ESPN Ranks LSU Football’s Transfer Portal Class No. 1 in America: A Comprehensive Look at LSU’s Strategy and Impact
The transfer portal has become an increasingly vital component in the recruiting and roster management strategies of college football programs across the nation. For teams looking to elevate their programs or fill immediate needs, the portal has proven to be a highly effective tool. In 2024, one of the most notable successes in utilizing the transfer portal comes from LSU football, which ESPN has ranked as having the No. 1 transfer portal class in the country. Under head coach Brian Kelly, LSU’s approach to the portal has been calculated and strategic, as the Tigers have successfully added high-caliber talent across multiple positions.
In this article, we’ll break down what makes LSU’s transfer portal class so impressive, examine how the team’s strategy has worked under Kelly, and analyze how these new players will impact the program moving forward. We’ll also dive into the broader implications for LSU football as it continues to build toward national championship contention.
LSU’s Transfer Portal Strategy Under Brian Kelly
When Brian Kelly took over as head coach of LSU in 2022, one of the first things he recognized was the importance of supplementing his roster with experienced talent through the transfer portal. Kelly’s success at Notre Dame demonstrated his ability to build competitive teams through a combination of strong recruiting and player development, but at LSU, the portal presented an even more direct opportunity to plug immediate gaps on the roster and add experienced players who could contribute right away.
The 2024 transfer portal class represents Kelly’s most successful and impactful portal class to date. Kelly and his staff have aggressively targeted key positions of need, including wide receiver, defensive back, and the defensive line. This attention to detail, combined with the vast resources and the appealing nature of LSU’s program, has allowed the Tigers to land several highly regarded transfers, including key contributors from programs across the country.
Unlike previous years where some programs struggled to build continuity with players coming in and out of the portal, LSU has focused on bringing in players who fit their system and who are ready to make an immediate impact. The addition of these players is an essential part of LSU’s attempt to return to the pinnacle of college football, competing not just in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), but on the national stage as well.
Top Players in LSU’s No. 1 Ranked Transfer Portal Class
Several key players have transferred to LSU as part of the 2024 portal class. These players come from a variety of backgrounds and programs but share a common thread: they are all highly talented individuals who will significantly strengthen the Tigers’ roster. Below is a look at some of the standout transfers who have helped propel LSU to the No. 1 ranking.
1. Jahari Rogers (CB, UCF)
One of the biggest additions to LSU’s secondary is Jahari Rogers, a cornerback who comes to Baton Rouge from the University of Central Florida (UCF). At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, Rogers brings the size, athleticism, and physicality necessary to excel in the SEC. Over his time at UCF, Rogers developed into one of the Knights’ top defenders, earning accolades for his ability to shut down top-tier wide receivers.
LSU’s cornerback depth was a major question heading into the 2024 season after the departure of several key players, so adding a player like Rogers to the mix is crucial. His length and ability to play physical at the line of scrimmage will complement LSU’s aggressive defensive scheme, and his experience will make him a key leader in the secondary.
2. Dorian Dacres (S, West Virginia)
A major addition to LSU’s safety group is Dorian Dacres, who joins the Tigers from West Virginia. Dacres, who stands at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, brings a mix of size and playmaking ability that will be a major asset in the secondary. Known for his versatility, Dacres excels in both pass coverage and as a run-stopper. His physicality in tackling and ability to make interceptions makes him a well-rounded safety capable of impacting both sides of the field.
With the secondary facing significant changes heading into 2024, Dacres will have an opportunity to compete for a starting role and bring much-needed stability to the back end of the defense. His presence provides LSU with more depth and leadership in a position group that is critical for success in the SEC.
3. Kyren Lacy (WR, UL Lafayette)
Kyren Lacy, a wide receiver from Louisiana-Lafayette, is another significant transfer for LSU. Standing at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Lacy is a dynamic playmaker who excels at making contested catches and stretching the field. Lacy has been highly productive for the Ragin’ Cajuns, making a name for himself as a reliable target in the passing game.
With the departure of standout receiver Kayshon Boutte to the NFL Draft, LSU needed to add a talented wide receiver to complement Malik Nabers and the rest of the receiving corps. Lacy’s skill set and familiarity with the system make him a perfect fit for LSU’s offense, and he’s poised to become a key contributor in the Tigers’ passing attack.
