LSU Tigers’ Elite Transfer Portal Class: A Look at the Top 5 Signees for 2025
With the start of the 2025 football season on the horizon, LSU Tigers coach Brian Kelly and his staff have been making significant moves to enhance the program’s roster, and it’s no surprise that LSU is currently holding the No. 1-ranked Transfer Portal Class in the nation. Over the past few weeks, the Tigers have successfully secured commitments from 14 players via the NCAA Transfer Portal, and a staggering eight of these players are ranked as Top-100 transfers by 247Sports. Among the signees are several immediate-impact players who are expected to help LSU remain a formidable force in college football. Below, we’ll take a deep dive into the five highest-rated signees in LSU’s 2025 Transfer Portal class, focusing on the most anticipated players who will likely make significant contributions next season.
1. EDGE Patrick Payton – No. 2 Overall
The LSU coaching staff landed a massive commitment with Patrick Payton, the No. 2 overall transfer in the NCAA Transfer Portal and the No. 1-rated edge rusher. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 250 pounds, Payton brings a combination of size, strength, and agility that makes him a highly coveted player in the portal.
Payton’s recruitment was a top priority for LSU, and after a visit to Baton Rouge, the Tigers sealed the deal, making him one of the biggest transfers of the offseason. Before joining LSU, Payton spent three seasons at Florida State, where he racked up 109 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, 12 pass breakups, and three forced fumbles. His consistency and explosiveness on the edge make him an ideal fit for LSU’s defensive scheme.
This commitment is crucial for LSU’s defense, as Payton’s ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks is exactly what the Tigers need to bolster their pass rush. His arrival in Baton Rouge signals that LSU’s defense will be even more formidable in the 2025 season, as Payton is expected to make an immediate impact in the Tigers’ pass rush rotation.
2. WR Nic Anderson – No. 11 Overall
After an injury-plagued 2024 season, LSU has added one of the most exciting receivers from the Transfer Portal in Nic Anderson. The former Oklahoma Sooners star, who set a freshman record for touchdown receptions with 10 in 2023, will bring his talents to Baton Rouge as one of the Tigers’ most exciting offseason acquisitions. Anderson is a 6-foot-4, 200-pound wideout with a powerful frame and the ability to stretch the field vertically, a skillset that LSU has been actively seeking to complement its already strong wide receiver room.
In his two seasons at Oklahoma, Anderson amassed 798 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, showing his potential as a deep threat. He earned Freshman All-America honors from The Athletic in 2023 and was twice named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week. Although Anderson missed the entirety of the 2024 season due to injury, his previous production and high ceiling make him a critical addition for LSU, especially in an offense that needs a true WR1.
With Jayden Daniels at quarterback, Anderson’s ability to win contested catches and create mismatches in the red zone will be a game-changer for the Tigers. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism makes him one of the top additions for LSU in the 2025 season.
3. WR Barion Brown – No. 18 Overall
LSU continues to load up at wide receiver with the addition of Barion Brown, who transfers in from Kentucky. Brown, a proven playmaker, brings with him over 120 career receptions, more than 1,500 receiving yards, and double-digit touchdowns from his time with the Wildcats. Notably, he also holds the record for most career kick return touchdowns in SEC history with five.
Brown’s explosive playmaking ability and veteran experience in the SEC make him an instant asset to LSU’s offense. With his proven ability to break away from defenders and make big plays in the open field, Brown will likely form a dangerous duo with Nic Anderson and the rest of LSU’s wide receivers.
Coach Brian Kelly highlighted Brown’s leadership and maturity, noting that his experience in the SEC and ability to make explosive plays downfield would make him an ideal fit at LSU. With Jayden Daniels returning as the starting quarterback, LSU’s offense is primed to take advantage of Brown’s ability to stretch the field and create mismatches against opposing defenses.
4. CB Mansoor Delane – No. 40 Overall
As LSU continues to rebuild its secondary, one of the biggest additions is Mansoor Delane, the No. 2-rated cornerback in the NCAA Transfer Portal. Delane comes to Baton Rouge after three productive seasons at Virginia Tech, where he accumulated 146 tackles, 16 pass breakups, six interceptions, and four forced fumbles.
Delane’s well-rounded game, which includes solid coverage skills, ball-hawking ability, and physicality, makes him an ideal fit for LSU’s defensive backfield. His experience in the ACC, combined with his proven ability to make plays in critical situations, will be essential for a Tigers’ secondary that has been inconsistent at times. Delane’s arrival will also help mentor younger cornerbacks, including DJ Pickett, the nation’s top-rated cornerback, who has already arrived in Baton Rouge to begin practicing with the team.
The LSU defense will benefit from Delane’s leadership, and he is expected to be a major contributor in 2025, as the Tigers look to solidify their secondary and build toward future success.
5. EDGE Jack Pyburn – No. 47 Overall
The Tigers’ quest to improve their pass rush took another step forward with the addition of Jack Pyburn, a talented edge rusher from Florida. Pyburn spent three seasons with the Gators and brings with him valuable experience, including 60 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception in the 2024 season. His best season came in 2024, when he made an impression on the defensive line with consistent play throughout the year.
Pyburn will join LSU’s defensive line as a versatile pass rusher capable of creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With LSU’s need for depth and talent in the trenches, Pyburn’s addition will bring stability and immediate competition for spots along the defensive front. As one of the top-rated edge rushers in the portal, Pyburn’s experience and ability to make plays at the line of scrimmage will be essential for LSU’s defense moving forward.
Conclusion: A Game-Changing Transfer Class for LSU
With the addition of these five high-profile transfer players, LSU’s 2025 football season is shaping up to be a highly competitive one. The Tigers have effectively filled critical gaps in their roster, particularly in the areas of pass rush, wide receiver, and secondary. Coach Brian Kelly and his staff have demonstrated an ability to recruit at the highest level, bringing in key players who are ready to make an immediate impact.
As LSU continues to develop its young talent, the influx of transfers will only enhance the Tigers’ chances of competing for a national championship in the near future. The combination of experienced veterans and top-tier transfer talent will ensure that LSU is positioned for success in 2025 and beyond. With a full roster of explosive athletes, LSU’s future is looking brighter than ever.
