Where Have the Departing Players of LSU Football Landed Through the Transfer Portal?
The college football transfer portal has become a crucial element of roster building and player movement in recent years. It has reshaped how teams manage their rosters, allowing players to find new opportunities and teams to add instant talent. The LSU Tigers, a powerhouse in college football, have seen a number of players depart through the portal, and as the 2024 season progresses, it’s clear that these departures will have a significant impact on both the LSU program and the players involved.
Some of the players who entered the portal from LSU have moved on to other top-tier programs, while others have opted to continue their careers in less competitive conferences. This article provides a closer look at where some of the departing LSU players have landed through the transfer portal and the potential impact of these moves.
LSU’s Transfer Portal Departures: A Quick Overview
LSU, like most major college programs, has experienced its share of player departures via the transfer portal. While head coach Brian Kelly has built a strong foundation since arriving in Baton Rouge, there have been several high-profile transfers that raised eyebrows. Players typically leave programs for various reasons, including seeking more playing time, a better fit in terms of scheme, or the pursuit of new opportunities at schools with different football philosophies.
The number of players departing LSU via the portal has fluctuated in recent years, but the program’s success on the field has continued to make Baton Rouge a highly attractive destination for incoming players. That said, LSU’s success in the portal is dependent not only on bringing in talent but also on the talent it loses. Let’s look at where some of the most notable LSU transfers have landed and what their future might hold.
Quarterback Walker Howard to Ole Miss
One of the most high-profile departures from LSU’s 2023 roster was Walker Howard, a former top-100 quarterback recruit. Howard had a highly anticipated career ahead of him when he committed to LSU in 2022 but found himself stuck behind Jayden Daniels, who became LSU’s starting quarterback and led the Tigers to a successful season. Given his potential and the promise he showed as a recruit, Howard’s decision to enter the transfer portal was understandable.
Ole Miss, under the leadership of Lane Kiffin, was quick to offer Howard a spot, and he made the move to Oxford. The Rebels were in need of a backup quarterback with a potential starter in the long term, and Howard fits the bill perfectly. With Ole Miss’s up-tempo offensive system and Kiffin’s ability to develop quarterbacks, Howard’s skills are expected to thrive.
For Howard, transferring to Ole Miss is a chance to start fresh, earn a starting job, and display his skills in a system that will highlight his abilities. He will compete for the starting job, but his situation is promising, given the offensive scheme and the coaching staff’s history with developing quarterbacks.
Running Back Armoni Goodwin to UAB
LSU’s running back room was stacked with talent during the 2023 season, and Armoni Goodwin found it challenging to carve out a significant role in such a crowded backfield. After spending some time as a rotational back for LSU, Goodwin decided to seek a fresh start through the transfer portal. He ultimately landed at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), a program that has shown solid growth in recent years.
At UAB, Goodwin will have the opportunity to be the focal point of the offense, something he was unable to achieve at LSU. The Blazers have had success in their own right in Conference USA, and Goodwin’s addition could help elevate their running game. For Goodwin, moving to UAB offers a chance for a more significant role and the possibility of revitalizing his career.
Defensive Back Ryan Yaites to TCU
Ryan Yaites, a talented defensive back, found himself in a crowded secondary at LSU, and as a result, he decided to enter the transfer portal. Despite showing promise, Yaites was unable to break into LSU’s starting lineup consistently. He ultimately found a home at Texas Christian University (TCU), a program that had just played for the College Football Playoff National Championship.
At TCU, Yaites will have the chance to contribute to a defense that has gained recognition for its aggressive style and playmaking ability. Given the depth and talent in the Horned Frogs’ secondary, Yaites will likely compete for a starting spot, and his development will be key to improving the defense. The move to TCU provides Yaites with an opportunity to earn significant playing time and help a rising program continue its success.
Wide Receiver Kyren Lacy to Louisiana-Lafayette
One of the more surprising moves in LSU’s offseason came when wide receiver Kyren Lacy entered the transfer portal. Lacy, a Louisiana native, had seen limited playing time in his first two years with LSU. Despite his raw talent, he struggled to find consistent playing time in an LSU receiving corps that was loaded with talent.
Lacy’s decision to transfer to Louisiana-Lafayette (now known as Louisiana), an in-state program that has regularly been competitive in the Sun Belt Conference, makes sense. At Louisiana, Lacy will be a featured part of the offense and will have the opportunity to showcase his skills as one of the top receiving threats. His move to the Ragin’ Cajuns could be a perfect fit, as he will have the chance to lead the receiving corps and increase his visibility for future professional opportunities.
Linebacker Demetrius Hill to Southern Miss
Demetrius Hill, a linebacker who was once considered a promising prospect for LSU, decided to enter the transfer portal in search of more playing time. After spending time as a depth piece in LSU’s linebacker rotation, Hill made the move to Southern Miss in the Conference USA.
Hill will likely be a key contributor to Southern Miss’ defense, where he will have the opportunity to prove his worth as a starting linebacker. Given his size and athleticism, Hill has the potential to make an immediate impact at Southern Miss, and his time there could help him continue to develop as a player. This move provides Hill with the platform to showcase his skills in a starting role.
Offensive Lineman Garrett Dellinger to Auburn
Another notable departure for LSU came from the offensive line in Garrett Dellinger, who spent significant time in the trenches for LSU. After struggling to solidify himself as a permanent starter during the 2023 season, Dellinger decided to transfer to Auburn, where he will have the chance to compete for a starting position in an offense that is undergoing its own set of changes.
Auburn, under first-year head coach Hugh Freeze, is looking to rebuild its program, and Dellinger’s experience will be key in helping solidify an offensive line that has struggled in recent seasons. For Dellinger, this move represents an opportunity to make an impact in the SEC West, and the chance to play under Freeze could help his development as a player.
Impact of the Departures on LSU
LSU’s player departures through the transfer portal are a reminder that roster turnover is inevitable, even for elite programs. While the Tigers have lost several key contributors, head coach Brian Kelly and his staff have worked hard to bring in replacements who will continue to elevate the team’s performance. LSU’s ability to continue recruiting at a high level, combined with their established program culture, will likely mitigate the loss of these players.
The transfers of players like Walker Howard, Armoni Goodwin, and others create openings for new talent to emerge, and LSU will continue to focus on player development to build on their success. The success of LSU’s program depends on both its ability to retain top talent and to reload through the transfer portal. With Kelly at the helm, LSU is well-positioned to continue competing at the highest level of college football, even as they see departures like those of these key players.
The transfer portal has become an integral part of college football, and LSU’s involvement in it is no exception. While the departures of players like Walker Howard, Armoni Goodwin, and Kyren Lacy are significant, they are part of the natural ebb and flow of college football rosters. Each player who leaves LSU through the portal embarks on a new chapter, and their destinations, such as Ole Miss, UAB, and TCU, will provide them with new opportunities. As for LSU, the focus will remain on retooling their roster, utilizing the portal to bring in new talent, and continuing to develop their elite program for future success.
