During spring camp, three LSU football transfer additions have drawn attention.
As the LSU Tigers head into the 2025 college football season, a series of key transfer additions have already begun to turn heads during spring camp. With the ever-increasing influence of the transfer portal, LSU has strategically brought in players who could make an immediate impact on the roster. These transfers, each with their own distinct backgrounds and skills, are primed to help the Tigers build on the success they’ve enjoyed under Coach Brian Kelly.
Spring camp provides an early opportunity for fans and coaches alike to assess the talent on the field, and LSU’s recent transfer additions have already shown they belong. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at three standout transfer players who have grabbed attention during LSU’s spring practices, their potential impact on the team, and how they could shape the Tigers’ 2025 season.
1. Wide Receiver Johnnie Johnson: Speed and Physicality That Elevate the Receiving Corps
One of the most highly anticipated transfers for LSU this spring is wide receiver Johnnie Johnson, who joins the Tigers after a productive career at Arizona State. Standing at 6’2″ and boasting a frame built for both speed and physicality, Johnson immediately catches the eye on the field.
Background and Transfer Motivation
Johnson was a standout player at Arizona State, where he consistently demonstrated an ability to make plays in crucial moments. During his time with the Sun Devils, he accumulated over 1,200 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the top targets in the Pac-12. However, after his junior season, Johnson sought a new opportunity to take his game to the next level and compete at an SEC powerhouse like LSU.
The allure of playing in the SEC, coupled with LSU’s reputation for developing top-tier wide receivers, was enough to bring Johnson to Baton Rouge. Under Coach Brian Kelly, who has a proven track record of refining offensive talent, Johnson saw an opportunity to further develop his skills and elevate his draft stock ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Impact in Spring Camp
From day one of spring camp, Johnson has stood out in drills and scrimmages. His speed off the line of scrimmage, ability to create separation, and aggressive after-the-catch mentality have made him a tough matchup for LSU’s defensive backs. During LSU’s spring scrimmage, Johnson made several explosive plays downfield, showcasing his ability to stretch the field vertically. His physicality and competitive nature have also drawn praise from coaches, especially his willingness to block downfield for the running backs and help set the edge in the run game.
In terms of fit, Johnson’s skills complement LSU’s existing receiving corps, which already includes talented players like Malik Nabers and Kyren Lacy. With Johnson’s addition, the Tigers now have a deeper, more versatile group of wideouts capable of challenging defenses in different ways. His ability to stretch the field and win jump balls in the red zone will likely provide quarterback Jayden Daniels with another dynamic weapon to utilize in 2025.
Outlook for the 2025 Season
Johnson is expected to immediately contribute to LSU’s offense and could even challenge for a starting role. His physicality and high-end speed could allow him to be a key target in both short and long-range passing schemes. With LSU’s offensive line providing solid protection for Daniels, Johnson’s deep threat ability could open up opportunities for other receivers, creating more space in the middle of the field for players like Nabers and Lacy to exploit.
Given his experience and the system in place, Johnson is poised to make a significant impact on the Tigers’ receiving game, which is poised to be one of the team’s strengths this season.
2. Defensive Back Carter Davis: A Versatile Playmaker in the Secondary
Another transfer who has impressed during spring camp is defensive back Carter Davis, who joins LSU from Auburn. A dynamic playmaker with a penchant for being around the football, Davis brings much-needed depth to LSU’s secondary.
Background and Transfer Motivation
Davis spent three seasons at Auburn, where he was a key contributor in the defensive backfield, recording over 100 tackles and 8 interceptions. His ability to both cover receivers in space and contribute against the run made him a standout player in the SEC. However, Davis chose to enter the transfer portal after his junior season, looking for a new challenge and an opportunity to play for a program with championship aspirations.
LSU’s reputation for developing defensive backs, coupled with their defensive coordinator, Matt House’s ability to adapt schemes to players’ strengths, was a major draw for Davis. His versatility and ability to play both safety and cornerback made him an ideal fit for LSU’s evolving defensive schemes.
