The Transfer Portal Window Closes: Which LSU Football Players Departed the Program?
As the college football landscape continues to evolve, the NCAA transfer portal has become one of the most significant forces shaping the future of programs across the country. The window for players to enter the transfer portal closed on January 18, 2025, and for LSU football, the period was marked by a number of departures as players sought new opportunities for playing time, personal reasons, or to pursue better fits for their football careers.
The transfer portal offers athletes a chance to leave their current school and join a new program, opening up possibilities for growth, change, or a fresh start. For teams like LSU, with its prestigious history and high expectations, the portal can be both a blessing and a challenge. While some players leaving may feel like a loss for the Tigers, it is also an opportunity to make room for new recruits and incoming talent. Here’s a closer look at some of the LSU football players who entered the transfer portal during this key window, their reasons for leaving, and what their departures mean for the program.
1. Garrett Nussmeier – Quarterback
One of the most high-profile departures during this transfer window was that of Garrett Nussmeier, a talented quarterback who entered the portal after spending several seasons at LSU. Nussmeier, who had been a backup to starting quarterback Jayden Daniels, had shown flashes of his potential in limited action. With the emergence of Daniels as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, Nussmeier found himself in a difficult position in terms of playing time.
Nussmeier, a former highly-rated recruit, may be seeking an opportunity to start at another program where he can show what he’s capable of. His skillset, including a strong arm and mobility, makes him a valuable commodity for programs looking to add depth at the quarterback position. While his departure is certainly a loss for LSU, the Tigers’ quarterback room still remains in good hands with Daniels, who is returning for another season.
2. Corey Kiner – Running Back
Corey Kiner, a running back with tremendous potential, also entered the transfer portal. Kiner, a former four-star recruit, made an impact during his freshman season at LSU but was buried on the depth chart behind stars like Noah Cain and Josh Williams. With limited touches in 2024, Kiner’s decision to leave was likely fueled by a desire for more playing time and a chance to showcase his abilities as a feature back.
Kiner’s departure is a bit surprising given his talent and explosiveness as a runner, but it reflects the crowded backfield LSU has had in recent years. With Armoni Goodwin and John Emery Jr. still in the mix, Kiner may have realized that his path to being a primary contributor at LSU would be difficult. For Kiner, this move offers an opportunity to find a program that will give him more consistent touches and a chance to develop into a star back.
3. Tre’Vonte Citizen – Running Back
Another notable departure in the running back room was Tre’Vonte Citizen, who entered the transfer portal after a promising freshman year. Despite being a highly touted recruit out of high school, Citizen found himself behind a stacked group of running backs, including the aforementioned Cain, Williams, and others. With the depth LSU has at the position, Citizen likely felt it was in his best interest to seek more playing time elsewhere.
Citizen is a powerful back with a strong frame, and his blend of size and speed makes him an intriguing prospect for other programs. His decision to leave could pave the way for him to become a key contributor at another school where he is afforded a greater role in the offense. For LSU, while Citizen’s departure is a loss, it does open up space for other talented players to get reps and potentially develop into future stars.
4. Jalen Lee – Defensive Tackle
On the defensive side of the ball, Jalen Lee, a starting defensive tackle, also entered the transfer portal. Lee had been a steady presence on LSU’s defensive line but faced stiff competition for playing time from talented underclassmen like Maason Smith and Jaquelin Roy, both of whom had breakout seasons. Despite his solid contributions, Lee’s decision to leave is understandable given the depth LSU boasts in the defensive front.
For Lee, finding a new home where he can be a featured player in the defensive line rotation makes sense as he looks to enhance his draft stock and continue his football journey. His combination of size and quickness made him a valuable asset for LSU, and there will certainly be programs across the country vying for his services. As for LSU, while Lee’s departure creates a hole in the rotation, the Tigers’ defensive line is still packed with talent, and they have the depth to overcome his loss.
5. Sage Ryan – Safety
Sage Ryan, a versatile defensive back who had been a key contributor for LSU in the past, also made the decision to enter the transfer portal. Ryan had seen significant playing time during his career at LSU but struggled to lock down a starting role in 2024. With the emergence of Greg Brooks Jr. and other talented defensive backs, Ryan found himself fighting for playing time.
Ryan’s departure marks the end of an era for LSU’s secondary, as he was one of the more experienced players on the team. However, his decision to leave may offer him a chance to take on a more significant role elsewhere. Programs in need of a capable safety will likely see Ryan as an excellent addition, as he brings the versatility to play in both coverage and against the run. LSU’s secondary remains strong, and Ryan’s departure leaves room for other young players to step up.
6. Jarrick Bernard-Converse – Cornerback
A key player for the Tigers’ secondary in 2024, Jarrick Bernard-Converse entered the transfer portal seeking a new destination for his final season of eligibility. Bernard-Converse, who transferred to LSU from Oklahoma State in 2023, had a strong impact on the field, often tasked with covering top-tier wide receivers. However, after a season of strong contributions, he made the decision to enter the portal for one last opportunity to play in a prominent role at another school.
Given the depth LSU has in the secondary, including young cornerbacks like Denver Harris, Bernard-Converse likely recognized that his future opportunities would be more abundant at another school. His leadership and experience will be valuable to the program that adds him, as he has proven to be a solid cover corner with leadership qualities.
7. Jack Bech – Wide Receiver
Jack Bech, a wide receiver who had been part of LSU’s passing attack for several seasons, decided to enter the transfer portal after limited production in 2024. Bech showed flashes of brilliance in his early years but struggled to find consistent playing time in a loaded receiver corps. With players like Kayshon Boutte and Malik Nabers entrenched as the team’s top targets, Bech may have felt his best chance for growth and opportunity would be elsewhere.
Bech is a talented wide receiver who brings a unique skill set to the field. His physicality, coupled with his ability to make tough catches in traffic, will make him a valuable addition for any team looking for an experienced and versatile receiver. LSU will certainly miss Bech’s contributions, but the Tigers have plenty of depth at the receiver position, including young stars like Brian Thomas Jr. and Jack Bash.
The Impact of Departures on LSU Football
The departure of these key players marks a significant moment for LSU football as they prepare to continue their quest for dominance in the SEC and the college football landscape. The transfer portal has become a critical element in roster construction, and while these players leaving LSU may be seen as a challenge in some respects, it also provides opportunities for others to step up.
While LSU’s current roster remains strong, these departures will open up more opportunities for younger players to contribute and take on bigger roles in the program. The Tigers will have to adjust, but with their deep recruiting classes and commitment to excellence, LSU is well-positioned to continue competing at the highest level.
In conclusion, the transfer portal is not just a one-sided dynamic where players leave; it’s a tool that allows coaches to retool and strengthen their squads. As LSU continues to develop new talent and adjust to the departures of these players, they will remain a force in the SEC and beyond, adapting to changes and building a team that can compete for championships.
