As LSU football wraps up spring practices and eyes the summer months, questions naturally turn to the spring transfer portal and whether head coach Brian Kelly and his staff will look to add more talent before the roster locks in ahead of the 2025 season. It’s a fair question considering the ever-evolving nature of college football, where rosters shift more rapidly than ever before. But the answer, according to Kelly, is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. While LSU is not expected to be overly aggressive in the portal during this short spring window, the door is far from closed.
Brian Kelly has been clear throughout the offseason that LSU is pleased with the foundation of its roster, especially following an aggressive and fruitful winter transfer period that saw the Tigers address key needs across multiple position groups. That transfer haul helped ease concerns surrounding depth, inexperience, and positional attrition after NFL departures and previous portal exits. With those additions now assimilating into the program, Kelly’s focus has shifted from roster building to roster refining. That said, he knows as well as anyone that the spring portal offers one last chance to plug unexpected holes or capitalize on surprise talent that may suddenly become available.
Kelly’s comments during spring availability have reflected a calm confidence about where things stand. Rather than hunting for numbers, LSU is now in the market only for what he calls “impact additions”—players who aren’t just capable of contributing, but who can elevate the ceiling of the team right away. That’s a high bar to clear, especially considering that most players entering the portal this late are typically doing so because of depth chart issues, coaching changes, or personal reasons—not because they’re already proven stars looking for a final stop. Still, Kelly understands that the portal can surprise even the most well-prepared staffs, and he’s made it clear LSU will be ready if the right name pops up.
One area where a move could still be possible is in the defensive secondary, specifically at safety. LSU has talent at the position, but depth is a concern. Spring injuries and recovery timelines have tested the unit’s consistency, and Kelly knows how quickly a few setbacks can expose weaknesses in a long SEC campaign. If a starting-caliber safety with multiple years of eligibility or a strong track record of production at a lower level enters the portal, LSU could very well pick up the phone. The Tigers want to get more physical and aggressive in the back end of the defense, and adding experience there would help accelerate that shift under new defensive coordinator Blake Baker.
The defensive front is another position group that has been under the microscope. While LSU added size and athleticism in the trenches through its high school recruiting class and winter portal pickups, the reality is that SEC competition demands relentless depth, especially against physical run-heavy offenses. Losing key contributors to the NFL and graduation has left LSU with some promising young pieces, but not a lot of proven snaps among the returners. That’s why, even if the starting lineup is mostly settled, the staff is still evaluating whether there’s room for one more disruptive body up front. A rotational defensive tackle who can push the pocket or anchor against the run might be the type of player LSU quietly monitors as the spring window progresses.
Offensively, things are more stable, though there are still a few lingering questions. The quarterback room is led by Garrett Nussmeier, who enters the season with high expectations after biding his time behind Jayden Daniels. Behind him, the depth is youthful but promising. Kelly has expressed confidence in the group, but LSU wouldn’t be the first program to explore adding a veteran backup to stabilize the room in case of injury. That said, unless someone with significant starting experience unexpectedly enters the portal, don’t expect LSU to make a move at quarterback. The staff believes in what they have, and Nussmeier has earned the right to lead this offense without unnecessary distractions.
The offensive line, often the unsung hero of any successful SEC team, is another group where LSU feels solid heading into summer. The Tigers return multiple starters and have several high-upside underclassmen pushing for time. While injuries are always a concern in the trenches, Kelly has mentioned that the group’s chemistry and depth are further along than expected at this stage. If anything, LSU might keep an eye out for a swing tackle or interior lineman with versatility and experience, but that would likely be a luxury addition rather than a pressing need.
Wide receiver and running back are arguably LSU’s deepest offensive position groups, and the spring portal won’t likely change that. At wide receiver, the Tigers boast a mix of vertical threats, reliable possession targets, and young breakout candidates. The return of key veterans paired with emerging underclassmen gives Nussmeier plenty of weapons. Running back also looks healthy, with a committee approach likely to emerge unless one back separates decisively in fall camp. With no glaring gaps or attrition at either position, don’t expect LSU to pursue portal help here unless something unexpected happens.
What separates Kelly from many coaches in the current era is his measured approach to roster building. While some staffs take a “more is more” mindset when it comes to the portal, Kelly emphasizes balance, fit, and culture. He wants players who not only bring ability but who also align with LSU’s long-term identity and expectations. That’s especially important with younger players watching closely—those who might consider transferring if the team keeps bringing in portal guys to jump the line. Kelly’s goal is to create a competitive environment that also rewards development and loyalty.
LSU’s strategy is also influenced by scholarship limits. The Tigers, like every other program, must stay under the NCAA-mandated 85-scholarship cap. With most of the roster spots accounted for, any portal addition would likely require some corresponding movement, whether via internal attrition or expected departures. That reality further narrows the window of opportunity, making it even more critical that any new addition is a clear upgrade or fills an undeniable need.
The other piece to consider is the long-term health of the program. LSU is in a strong position in 2025 and beyond because it has combined elite high school recruiting with selective, high-impact portal additions. That’s the modern blueprint for building a consistent national contender. Kelly knows that leaning too hard into the portal year after year can create instability and prevent young players from developing. The goal now is sustainability—reloading, not rebuilding. That philosophy will continue to guide LSU through this spring window and into the future.
There’s also a human element to the portal process that Kelly doesn’t shy away from. He’s acknowledged that players have more freedom and mobility than ever before, and with that comes uncertainty. Someone who is currently on the roster may decide after spring that their path to playing time is blocked, and LSU could see a few exits as a result. If that happens, the staff will have to adapt on the fly. But that’s part of the job now. The key is to anticipate those moves rather than react to them in panic. And that’s exactly what Kelly has done—building a roster that can withstand a few surprises without crumbling.
As the calendar flips past spring and into the summer conditioning period, LSU football looks to be in as strong a place as it’s been during Kelly’s tenure. The Tigers are loaded with experience, infused with young talent, and guided by a coaching staff that has a clear and cohesive vision. The spring transfer portal will come and go, and while there may be a quiet addition or two, the overwhelming message from Baton Rouge is one of readiness—not desperation. Kelly and his staff know what they have. And unless the perfect fit comes calling, they’re ready to roll with what they’ve built.
In an age of chaos and constant movement, LSU is choosing continuity and chemistry. That, more than anything, might be their biggest strength heading into a season filled with high expectations and championship hopes.