LSU Targets Top Transfer Portal Safety Tamarcus Cooley
As the college football transfer portal continues to be a hotbed of talent, LSU Football has identified a significant opportunity to bolster its defensive backfield. According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, LSU is set to host Tamarcus Cooley, the top-ranked unsigned safety in the portal, for an official visit to Baton Rouge in the coming days. This marks an important move for the Tigers, who are looking to fill critical gaps in their secondary after the departure of two key starters.
Cooley, a redshirt freshman, has seen his stock soar after a breakout 2024 season with NC State, following a quieter start to his college career at Maryland. With two seasons under his belt, Cooley has demonstrated considerable growth and potential, making him one of the most sought-after defensive backs in the portal. His addition to the LSU program could bring the kind of versatility and impact that the Tigers need as they look to reload defensively.
Cooley’s Career Journey: From Maryland to NC State
Tamarcus Cooley’s career trajectory has been anything but conventional. A three-star recruit in the 2023 class, Cooley began his college football journey at Maryland before transferring to NC State. His time with the Terrapins was relatively unremarkable, but he found his stride after moving to Raleigh, North Carolina.
In his 2024 season at NC State, Cooley showcased his ability to be a difference-maker on the defensive side of the ball. Over the course of two seasons, he has accumulated impressive stats, including:
- 43 tackles
- 6 pass deflections
- 3 interceptions
- 2 forced fumbles
- 1 sack
These numbers reflect Cooley’s well-rounded game, with contributions in multiple areas of the defense. His ability to break up passes, generate turnovers, and provide strong run support has made him an attractive prospect for teams looking to upgrade their defensive units. His dynamic playmaking ability and football IQ have placed him among the top transfer targets at his position, earning a spot as No. 2 on On3’s Industry Rankings for safety.
LSU’s Need for Defensive Help in the Secondary
For LSU, the need for secondary reinforcements has never been more urgent. The Tigers lost two key starting safeties, Major Burns and Sage Ryan, in recent seasons, leaving a significant void in their defensive backfield. Both players had been crucial to LSU’s defensive scheme, and their departures have made the need for experienced talent even more pressing.
LSU’s defense has long been a cornerstone of the program’s success, and head coach Brian Kelly knows that maintaining that level of excellence requires an elite secondary. With the SEC consistently featuring high-powered offenses and dynamic quarterbacks, securing a top-tier safety to bolster the back end of the defense is critical. Cooley’s arrival could help LSU not only fill the gaps left by Burns and Ryan but also provide an immediate impact in a conference known for its speed and skill at the skill positions.
Cooley’s Skill Set and Fit in LSU’s Defensive Scheme
Tamarcus Cooley’s game is defined by his versatility and his ability to make plays all over the field. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 185 pounds, Cooley has the size and athleticism to be effective both as a boundary safety and in the STAR role, which is a hybrid position in LSU’s defense.
As a boundary safety, Cooley could be used to patrol the deeper parts of the field and provide support against the run. His instincts and ability to track the ball in the air would make him an excellent fit for LSU’s deep coverage schemes. On passing downs, Cooley’s speed and football IQ would allow him to quickly react to passes and break on the ball, making him a threat for interceptions or forced turnovers.
As a STAR, Cooley would have even more flexibility. The STAR position is one of the most dynamic in LSU’s defensive system, where the safety is often asked to cover both the pass and the run while also playing closer to the line of scrimmage. It’s a role that requires both athleticism and football smarts, as the STAR has to read the quarterback’s eyes, react to routes, and still be a factor in run support. Cooley’s well-rounded skill set—particularly his ability to cover both ground and receivers—makes him a perfect candidate for this position, and he could thrive in it under LSU’s coaching staff.
In addition to his physical attributes, Cooley has shown he can be a leader on the field. His ability to recognize offensive schemes and adjust on the fly is something LSU values highly in its secondary players. His three interceptions and six pass deflections in 2024 prove he has the instincts to create turnovers, which is a hallmark of LSU’s defensive philosophy.
The Transfer Portal and LSU’s Recruiting Strategy
The transfer portal has become a critical tool for college football programs, particularly for teams like LSU, which need to plug gaps on their roster to maintain championship contention. LSU has long been known for its ability to recruit top talent, both out of high school and from the portal. Cooley’s addition would align with LSU’s aggressive approach to supplementing its roster, providing immediate help to a secondary that lost several key contributors.
In addition to Cooley, LSU is known to be exploring other transfer portal targets, with a focus on positions of need like cornerback, linebacker, and offensive line. By building a deeper, more experienced roster through the portal, LSU hopes to contend for an SEC Championship and eventually a College Football Playoff berth. The addition of Cooley could be just the beginning of a successful transfer season for the Tigers.
LSU’s Defensive Future with Cooley
Adding Tamarcus Cooley would be a huge step forward for LSU’s defense. His versatility and ability to play both deep and near the line of scrimmage would make him a key piece of LSU’s secondary. Furthermore, his experience in big games and his track record of success at NC State suggest that he is capable of stepping into a starting role immediately and making an impact in the SEC.
LSU will face stiff competition in securing Cooley’s commitment, with several Power Five programs—including Ole Miss, Oklahoma, and Tennessee—also vying for his services. However, LSU’s track record of developing NFL-caliber talent in the secondary and its consistent success on the recruiting trail should give the Tigers an edge in the battle for Cooley’s services.
For LSU, the upcoming visit is a critical moment in its quest to improve its defense and continue its rise to national prominence. Adding a player like Cooley could set the Tigers on a path toward even greater success in 2025, solidifying their place as a top contender in the SEC and beyond.
Conclusion
With a critical visit to Baton Rouge upcoming, Tamarcus Cooley is a major target for LSU as the Tigers look to bolster their secondary following the losses of key players. Cooley’s well-rounded skill set, impressive 2024 season, and versatility make him one of the top transfer portal prospects available. His addition would provide the Tigers with an immediate upgrade in the secondary, giving them a playmaker who can contribute both in coverage and as a run defender.
As LSU looks ahead to next season, securing Cooley’s commitment could be a game-changer, helping the Tigers remain competitive at the highest levels of college football. The next few days will be critical as the team hopes to lock down the prized safety and continue to strengthen their defense for the future.
