After a relatively slow start, LSU has picked up significant momentum in the transfer portal. The 247Sports Composite currently ranks the Tigers\u2019 class as the second-best in the country. That\u2019s a great sign for LSU, as the Tigers are in the process of a complete rebuild on the offensive side of the ball. LSU has seen 30 players enter the transfer portal. Lane Kiffin has addressed some critical positions of need at this point. But the biggest issues, such as quarterback and offensive line, have not been resolved yet.<\/p>\n
Don’t panic just yet, however, about these positions. The transfer window isn\u2019t closed until January 16th<\/sup>. Besides, players from playoff teams get more time once their season is over. As Kiffin continues to push for Arizona State transfer Sam Leavitt<\/a>, the recruiting news is nowhere close to slowing down for LSU.<\/p>\n The headliners among the incoming wide receivers are Kansas State\u2019s Jayce Brown<\/a> and Eugene “Tre” Wilson III<\/a> from Florida. Brown has been as consistent as they come during his time at Kansas State. He has over 40 catches in each of the past two seasons. He\u2019s a versatile player who the Wildcats used all over the field and also returned kicks. Wilson flashed the potential to be one of the more dynamic slot receivers in the SEC while at Florida. Injuries heavily impacted his production in Gainesville.<\/p>\n The next name isn\u2019t as likely to be as familiar to most, but we won\u2019t be surprised if he\u2019s just as impactful. Hawaii\u2019s Jackson Harris<\/a> is a big body on the outside at 6\u20193\u201d and excels at using his 200-pound frame to box out defenders in red zone situations. However, he\u2019s more than a possession receiver. He averaged roughly 20 yards per catch and was one of only two players in FBS with four catches that went over 70 yards each.<\/p>\n Former Old Dominion wideout Tre Brown<\/a> also brings big-play ability to the room. Brown\u2019s speed stands out immediately when watching him on the field. He easily got separation on downfield routes, but he also showed polish and nuance in his intermediate routes. Brown\u2019s catch radius is impressive, as he made several acrobatic catches to help his quarterback and keep drives alive in 2025.<\/p>\n LSU doesn\u2019t have to replace as much on defense, but it lost an All-American safety in AJ Haulcy. Boise State\u2019s Ty Benefield will immediately help at the position. Benefield is a physical presence in the secondary and led his team in tackles. He\u2019s ranked second at his position as a transfer, so LSU has now acquired an elite safety in two consecutive transfer cycles<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Tigers lost two major contributors at defensive tackle, so the staff had to address the defensive line. Stephiylan Green<\/a> of Clemson and Malik Blocton<\/a> of Auburn are now on board to help on the interior. Blocton was disruptive during his time on the Plains with eight tackles for loss and two sacks.<\/p>\n LSU made big waves on the edge with Tennessee\u2019s Jordan Ross and South Carolina\u2019s Jaylen Brown<\/a>. Ross was a five-star prospect as a high school recruit in 2024. The 6\u20195\u201d, 245-pound sophomore has the burst and athleticism to be the pass rusher LSU was missing at defensive end. Of course, that\u2019s only if his actual play approaches his potential.<\/p>\n Besides quarterback, the offensive line is easily the most concerning position group for LSU. Help is on the way, but time will tell how effective the new help will be. First, North Carolina-Central\u2019s Ja\u2019Quan Sprinkle signed on as an interior offensive lineman. Louisiana native JaKolby Jones signed shortly after Sprinkle, then Tennessee\u2019s William Satterwhite<\/a> signed on Saturday, January 10th.<\/p>\n While the Tigers have created some momentum, more help is needed. All of the current signees are interior prospects, so tackles are a high priority. Overall, LSU still needs established players on the line, but more players have become available as more playoff teams have ended their seasons. The new line is far from done, but this staff has proven to be a competent group in terms of evaluating and closing<\/a>.<\/p>\nLSU in the Transfer Portal<\/h2>\n
Big Play Wide Receivers<\/h3>\n
Cherry Picking on Defense<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The All-Important Offensive Line <\/strong><\/h3>\n