January 11, 2025

The Top Ten Transfers in LSU Football History During the Brian Kelly Era

Brian Kelly’s arrival as head coach of LSU in 2022 marked a new era for the program, one in which the transfer portal played a pivotal role in reshaping the team. Since Kelly took over, LSU has seen an influx of talent from the transfer portal, helping the Tigers quickly return to prominence in college football. While recruiting is always critical, the transfer portal allowed Kelly to address immediate needs, bringing in experienced players who could contribute from day one.

Here’s a look at the top ten transfers in LSU football history during Brian Kelly’s era, based on their impact on the field, their contributions to the program, and their overall importance in LSU’s success.

1. Jayden Daniels (Quarterback – Arizona State, 2022)

When Jayden Daniels transferred to LSU from Arizona State, he immediately became the centerpiece of Brian Kelly’s offensive plans. As a dual-threat quarterback with a proven track record of success in the Pac-12, Daniels brought invaluable experience to Baton Rouge. His ability to run the ball as well as pass made him a perfect fit for Kelly’s offense, which emphasized versatility and playmaking.

In his first season at LSU, Daniels quickly became the leader of the offense. His poise and playmaking ability helped lead LSU to an impressive 10-win season, including a victory in the Citrus Bowl. Daniels was also a constant threat on the ground, using his speed to evade defenders and make big plays when the offense needed them the most. By the end of the 2022 season, Daniels had established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC, earning a reputation for his leadership and clutch performances.

Impact: Jayden Daniels’ leadership and dual-threat ability were crucial in LSU’s rapid return to national relevance under Brian Kelly, making him the most impactful transfer of Kelly’s tenure.

2. Malik Nabers (Wide Receiver – Transferred from LSU’s own recruiting class, 2021)

While Malik Nabers was technically a recruit and not a transfer from another program, his emergence as a top wide receiver in Kelly’s system is worth noting. Nabers, who had committed to LSU prior to Kelly’s arrival, had the opportunity to thrive under the new coaching regime in 2022. His sharp route-running, incredible hands, and playmaking ability made him an invaluable asset for Jayden Daniels. Nabers finished the 2022 season with impressive numbers and was a consistent target in key moments.

His performance as a first-team All-SEC wide receiver demonstrated that his growth under Kelly’s system was essential to LSU’s offensive success. As one of the top wide receivers in the SEC, Nabers showed flashes of being an NFL-caliber player, providing the LSU offense with a reliable playmaker on the outside.

Impact: Nabers’ growth into a dominant receiver in Kelly’s system solidified his place as one of the most impactful players on the roster.

3. Omar Speights (Linebacker – Oregon State, 2023)

When Brian Kelly and LSU’s coaching staff looked to shore up their linebacker corps, they turned to Omar Speights, a talented and experienced player from Oregon State. Speights was a proven playmaker in the Pac-12, and his ability to quickly assimilate into LSU’s defense made him one of the top transfers in Kelly’s first few seasons. He immediately became one of the team’s defensive leaders and showcased his ability to play in the heart of LSU’s defense.

Speights’ leadership and veteran presence on the field helped solidify LSU’s defensive unit. His physicality and coverage ability helped improve the linebacker room, and he made an immediate impact in terms of tackles, pass breakups, and creating havoc behind the line of scrimmage. His transfer was essential for a defense that sought to improve after a few lean years.

Impact: Speights’ transfer brought much-needed stability to LSU’s linebacker position, elevating the defense and helping the team remain competitive in the SEC.

4. Mason Taylor (Tight End – Transfer from the recruiting class, 2022)

Mason Taylor, a tight end who was part of Brian Kelly’s first recruiting class at LSU, quickly became a standout player in his debut season. While not a transfer from another program, Taylor’s contributions to the offense under Kelly’s guidance were undeniable. As a versatile tight end, Taylor’s ability to block in the run game and stretch the field as a pass-catcher made him a crucial piece of LSU’s offensive attack.

He became one of the most reliable targets for quarterback Jayden Daniels, and his ability to make clutch catches in key moments – including a memorable touchdown reception against Alabama – elevated him into the national spotlight. Taylor’s development under Kelly was critical in shaping LSU’s offense, making him one of the standout young players in the SEC.

