The LSU Football Transfer Portal Update: Who’s In? Which Tigers Have Departed?
As college football continues to evolve in the era of the transfer portal, LSU football has been at the center of the action. The transfer portal has become a powerful tool for programs to reshape their rosters, adding immediate talent while also seeing some players depart in search of new opportunities. For LSU, under head coach Brian Kelly, the transfer portal has been a key focus in recent years, helping to build a competitive roster while addressing areas of need. As LSU looks to improve in key positions and bolster its depth for the 2025 season, the Tigers’ transfer portal activity has been as dynamic as ever.
This article takes a comprehensive look at the latest LSU football transfer portal news: who’s in, who’s out, and what it all means for the future of the program. From high-impact transfers arriving in Baton Rouge to key departures, we’ll break down how these changes will affect LSU’s roster heading into the 2025 season.
The Transfer Portal: A New Era for College Football
Before diving into LSU’s transfer portal updates, it’s important to understand the significance of the transfer portal in today’s college football landscape. Introduced in 2018, the NCAA transfer portal has allowed college athletes to declare their intent to transfer to another school without needing permission from their current program. This has given athletes more freedom to pursue better opportunities, and in turn, it has provided programs with a way to add talent quickly and effectively.
For a program like LSU, the portal is a way to supplement recruiting classes, address immediate needs, and build a deeper, more competitive roster. The days of simply relying on traditional high school recruiting have shifted, with the transfer portal becoming a primary method for programs to fill gaps in their rosters. This has been especially important for LSU, which is consistently competing at the highest level in the SEC and seeking to maintain its status as a championship contender.
Now, let’s dive into the specifics of who’s entering and leaving the portal, and what this means for LSU football.
Who’s In? The Key Transfers Joining LSU
Over the past few months, LSU has added several significant transfers, strengthening key areas of need across the roster. Let’s break down some of the most notable players who have chosen to join the Tigers through the transfer portal.
1. Jack Taylor (Tight End, Mississippi State)
One of the most important additions for LSU in the transfer portal has been Jack Taylor, a tight end from Mississippi State. At 6’6” and 240 pounds, Taylor brings a combination of size, athleticism, and experience to Baton Rouge. The tight end position is one of LSU’s top priorities as they head into 2025, and Taylor’s arrival gives LSU an immediate, proven threat at the position.
Taylor’s ability to block in the run game and stretch the field as a pass-catching option will be invaluable for LSU, especially as the Tigers look to build around young quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. With the departure of Kayshon Boutte and other key players in recent years, Taylor adds much-needed depth to LSU’s tight end room, alongside Mason Taylor (no relation), who had a strong freshman season. The addition of Jack Taylor strengthens LSU’s offense and provides flexibility in multiple personnel packages.
2. Trey Benson (Running Back, Oregon)
LSU’s offense needed an explosive running back who could complement the passing game, and they found that player in Trey Benson, a dynamic back from Oregon. Benson’s ability to hit the home run, combined with his physicality, makes him a perfect fit for LSU’s run-heavy attack. With his combination of speed, vision, and versatility, Benson is expected to make an immediate impact in Baton Rouge.
LSU’s running back room already features capable players like Noah Cain and John Emery Jr., but Benson provides the added burst and playmaking ability that can elevate LSU’s running game to new heights. The Tigers’ offense will benefit from a well-rounded backfield, and Benson could be the difference-maker in both the running and passing game.
3. Ethan White (Offensive Guard, Florida)
The LSU offensive line has been a point of emphasis under Brian Kelly’s leadership, and the addition of Ethan White from Florida addresses a critical need for experience and depth. White, a 6’4”, 330-pound offensive guard, has been a mainstay on Florida’s line and will immediately step into a starting role for the Tigers. The offensive line has been one of LSU’s strengths in recent years, and White’s arrival ensures that LSU has an experienced player to anchor the interior of the line.
Given the importance of protecting young quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and establishing a solid running game, White’s experience will be crucial for LSU’s offensive success. His ability to step in and contribute immediately will help LSU remain competitive in the trenches, which is key to success in the SEC.
