contributors. Senior starters Bradyn Swinson and Sai’vion Jones have moved on, and sophomore edge rusher Da’Shawn Womack, who played a substantial role in the rotation, also departed by the end of the season. LSU’s coaching staff identified the edge rusher position as a priority, and they’ve acted decisively in addressing this need.
Payton is joined by two other transfer edge rushers: Jack Pyburn from Florida and Jimari Butler from Nebraska. All three players have just one year of eligibility remaining, emphasizing the urgency for LSU to restock and develop the position for future seasons. For the upcoming year, however, these transfers will be central to LSU’s defensive strategy, forming a formidable unit alongside promising freshman Gabriel Reliford.
Payton’s transition to LSU reflects a broader trend in college football, where players leverage the transfer portal to find new opportunities and enhance their prospects. For LSU, this dynamic has proven essential in addressing immediate roster needs and staying competitive in a demanding SEC landscape. Payton’s proven ability as a pass rusher, coupled with his experience at the collegiate level, makes him a valuable asset for the Tigers as they aim to build on last season’s performance.
The arrival of Payton and the other edge rushers signals LSU’s commitment to maintaining a strong defensive presence. While the departures of veteran players create challenges, the influx of experienced transfers ensures the Tigers remain competitive. Payton, in particular, brings leadership and a track record of production that will likely inspire confidence among teammates and coaches alike.
Beyond his on-field contributions, Payton’s move to LSU offers him a fresh start and the chance to showcase his skills on a new stage. His goal of improving his NFL draft stock aligns with LSU’s reputation for developing defensive talent and preparing players for the professional level. With a strong supporting cast and the guidance of the Tigers’ coaching staff, Payton has the potential to make a significant impact during his final collegiate season.
As LSU prepares for the upcoming season, the focus will undoubtedly be on integrating the new additions and maximizing their potential. Payton’s presence as a seasoned edge rusher provides the team with a critical piece to anchor their defensive line. Alongside Pyburn, Butler, and Reliford, he will be tasked with disrupting opposing offenses and setting the tone for LSU’s defense.
While Payton’s journey from Florida State to LSU marks a new chapter in his career, it also underscores the shifting dynamics of college football. The transfer portal has become a vital tool for teams looking to address immediate needs and for players seeking fresh opportunities. For Payton and LSU, this partnership represents a mutually beneficial arrangement with the potential for significant rewards.
In conclusion, Payton’s transfer to LSU is a pivotal development for both the player and the team. His proven track record as an edge rusher, coupled with LSU’s need to replenish its defensive line, makes this a strategic and impactful move. As the Tigers gear up for the season, Payton’s presence will be closely watched, with fans and analysts eager to see how he contributes to LSU’s defensive resurgence and positions himself for a future in the NFL.
