LSU’s Transfer Portal Strategy Under Brian Kelly

Since Brian Kelly took over as head coach of LSU in 2022, the program has seen a major overhaul in its recruiting and transfer portal strategy. The NCAA transfer portal, which allows players to leave their current school and transfer to another, has become an essential tool for building a competitive roster in college football. For LSU, the transfer portal has provided a way to bolster the team immediately, a necessary move for Kelly as he works to rebuild and sustain a championship-caliber program.

In Kelly’s first year, LSU made significant strides, winning the SEC West and competing in the Citrus Bowl. A big part of that success came from smart recruiting in both traditional high school routes and the transfer portal. Kelly recognized that a combination of experienced players and high-potential newcomers could provide the stability needed to elevate the program.

Here’s a breakdown of the overall transfer portal strategy for LSU and how it might impact their future recruiting:

Key Players Added via Transfer Portal

1. Jayden Daniels (Quarterback): One of the most notable moves was the acquisition of quarterback Jayden Daniels from Arizona State. Daniels’ ability to run and pass at a high level made him a dual-threat weapon and a perfect fit for Kelly’s offensive system. His leadership and experience were immediate assets, and he proved to be the centerpiece of the offense in 2022. Daniels helped LSU secure a 10-win season and positioned the team to be a strong contender in the SEC in 2023.
2. Makhi Wingo (Defensive Tackle): LSU also benefited from adding defensive tackle Makhi Wingo, who transferred from Missouri. Wingo’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses helped solidify LSU’s defense, which had been a point of emphasis for Kelly. The defensive line, in particular, has been an area of focus for Kelly, and Wingo’s presence helped them become more formidable against both the run and the pass.
3. Noah Cain (Running Back): Another significant transfer was running back Noah Cain from Penn State. Cain, a former highly-touted recruit, provided depth to the LSU backfield, giving them a powerful and balanced rushing attack. He was a key contributor in LSU’s run-heavy offense, adding versatility to the team’s skill positions.

Silent Commitments and the Transfer Portal

In the context of college football, “silent commitments” refer to players who have verbally agreed to transfer to a school but have not made public announcements. These players typically keep their commitments quiet to avoid unnecessary media attention or to retain flexibility in case other offers come through.

Brian Kelly, known for his methodical and strategic approach to recruiting, has likely been working behind the scenes to secure several key players from the transfer portal. The two players mentioned in the article you referred to (silent commitments) would fit this pattern, where Kelly and his staff have identified potential contributors but have yet to make the commitments official.

LSU’s Approach to Recruiting via the Transfer Portal

Brian Kelly’s strategy regarding the transfer portal is different from many other schools. He is not just seeking to fill gaps with transfers, but instead, he is actively targeting players who can step into significant roles immediately. This is evident in his work on both sides of the ball: offense and defense. Kelly is focused on securing players who complement the existing roster and fill critical needs.

Immediate Impact vs. Developmental Players

Kelly has shown an ability to blend immediate-impact transfers with developmental players. For example, while Daniels and Wingo were crucial in filling immediate needs, other players might have been brought in with the long-term plan in mind. By carefully balancing these two types of transfers, LSU can remain competitive in the short term while also continuing to build for future success.

Long-Term Strategy

As Kelly builds his program at LSU, he understands that sustainable success in college football requires both a solid recruiting base from high school and a transfer portal strategy that keeps the team fresh and competitive. Kelly has spoken about using the transfer portal to balance out positions where LSU might be lacking depth or experience. He also recognizes the importance of chemistry and the need for new transfers to quickly integrate into the team environment.

While transfer portal players are valuable assets, Kelly is known for developing players, and he likely views the portal as a tool to complement his overall development philosophy. For instance, his background at Notre Dame demonstrated his ability to develop players over time, which is a philosophy he’s bringing with him to LSU.

The Future of the Transfer Portal for LSU

Looking ahead, LSU’s approach to the transfer portal will likely continue evolving. As the program grows under Kelly’s leadership, LSU will undoubtedly be more selective in the players they target. The program’s continued success will allow them to focus more on high school recruiting, though the transfer portal will always play a critical role in filling immediate needs.

Kelly’s use of the portal will likely become more targeted. LSU may focus on specific positions—perhaps focusing on developing depth at certain spots or adding elite talent to positions where the program is most vulnerable. This trend of using the portal as a supplemental resource, rather than as the primary means of roster building, could give LSU a competitive edge in the future.

LSU’s Recruiting Rankings and Transfer Portal Influence

One of the key factors in LSU’s recruiting approach is their ability to attract top-tier recruits from the transfer portal. Under Kelly, the Tigers have seen a shift in how they approach player development and recruitment. LSU is already one of the most successful programs in college football, and with Kelly’s leadership, they are positioning themselves to remain competitive at both the national and SEC levels.

The key to LSU’s success in the transfer portal is a combination of factors:

• A Strong Brand: LSU remains a top program with a rich football history, and this brand attracts top-tier players from other schools.
• Coaching Stability: Kelly has built a reputation as a strong coach with a proven track record of success at Notre Dame. His ability to develop players helps reassure transfers that they will be given the chance to grow.
• Player Development: LSU’s emphasis on player development and the success of transfers like Jayden Daniels and Makhi Wingo show that the program knows how to use the transfer portal to its advantage.