It seems that losing Bryce Underwood’s commitment lit a spark in LSU’s recruiting efforts, pushing the program into overdrive as they look to strengthen their roster and keep up with their SEC rivals. After the disappointing loss of Underwood, LSU has been working tirelessly in the transfer portal, securing an impressive 14 new recruits to bolster their depth. This aggressive strategy has not only helped them stay competitive but also brings new hope to a team that saw its playoff aspirations dashed for this season.
Recently, LSU managed to secure a bowl victory over Baylor, which was a significant morale boost. After the frustrating end to the regular season, this win provided the Tigers with a much-needed sense of renewal. Still, as much as that victory meant, the reality is that for LSU to be a true contender next year, recruiting top-tier talent—particularly through the transfer portal—will be absolutely essential. LSU’s competitive window is now, and it’s clear that the focus on player acquisition from various sources, including the transfer portal, is key to putting together a roster that can compete at the highest levels.
Brian Kelly and his staff are doing more than just recruiting; they’re on a mission to retool the program quickly and effectively. While 14 additions from the portal is already a solid number, insiders like Matt Moscona have hinted at even bigger moves in the works. According to Moscona, Kelly’s plan is far from finished, and fans can expect LSU to bring in up to 15 total portal additions—an ambitious but achievable goal. This means that LSU isn’t just sitting back and hoping for future success; they’re actively reshaping the team for the upcoming season.
Moscona also provided insight into some “silent” commits—players who are not yet publicly committed but are considered near-locks to join LSU. Among the most intriguing of these targets is a highly-coveted safety, Tamarcus Cooley. Cooley, who played his first season with Maryland, has shown flashes of brilliance in 2023 and could be a perfect fit for LSU’s defensive backfield. What makes this even more exciting is the fact that Cooley is currently in the midst of the College Football Playoff, making his situation even more compelling as he evaluates his future. The potential addition of Cooley would not only add a dynamic playmaker to the defense but also showcase LSU’s ability to recruit from high-profile programs, further solidifying their stature in college football.
Adding talent to the safety position is just one part of the plan. Kelly’s staff is also targeting key positions across the field, particularly on defense and the offensive line. The need for depth and improvement in both areas has been evident this season, and the Tigers are not wasting any time addressing these weaknesses. The defensive backfield, already a point of focus for the program, is poised to see more reinforcements, and the offensive line will also get its share of attention as LSU seeks to bolster its protection for the quarterback and improve its run game.
However, as much as the Tigers are actively working to add players from the transfer portal, there’s also a focus on developing the talent they already have. The balance between bringing in fresh faces and nurturing homegrown talent will be crucial for LSU’s continued success. The new recruits may inject immediate energy into the program, but players who have been with the team for a season or more will also need to step up and fulfill their potential.
The transfer portal, often seen as a shortcut to immediate success, is now a key piece of LSU’s recruiting puzzle, but the long-term foundation of the program still depends on developing young talent through high school recruiting as well. The aggressive moves in the portal indicate that LSU is not satisfied with just staying competitive; they are looking to reload quickly, capitalizing on the growing trend of college football’s roster fluidity.
This aggressive portal strategy isn’t unique to LSU, as many teams have turned to the transfer market to address needs that might have taken years to resolve through traditional recruiting. However, what sets LSU apart is the way they’ve balanced their efforts in both areas. By blending established players with fresh recruits, LSU is not only preparing for next season but also positioning itself for sustained success in the future.
But let’s get back to the immediate future—the 2024 season. With the Tigers’ playoff hopes now out of reach, this season becomes more about building momentum for next year. The addition of players like Cooley and the continued efforts to strengthen positions across the roster will provide LSU with the tools to remain competitive in the SEC, where the battle for supremacy is often determined by depth, talent, and preparation.
The Tigers are already setting the stage for the future. With a 14-player portal class in place and whispers of even more impact transfers on the way, LSU is on track to make a serious push in 2024. The team’s defense is set to improve dramatically with additions like Cooley, and the offensive line should get a boost with the incoming portal targets. But the biggest impact might be the immediate injection of talent at critical positions. The mixture of experience and youth could give LSU the balance they need to not only challenge for an SEC title but to make a legitimate run at the College Football Playoff.
For LSU fans, the offseason is proving to be an exciting time. It’s clear that Brian Kelly has a well-thought-out plan for the program’s future, and his success in the transfer portal shows he is willing to be aggressive and proactive in making sure LSU stays among the college football elite. If Kelly can keep up this pace and secure the remaining key targets, LSU will have a roster that can compete for championships.
In conclusion, LSU’s recruiting and transfer portal hustle are far from over, and if Brian Kelly and his staff can continue to attract top-tier talent, both from high school and the portal, the Tigers are poised to return to national prominence sooner rather than later. With the mix of young talent and seasoned veterans, LSU is setting itself up for a strong 2024 season and beyond. The commitment to building a championship-caliber team is evident in every move, and the Tigers are more than ready to take their place at the top of college football once again.