4. Dorian Singer (Wide Receiver, Arizona)
Wide receiver has been a position of focus for LSU in the transfer portal, and Dorian Singer from Arizona represents one of the Tigers’ biggest additions at that position. Singer has proven himself to be a reliable and explosive option in Arizona’s offense, and his ability to stretch the field and make plays in key situations will be a huge asset for LSU. With Malik Nabers returning as the team’s primary target, Singer’s presence gives LSU an additional weapon to keep defenses on their toes.
Singer’s speed and route-running ability will give LSU an option who can take the top off opposing defenses, which is critical as Nussmeier looks to push the ball downfield. Having a proven wide receiver like Singer will take some of the pressure off Nabers and open up opportunities for other players to step up as well.
Who’s Out? Key Departures from LSU
While the transfer portal has been a way for LSU to add talent, it has also seen some players leave the program in search of more playing time or different opportunities. Let’s take a look at some of the key departures and what they mean for LSU’s roster.
1. Walker Howard (Quarterback)
One of the most notable departures from LSU’s 2025 roster is Walker Howard, a highly touted quarterback who entered the transfer portal after the conclusion of the 2024 season. Howard, a former five-star recruit, was expected to compete for the starting quarterback job in 2025, but with the arrival of Garrett Nussmeier as the starter, Howard chose to explore other opportunities.
His departure leaves LSU with Nussmeier as the clear starter and Nico Iamaleava (another transfer from Tennessee) as the backup. While Howard’s exit may be a loss in terms of talent, LSU remains confident in its quarterback room moving forward.
2. Tre’Davious Hines (Cornerback)
Tre’Davious Hines, a promising cornerback for LSU, has decided to transfer to a program that offers more playing time. Hines showed flashes of potential in his time at LSU, but with the Tigers’ deep secondary, he was not able to secure a starting role. His departure will open up opportunities for other young cornerbacks to step up and contribute to LSU’s defense. While Hines’ exit leaves a gap, LSU’s depth at cornerback remains solid, with players like Jarrick Bernard-Converse and Zy Alexander expected to play key roles in 2025.
3. Keyshawn McAllister (Wide Receiver)
Keyshawn McAllister, a wide receiver who spent two seasons at LSU, entered the transfer portal after struggling to find consistent playing time. With LSU’s deep receiving corps, including players like Malik Nabers, Jack Bech, and the addition of Dorian Singer, McAllister faced stiff competition for snaps. His decision to transfer likely stems from a desire to find a situation where he could contribute more regularly.
While McAllister’s departure is a loss in terms of depth, LSU’s wide receiver room is still stacked with talent, and the Tigers are confident that their remaining players will continue to thrive in the offense.
What Does This Mean for LSU’s 2025 Season?
LSU’s success in the transfer portal this offseason positions the program for another strong season in 2025. The additions of key players like Jack Taylor, Trey Benson, Ethan White, and Dorian Singer significantly improve the team’s chances to compete for an SEC Championship and a potential College Football Playoff berth.
The transfer portal has allowed LSU to address immediate needs on offense, especially in the running back, tight end, and wide receiver rooms. With Garrett Nussmeier expected to take over as the starting quarterback, having a solid supporting cast around him is critical, and LSU’s new additions provide just that. On defense, LSU remains strong, and the addition of new talent, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, will give the Tigers the balance they need to contend in the nation’s most competitive conference.
While the departures of players like Walker Howard and Tre’Davious Hines are notable, LSU’s depth in these positions ensures that the Tigers are well-prepared for the challenges of the 2025 season. The key will be maintaining the continuity and chemistry of the roster while integrating the new transfers into the team’s culture and systems.
Conclusion: LSU’s Future Looks Bright with Transfer Portal Success
The 2025 LSU football roster is taking shape, and the program’s success in the transfer portal has played a critical role in that. By adding talent in key areas and losing only a few players in the portal, LSU is well-positioned to compete for SEC titles and beyond. The key transfers joining the Tigers provide a perfect blend of experience and potential, and with a solid core of returning players, LSU looks ready to make a run at a national championship in 2025. The transfer portal has become a key component of LSU’s strategy, and its impact on the program will continue to shape the Tigers’ future success.
