LSU Football Officially Signs Two Top Transfer Portal Defenders
In an ever-evolving college football landscape, teams across the country have embraced the transfer portal as a means of bolstering their rosters. LSU, under head coach Brian Kelly, has once again capitalized on the transfer portal to shore up its defense with two standout signings. The Tigers have officially added two top-tier defenders, both of whom are expected to make an immediate impact on the team’s defense for the 2024 season. These signings are particularly crucial for a LSU defense that has experienced growing pains in recent years but is poised for a rebound.
The addition of these transfer players comes at a time when LSU is looking to continue its ascent within the SEC, with national championship aspirations on the horizon. By filling key gaps with proven talent from the transfer portal, LSU is positioning itself to be a contender for the 2024 college football season. Here’s a closer look at LSU’s two newest defensive players and how they fit into the team’s long-term plans.
The Transfer Portal: A Crucial Recruiting Tool for LSU
Over the past few years, the NCAA transfer portal has become a critical mechanism for college football teams looking to fill immediate needs without having to wait through lengthy recruiting cycles. The portal allows players to move freely between schools, often transferring for playing time, better opportunities, or even to escape uncertain coaching situations. While some might argue that it disrupts traditional recruiting, for LSU, it represents a chance to acquire talent quickly, especially at positions of need.
For LSU, who finished the 2023 season with a mixed record and aims to improve defensively, the addition of these top defensive players gives the team an edge. Head coach Brian Kelly has embraced the use of the transfer portal and has turned it into a major tool for the Tigers’ roster development. After a successful recruiting class in 2023, Kelly and his staff have continued to use the portal strategically to round out the team’s depth and talent.
The Tigers had a solid offense in 2023, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels and a dynamic group of wide receivers, but the defense often struggled, particularly in pass coverage and stopping the run. Signing these two top-tier defensive players addresses those specific areas of concern.
Defender #1: Transfer from Alabama – Safety Jordan Battle
The first key signing is Jordan Battle, a standout safety formerly with Alabama. Battle, a fifth-year senior, has proven himself as one of the top defensive backs in the SEC and one of the best safeties in the country. His decision to transfer to LSU is one of the most significant additions for the Tigers this offseason.
Battle’s resume speaks for itself. He was a crucial member of Alabama’s defense, which consistently ranked among the best in the nation during his time in Tuscaloosa. Over his career, Battle accumulated over 200 total tackles, 10 interceptions, and 18 pass breakups. His ability to play both in coverage and come up in the run game has made him one of the most versatile players at his position. His experience at Alabama, where he played in a defense coached by Nick Saban and was part of multiple playoff teams, gives him invaluable big-game experience that LSU can tap into.
Battle is expected to play a pivotal role in LSU’s secondary, particularly in providing leadership and stability in the safety group. In 2023, LSU’s defense struggled with consistency in its pass coverage, and adding a veteran like Battle will give them a steady presence on the back end. Battle’s ability to make plays on the ball, whether in coverage or by creating turnovers, is one of his standout traits, and LSU is hoping he can be the difference-maker they’ve been missing in their defensive backfield.
Battle will likely start immediately for LSU and will bring an added level of maturity and playmaking to the Tigers’ defense. His leadership will be crucial for mentoring younger defensive backs while also providing much-needed coverage and support in passing situations.
Defender #2: Transfer from Oklahoma – Defensive Tackle Jordan Kelley
The second major transfer signing is Jordan Kelley, a powerful defensive tackle from Oklahoma. Kelley, who played for the Sooners for the past four years, is known for his imposing presence in the trenches and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. At 6’4” and 320 pounds, Kelley has the physical attributes to be a dominant force in the middle of LSU’s defensive line.
Kelley comes to LSU after a solid career at Oklahoma, where he started several games and was a key contributor to the Sooners’ defense. He finished his career at Oklahoma with 120 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks. While not as flashy as some of the SEC’s premier defensive linemen, Kelley is an extremely consistent player who can clog running lanes and generate pressure on the quarterback, especially in passing situations.
The addition of Kelley addresses one of LSU’s key needs in the defensive line, as they struggled to generate consistent pressure in 2023. His size and power will help in the interior of the defensive line, allowing other LSU pass rushers to be more effective. Kelley’s presence in the middle will also free up linebackers and edge rushers by drawing double teams, thus improving the overall pass rush unit.
Kelley will add depth to an LSU defensive line that already has a mix of talented young players but lacks the consistent leadership and experience that Kelley brings. His experience in a competitive conference like the Big 12 will serve him well as he adjusts to the intensity and physicality of the SEC.
The Impact on LSU’s Defense
With the addition of Battle and Kelley, LSU is poised to improve in critical areas on defense. The Tigers struggled in both pass defense and in stopping the run during the 2023 season, and these two signings help solidify two weak points in the team’s defensive scheme.
Pass Defense: Battle’s ability to play in both man and zone coverage should immediately improve LSU’s secondary. His experience and skills in creating turnovers can have an immediate impact on LSU’s ability to generate big plays. LSU’s pass defense was inconsistent in 2023, and Battle’s presence in the secondary will add both a stabilizing force and a ball hawk who can alter the course of a game.
Run Defense: Kelley’s size and strength will immediately help LSU’s run defense, particularly in clogging up the middle and preventing teams from gaining consistent yardage on the ground. LSU’s defensive line, though talented, lacked a consistent disruptor last season. Kelley’s ability to collapse the pocket and force opposing offenses to adjust their game plans will provide the Tigers’ defense with a much-needed boost.
Together, these two transfers are critical to LSU’s defense getting back on track. Both players have the potential to be immediate starters, and their presence will create depth in areas that were lacking last season.
Looking Ahead
With these two top-tier transfers in place, LSU’s defense is on track to be significantly improved in 2024. The Tigers have the talent and the experience in both the secondary and defensive line to compete with the best in the SEC, which will be crucial for the team’s chances of returning to the College Football Playoff and competing for a national championship.
Head coach Brian Kelly has worked hard to recruit and develop a team that can compete at the highest level. The addition of Jordan Battle and Jordan Kelley is a testament to the coaching staff’s ability to identify key weaknesses and address them quickly. As LSU moves into the 2024 season, these two defenders will be at the forefront of the team’s defensive efforts, and their impact will be felt across the field.
LSU football fans can be excited about the future as the Tigers continue to build a championship-contending squad. The defense, once a point of concern, is now stronger and more capable, setting LSU up for success in the years to come.