Impact: Taylor’s immediate success in his freshman year demonstrated his potential and solidified him as a rising star in Kelly’s offense.

5. Jarrick Bernard-Converse (Cornerback – Oklahoma State, 2022)

One of the most important additions to LSU’s secondary during Brian Kelly’s first season was Jarrick Bernard-Converse, a cornerback who transferred from Oklahoma State. A seasoned veteran with significant experience, Bernard-Converse helped stabilize a secondary that had struggled in recent years. His ability to play in both man and zone coverage was a huge asset for LSU’s defense, and he quickly became a reliable starter.

Throughout the 2022 season, Bernard-Converse consistently matched up against some of the best wide receivers in the SEC, showing his ability to compete at a high level. His leadership in the secondary and his ability to make crucial stops helped LSU’s defense take significant strides forward under Kelly.

Impact: Bernard-Converse was a key figure in LSU’s defensive turnaround, making him one of the most impactful defensive transfers in Kelly’s era.

6. Kyren Lacy (Wide Receiver – Louisiana, 2023)

Kyren Lacy’s transfer from Louisiana was a key move for LSU’s receiving corps, giving Brian Kelly another playmaker on the outside. Lacy brought experience, speed, and an ability to make plays down the field. His physicality and ability to stretch defenses made him a valuable weapon in LSU’s offense, especially in the deep passing game.

In his first season at LSU, Lacy contributed in a big way, catching several crucial passes and providing depth to the Tigers’ wide receiver group. His presence gave LSU another option in the passing attack, allowing the offense to be more dynamic and unpredictable.

Impact: Lacy added much-needed depth and explosiveness to LSU’s wide receiving corps, providing another weapon for Jayden Daniels to utilize.

7. Greg Brooks Jr. (Safety – Arkansas, 2023)

Greg Brooks Jr., a safety who transferred from Arkansas, brought experience and stability to LSU’s defensive backfield. His versatility allowed him to play multiple positions in the secondary, making him an invaluable asset for the Tigers. Brooks’ ability to cover ground and make plays in both the run and pass game was crucial in LSU’s defensive success.

His leadership and playmaking ability in the secondary helped elevate LSU’s defense to new heights, and he quickly became a fan favorite due to his high-energy style of play. Brooks was particularly instrumental in crucial games, making several key tackles and interceptions.

Impact: Brooks’ transfer gave LSU’s defense the depth and experience needed to compete at a high level in the SEC.

8. Zavier Carter (Defensive Line – Transfer from Auburn, 2023)

Zavier Carter’s decision to transfer to LSU from Auburn filled a critical need on the Tigers’ defensive line. Known for his size and ability to disrupt opposing offenses, Carter brought physicality and strength to LSU’s front seven. His impact was felt immediately, as he helped shore up LSU’s pass rush and run defense.

Carter’s ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks and stop plays behind the line of scrimmage made him a key part of LSU’s defensive success. As an immediate starter, his presence on the field helped bolster LSU’s defensive line.

Impact: Carter’s transfer was instrumental in improving LSU’s defensive front, making the Tigers more difficult to block and helping them compete at a high level in the SEC.

9. Jack Bech (Wide Receiver – Transfer from LSU to Auburn, 2024)

While Jack Bech’s transfer away from LSU to Auburn may seem like a loss for Kelly’s squad, his contributions during his time in Baton Rouge were impactful. Bech played a pivotal role in LSU’s receiving corps, adding depth and versatility to the team. Known for his ability to make tough catches and his presence in the slot, Bech was a reliable option for LSU quarterbacks during his time in Baton Rouge.

Impact: Bech’s time at LSU helped build the foundation of a strong receiving corps under Kelly, showcasing his ability to make key plays when needed.

10. Denver Harris (Cornerback – Transfer from Texas A&M, 2024)

Denver Harris, a transfer from Texas A&M, was another key defensive addition for LSU. Known for his raw athleticism and ability to lock down receivers, Harris has the potential to develop into one of the top cornerbacks in the SEC under Brian Kelly’s tutelage. His playmaking ability and coverage skills were essential for LSU’s defense as they look to build a championship-caliber secondary.

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