4. Makai Wingo (DT, Missouri)
LSU’s defensive line has always been a strong point of their program, and the addition of Makai Wingo from Missouri only strengthens this unit further. Wingo, a 6-foot-1, 295-pound defensive tackle, has been a consistent performer in the SEC, known for his ability to generate pressure on quarterbacks and disrupt running lanes. His quickness, coupled with his ability to shed blockers, makes him an ideal fit for LSU’s front seven.
Wingo’s experience in the SEC will be invaluable, particularly when facing some of the league’s top offensive lines. He’s expected to play a crucial role in LSU’s defensive line rotation, helping them remain one of the toughest units in the conference.
5. Dante Thornton (WR, Oregon)
Another major addition to the LSU receiving corps is Dante Thornton, a wide receiver who joins the Tigers from the University of Oregon. At 6-foot-5, Thornton provides LSU with an excellent deep-threat option capable of stretching the field and making plays down the sideline. Known for his speed and ability to beat defenders deep, Thornton adds a new dimension to LSU’s passing attack.
With Malik Nabers already established as one of the top receivers in the SEC, Thornton will give LSU another formidable weapon. His size, athleticism, and ability to make plays on contested catches will be a game-changer for LSU as they look to stay competitive in a high-scoring SEC environment.
The Impact of LSU’s Transfer Portal Class on the Program
LSU’s No. 1-ranked transfer portal class positions the Tigers for immediate success in the upcoming season, particularly in areas where they had needs. The additions of key players like Jahari Rogers, Kyren Lacy, Makai Wingo, and others will allow LSU to address several critical areas on both sides of the ball.
- Defensive Backfield Reinforcements
With players like Rogers and Dacres, LSU’s secondary will have added depth, which is crucial in the pass-heavy nature of the SEC. LSU’s defense has struggled at times with consistency in the secondary, and these transfers will help the Tigers become more competitive against top-tier passing attacks like Alabama, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State. - Wide Receiver Playmaking Ability
The additions of Lacy and Thornton bolster LSU’s receiving corps significantly. These transfers give LSU more options in the passing game, helping quarterback Jayden Daniels find more weapons to utilize on offense. With Malik Nabers already a star receiver, Lacy and Thornton bring valuable experience and ability to give LSU more balance in their offense. - Defensive Line Depth
Wingo’s addition strengthens LSU’s already formidable defensive line. By bringing in an experienced SEC player, LSU can continue to rotate linemen to keep players fresh and pressure opposing quarterbacks, an essential strategy in a competitive conference like the SEC. Wingo’s presence will be key in LSU’s efforts to stop the run and disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
The Role of Brian Kelly in LSU’s Transfer Portal Success
The success LSU has had in the transfer portal under Brian Kelly cannot be overstated. Kelly has built a reputation for developing players both through traditional recruiting and by utilizing the transfer portal to plug critical needs. Kelly’s experience at Notre Dame—where he successfully navigated the landscape of college football and built highly competitive teams—has proven beneficial as he’s taken over LSU.
Kelly’s approach to roster building is one of balance and efficiency. By targeting players who fit LSU’s needs while also maintaining a focus on player development, Kelly has put LSU in a position to remain competitive on the national stage. The success in the transfer portal is a direct reflection of Kelly’s coaching philosophy: bring in talent, develop it, and compete at the highest levels.
Conclusion
LSU’s No. 1-ranked transfer portal class is a testament to the effectiveness of Brian Kelly’s approach to roster building. The Tigers have made significant upgrades to key positions, including the secondary, wide receiver corps, and defensive line. The players who have come to LSU via the portal—such as , Kyren Jahari RogersLacy, and Makai Wingo—will provide immediate depth and talent that will allow the Tigers to remain one of the top programs in the SEC and nationally.
As LSU continues to build momentum under Kelly’s leadership, the success in the transfer portal will remain a critical factor in the team’s championship aspirations. With a mix of established talent and promising new players, LSU is poised to continue competing for national titles for years to come. The No. 1-ranked transfer portal class is just another example of the Tigers’ ability to reload and remain at the forefront of college football’s elite programs.
