LSU Football’s Top Transfer Portal Class and Newcomers: What to Expect Ahead of Spring Work
Introduction: As the LSU Tigers prepare for their spring practices ahead of the 2025 college football season, the focus is on building depth, addressing key positions, and preparing for a championship run. Under head coach Brian Kelly, LSU has been active in the transfer portal, bringing in a highly regarded group of newcomers who are expected to contribute immediately. This article will break down the key additions, how they fit into the team’s overall scheme, and the impact they could have during spring work and beyond.
The Transfer Portal Strategy
In recent years, the transfer portal has become a crucial aspect of college football recruiting. For LSU, Coach Brian Kelly has demonstrated a keen ability to identify gaps in the roster and bring in immediate contributors. As a program that consistently competes for championships, LSU’s transfer portal strategy aims to complement the strong recruiting classes and plug critical needs.
Areas of Need
Heading into 2025, LSU’s key areas of need included:
- Defensive Backfield: LSU has often been known for having elite defensive backs, but with several players graduating or entering the NFL, there was a need to bolster the secondary.
- Offensive Line: After losing key players, particularly on the offensive line, there was a need for more depth and experience.
- Wide Receiver: Although LSU has talent at wide receiver, adding experience and athleticism to the room was essential to maintain depth.
- Quarterback: Although Jayden Daniels returns as a Heisman contender, the backup quarterback position needed attention.
Key Transfers and Newcomers
1. Defensive Back – Jalen Smith (from Alabama)
Jalen Smith, a highly touted defensive back out of Alabama, is one of LSU’s most notable transfer portal additions. Smith was a standout for Alabama last season, showing elite ball skills, speed, and an ability to make plays on the ball. His versatility allows him to play both cornerback and safety, giving LSU defensive coordinator Matt House the flexibility to use him in various schemes. With LSU losing some talent in the secondary, Smith’s ability to come in and potentially start immediately fills a huge void.
Impact on Spring Work: Smith’s leadership and experience in big-game situations will be invaluable during spring practices. Expect him to compete for a starting role and work on building chemistry with LSU’s other talented defensive backs. His presence could also elevate the play of younger players like Sage Ryan, who is a rising star in the secondary.
2. Offensive Tackle – Cam’Ron Thomas (from Oklahoma)
The LSU offensive line struggled at times in the previous season, particularly in pass protection. To address this, LSU brought in Cam’Ron Thomas, an experienced and physical offensive tackle from Oklahoma. Thomas started for the Sooners for two seasons and brings a wealth of experience to an offensive line that needs to protect Jayden Daniels effectively.
Impact on Spring Work: Thomas will likely battle for a starting spot on the offensive line, which will help solidify the unit’s left side. The physicality and technique he brings will help elevate the line’s blocking schemes, particularly in the running game. LSU’s spring work will focus on developing chemistry between Thomas and returning players like Will Campbell and Emery Jones.
3. Wide Receiver – Malik Nabers (from Michigan)
Although Malik Nabers had a solid season at Michigan, he enters LSU with something to prove. The dynamic wide receiver adds depth to a receiving corps already full of talent. Nabers’ ability to stretch the field and make contested catches will add another layer to the offense’s playbook. His chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels is something to watch during spring practices.
Impact on Spring Work: During spring work, Nabers will compete for a prominent role in the receiving game, alongside Kayshon Boutte and Jaray Jenkins. His physicality and speed will complement the existing wide receivers, adding a vertical threat to LSU’s already dangerous offense. Expect him to be a key figure in passing drills and deep ball work throughout the spring.
4. Linebacker – Curtis Robinson (from Stanford)
Curtis Robinson, a former Stanford linebacker, is another notable transfer addition for LSU. Robinson has been a versatile defender at Stanford, capable of playing inside or outside linebacker. His experience and leadership will be crucial for an LSU linebacker group that is young and hungry for development.
Impact on Spring Work: Robinson will likely compete for a starting role in the middle of LSU’s defense, where leadership and field awareness will be key. His knowledge of defensive schemes and his experience in coverage will be particularly valuable during LSU’s spring practices, as he works on getting acclimated with House’s defensive philosophy.
5. Quarterback – Walker Howard (from LSU to Ole Miss and now back to LSU)
After spending a season at Ole Miss, Walker Howard’s return to Baton Rouge is welcomed with high hopes. The former five-star quarterback showed promise as a true freshman, and his experience in multiple offensive systems should give him a competitive edge during spring drills.
Impact on Spring Work: Howard will have the chance to compete for the backup quarterback role behind Jayden Daniels. While Daniels is firmly the starter, Howard’s presence adds significant depth and competition to the position. His development during spring practice will be key in ensuring that LSU has a reliable backup ready in case of injury.
6. Defensive End – Mason Smith (from Georgia Tech)
LSU’s defensive line has long been a strength of the team, and Mason Smith’s addition from Georgia Tech only bolsters this strength. Smith is a powerful and agile defensive end, capable of both rushing the passer and stopping the run. With LSU’s front seven being a critical part of their defense, Smith’s ability to generate pressure will be a key focus during spring practices.
Impact on Spring Work: Smith will be a primary focal point on the defensive line throughout the spring. His ability to generate pressure off the edge will allow LSU’s defense to be more aggressive and dynamic. Expect to see him working alongside returning stars like Mekhi Wingo and Ali Gaye, creating a formidable front that can dominate opposing offenses.
The Impact of These Transfers on LSU’s 2025 Season
The addition of these transfers will significantly impact LSU’s chances in the 2025 season. With key areas like the defensive backfield, offensive line, and linebacker corps addressed, LSU will be poised for a more well-rounded and deep team. These players not only bring experience and talent but also provide leadership in areas where the team was previously lacking.
Depth and Competition:
Perhaps the most significant aspect of LSU’s transfer class is the level of competition it brings. Players like Jalen Smith and Curtis Robinson will be battling for starting spots, pushing the existing roster to elevate their performance. Similarly, on the offensive line and at wide receiver, the influx of talent will force current players to fight for playing time, which can only improve the overall quality of practice and play on game day.
Spring Work as a Building Block:
Spring practice will be crucial for integrating these transfers into the system. For Coach Brian Kelly, developing a cohesive team that can work together on both sides of the ball will be the primary goal. The transfers will need to quickly adapt to LSU’s offensive and defensive philosophies, while also developing chemistry with returning players.
Immediate Impact:
While spring work is important, the goal for many of these transfers is to make an immediate impact during the fall. Jalen Smith’s leadership in the secondary and Cam’Ron Thomas’ blocking skills will be critical for LSU’s success. Malik Nabers will need to quickly build a connection with Jayden Daniels to enhance the passing game, while Curtis Robinson’s experience in the middle of the defense will provide a stabilizing force for LSU’s linebacking unit.