Impact in Spring Camp
Davis has been nothing short of impressive during spring camp. He’s shown an ability to seamlessly move between cornerback and safety positions, displaying his high football IQ and adaptability. In LSU’s spring scrimmages, Davis made multiple key plays, including a pair of interceptions and several pass deflections. His communication skills in the secondary have also been lauded, as he’s quickly earned the respect of his teammates and coaches.
One of Davis’ most notable attributes is his ability to read quarterbacks and anticipate throws. He’s a natural ballhawk, and his instincts allow him to jump routes with precision. Whether he’s playing deep safety or lining up as a corner, Davis’ skill set provides LSU with a level of flexibility in the secondary that was missing in recent seasons.
Outlook for the 2025 Season
Given LSU’s depth in the secondary, Davis will likely compete for a starting role, particularly at safety. However, his ability to play cornerback could also make him a valuable rotational player who could step in during nickel or dime packages. LSU’s defense will undoubtedly benefit from his experience and playmaking ability, and he’ll be expected to contribute immediately.
In a conference as competitive as the SEC, Davis’ versatility could prove invaluable, particularly against high-powered offenses. His ability to shut down passing attacks and create turnovers will make him a crucial piece of LSU’s defensive puzzle in 2025.
3. Running Back Markell Williams: A Physical, Between-the-Tackles Runner
A third transfer who has captured the attention of LSU fans is running back Markell Williams, who joins the Tigers from the University of Miami. Williams is a downhill runner with a powerful frame and excellent vision, making him an ideal fit for LSU’s pro-style offense.
Background and Transfer Motivation
Williams played three seasons at Miami, where he amassed over 2,000 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. Known for his bruising running style and ability to break tackles, Williams was a reliable workhorse for the Hurricanes. However, after a coaching change at Miami, Williams saw an opportunity to join a program that could better fit his skill set and provide a more prominent role.
With LSU’s reputation for developing NFL-caliber running backs, Williams viewed Baton Rouge as the perfect place to showcase his abilities. Head Coach Brian Kelly’s commitment to a balanced offensive attack that features a strong running game made LSU an appealing destination for Williams.
Impact in Spring Camp
Williams has already started to establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in LSU’s spring camp. His physicality and ability to churn out yards between the tackles have impressed both the coaching staff and his teammates. During scrimmages, Williams has been consistently gaining positive yardage on inside runs, displaying his vision and ability to push through defensive lines for tough gains.
One of the most significant aspects of Williams’ game is his power running, which complements LSU’s explosive passing attack. His presence in the backfield allows the Tigers to keep defenses honest by mixing in a strong ground game, which will only open up play-action opportunities for quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Outlook for the 2025 Season
Williams is expected to be a key contributor in LSU’s running back rotation, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations. While he may not be the every-down back, his ability to grind out tough yards and pick up crucial first downs will be invaluable. Williams will likely split carries with LSU’s other talented backs, but his bruising running style could make him the primary back for late-game situations when the Tigers need to chew up the clock and close out games.
His role as a physical, between-the-tackles runner could complement the more agile backs LSU has on the roster, providing the team with a well-rounded attack in 2025.
The Transfer Portal’s Influence on LSU’s Future Success
These three players are just the latest examples of LSU’s ability to effectively utilize the transfer portal to strengthen their roster. LSU’s recruiting strategy has evolved in recent years, with an increasing emphasis on bringing in talented transfers who can contribute immediately. This approach has allowed LSU to reload quickly and compete at a high level in the competitive SEC.
Coach Brian Kelly has embraced this new era of college football, and the addition of these players shows his commitment to building a team that can contend for championships. LSU’s success with the transfer portal could be a key factor in the Tigers’ success during the 2025 season and beyond.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
With these new transfers in the fold, LSU fans have plenty to be excited about as the 2025 season approaches. The additions of Johnson, Davis, and Williams provide the team with an infusion of talent and depth at key positions. Whether it’s Johnson’s ability to stretch the field, Davis’ versatility in the secondary, or Williams’ physical running style, these transfers are all expected to contribute to LSU’s success this fall.
As the Tigers continue to prepare for the season, all eyes will be on these new additions, who have the potential to become key figures in LSU’s pursuit of an SEC championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.