These Three LSU Football Transfers Are Still Searching for a New School
As the college football season progresses, the transfer portal has become a critical component of team-building and roster development. It offers players a chance to seek out new opportunities when they feel their current situation doesn’t align with their goals. At LSU, a program that consistently recruits elite talent, there have been several players who have opted to enter the transfer portal in recent years. While some have already found new homes, there are still players who are searching for their next destination. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at three LSU football transfers who are still looking for new schools, analyzing their potential, and what type of programs might be a good fit for them.
The transfer portal has become a crucial part of the recruiting process in college football, and while some players leave with the hopes of playing immediately at a new school, others may find themselves waiting for the right fit. LSU, a program with a deep and competitive roster, has seen numerous players depart, and some of them are still searching for new opportunities. Let’s dive into the cases of these three players and assess what their transfer journeys may hold.
1. Cornerback Dwight McGlothern
Dwight McGlothern was a highly regarded cornerback when he joined LSU as part of the 2021 recruiting class. A former four-star recruit from the state of Texas, McGlothern brought with him great athleticism, a good frame (6’1″, 190 pounds), and strong ball skills. During his time with the Tigers, McGlothern showed flashes of the talent that made him one of the top cornerbacks in his class, but he struggled to consistently break into the starting lineup. Despite his potential, McGlothern found himself on the periphery of LSU’s deep cornerback rotation, where competition for playing time was fierce.
As the 2023 season drew to a close, McGlothern made the decision to enter the transfer portal, signaling his intent to explore other opportunities. LSU’s defensive backfield is always highly competitive, and McGlothern may have seen a limited path to substantial playing time given the depth of talent in Baton Rouge. With cornerbacks like Sage Ryan and Zy Alexander emerging as the future of LSU’s defense, McGlothern likely felt that his prospects at LSU had reached an impasse.
Since entering the transfer portal, McGlothern has received interest from a variety of programs. His physical traits, including his height and athleticism, make him a highly desirable option for teams looking to add a long and talented cornerback to their defense. McGlothern’s ability to compete in press coverage, coupled with his strong tackling ability, makes him a solid option for defensive schemes that emphasize aggressive cornerback play.
As of now, McGlothern has not yet found a new home, but he is a player with significant potential. He would be an ideal fit for programs that emphasize a strong secondary and are in need of a cornerback with good size and ball skills. Schools in the SEC, Big 12, or even the Pac-12 could be strong contenders for McGlothern, as many of these programs are in need of cornerbacks with his physical attributes. With another year of development and more playing time, McGlothern could potentially blossom into a standout cornerback at his next destination.
2. Wide Receiver Chris Hilton
Chris Hilton was another player who entered the transfer portal after a limited role at LSU. Coming into the program as one of the top receivers in his class, Hilton had a lot of hype surrounding his potential, but he struggled to find a consistent role in LSU’s stacked wide receiver room. With a group of talented players such as Kayshon Boutte, Jack Bech, and Malik Nabers, Hilton found himself buried on the depth chart during his time at LSU, and despite flashes of brilliance, he was unable to secure the playing time that many had anticipated when he first arrived.
Hilton’s time at LSU was marked by flashes of his playmaking ability, but those moments were often few and far between. A dynamic athlete with excellent speed and route-running ability, Hilton certainly has the tools to succeed at the next level, but his lack of consistent opportunities at LSU limited his ability to fully showcase his talents. The competition at wide receiver at LSU, coupled with changes to the coaching staff and offensive scheme, left Hilton searching for a new school where he could get the playing time he deserves.
Hilton’s transfer presents a great opportunity for another program to capitalize on his talent. With his speed, agility, and deep-threat potential, Hilton could be an asset to programs that emphasize passing attacks or have an immediate need at wide receiver. Schools in need of a fast, athletic wideout who can stretch the field could be drawn to Hilton’s skill set. Programs in the ACC, Big Ten, and Group of Five conferences are particularly strong candidates for Hilton’s services, as they could provide a more prominent role in the offense and a chance to develop into a future star.
Since entering the portal, Hilton has received significant interest, and it seems likely that he will find a new home sooner rather than later. His potential as a deep threat and his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game make him a valuable commodity. Hilton’s next stop could be a major opportunity for him to break out and show the world what he’s truly capable of.
3. Linebacker Antoine Sampah
Antoine Sampah, a former four-star linebacker, had high expectations when he arrived at LSU in 2020. The Virginia native was seen as a future star for the Tigers’ linebacker corps, known for his speed, tackling ability, and football IQ. However, after a couple of years in Baton Rouge, Sampah struggled to find consistent playing time on the field. With LSU’s linebacker depth chart being extremely competitive and several veteran players ahead of him, Sampah found it challenging to crack the starting lineup.
In addition to his lack of playing time, Sampah’s development appeared to plateau somewhat. Despite his considerable potential, he was unable to make a substantial impact in games and couldn’t win a starting role on the team. The emergence of other younger linebackers, including Greg Penn and Harold Perkins, led Sampah to the decision to enter the transfer portal in search of a fresh start.
Sampah’s decision to transfer may have come as a result of both the increased competition at LSU and his desire to find a situation where he could develop further and potentially earn a starting role. As a player with excellent athleticism and the ability to cover ground quickly, Sampah is a strong candidate for a linebacker-heavy defense. Programs that emphasize speed and sideline-to-sideline play would be ideal landing spots for Sampah.
Since entering the transfer portal, Sampah has received interest from several schools, particularly those with a need for a linebacker who can play in space and contribute against both the run and pass. Sampah’s experience in the SEC will be beneficial as he transitions to his next program, as he brings a high level of competition experience to the table. He is a versatile linebacker who can contribute in a variety of roles, and his next school will likely see him as a strong contributor to their defensive unit.
The Transfer Portal Landscape: What It Means for LSU
LSU’s experience with the transfer portal is not unique. College football programs across the country are seeing players enter the portal in search of more playing time, a better fit, or simply a new opportunity. LSU, with its recruiting success, has always had a roster full of elite talent, and as a result, it’s not surprising that some players may leave in search of a more prominent role. The program’s deep talent pool means that not every player will get the opportunities they expect, and the portal offers a chance for players to move on and find a new situation that aligns with their goals.
For LSU, losing players like Dwight McGlothern, Chris Hilton, and Antoine Sampah can be tough, but it also opens up opportunities for younger players to step up and make an impact. The Tigers will need to focus on developing their remaining talent and bringing in new recruits to fill the void left by departing players. However, LSU has a strong track record of rebuilding quickly, and the program will likely continue to thrive despite the changes.
Conclusion: A Waiting Game for Three Talented Players
For Dwight McGlothern, Chris Hilton, and Antoine Sampah, their journeys are far from over. All three are talented players who, despite their struggles at LSU, have the potential to succeed at their next destination. Whether they find themselves at another Power Five program or a Group of Five school, these players have the opportunity to continue their football careers and prove that they can make an impact on the field.
The transfer portal has given these players the opportunity to seek a fresh start, and it will be fascinating to see where they land and how they perform once they find their new homes. For LSU, it’s a reminder of the ever-changing nature of college football, where success and failure are often determined by a combination of talent, opportunity, and fit. As these players search for their next school, the transfer portal continues to reshape the landscape of college football, one decision at a time.
