The transfer portal has become a game-changer in college football, turning traditional roster-building on its head and creating an environment where programs must adapt quickly or risk being left behind. Few teams have embraced this new reality quite like LSU. With head coach Brian Kelly steering the program, the Tigers are showing how to navigate the portal not just as a necessity, but as a weapon—and this offseason, they’ve done so with a level of precision and aggression that could reshape the trajectory of the 2025 campaign.
Coming off a 10-win season that showcased both explosive offense and inconsistent defense, LSU entered the offseason with clear priorities. The departure of quarterback Jayden Daniels to the NFL and defensive coordinator Matt House’s exit created gaps that needed filling quickly. But rather than hit the panic button, Kelly and his staff methodically worked the portal, focusing on both short-term upgrades and long-term foundational pieces. The result? An infusion of talent that not only addressed the Tigers’ most glaring weaknesses but also added depth, versatility, and star power across the board.
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing addition came under center. LSU secured a commitment from former Arizona State quarterback Jaden Rashada, a former blue-chip recruit who brings a strong arm, dual-threat ability, and three years of eligibility remaining. Rashada’s arrival signals confidence in his upside and offers the Tigers a high-ceiling successor to Daniels. While Garrett Nussmeier remains a strong in-house option, the competition between the two could push LSU’s quarterback room to new heights. Kelly has emphasized the importance of earning the job, and with two talented options battling it out, the Tigers should feel confident that whoever wins the starting nod will be battle-tested and ready.
On the defensive side, LSU needed reinforcements—and fast. The 2024 season saw the Tigers struggle mightily against the pass, finishing near the bottom of the SEC in several key categories, including third-down conversion rate and red zone defense. The portal offered a fix, and LSU pounced. The addition of former Notre Dame cornerback Clarence Lewis brings immediate experience to a secondary that too often looked lost. Lewis, who started multiple games in South Bend, is a physical corner with strong technique and leadership qualities. He’s joined by former Oregon State safety Akili Arnold, a sure tackler and field general who will be tasked with helping stabilize the back end of LSU’s defense.
But LSU didn’t stop there. They also added depth and explosiveness at linebacker with the acquisition of former Oklahoma Sooner Kobie McKinzie, a rangy athlete who can cover in space and rush the passer. McKinzie fits the mold of the modern hybrid linebacker that can stay on the field all three downs. With Harold Perkins Jr. continuing to evolve into one of the SEC’s most feared defenders, the Tigers now boast a linebacker unit that’s both versatile and intimidating.
Up front, Kelly made sure the defensive line wasn’t ignored. LSU landed Justin Eboigbe, a former Alabama standout who brings both championship pedigree and SEC experience to the trenches. Eboigbe’s ability to command double teams and collapse the pocket should help free up LSU’s edge rushers and improve the overall pass rush—something the Tigers sorely lacked during long stretches of the 2024 season. The move was particularly important following the NFL departure of Mekhi Wingo and uncertainty surrounding the return of Maason Smith.
Offensively, LSU added weapons to support its next quarterback. The Tigers brought in wide receiver Jabari Small from Tennessee, a shifty slot receiver who can stretch the field horizontally and provide a safety valve on third downs. Small, though known more as a running back, brings hybrid potential that could make LSU’s offense even more difficult to defend. Meanwhile, the offensive line got a major boost with the addition of North Carolina transfer Diego Pounds, a 6-foot-6, 320-pound tackle with All-ACC potential. Pounds is expected to compete for a starting role immediately and bring much-needed stability to the edge of LSU’s offensive front.
Perhaps the most under-the-radar addition is tight end Malachi Jones from Appalachian State. Jones is a mismatch nightmare—too big for safeties, too fast for linebackers—and could be a vital red-zone target for whoever wins the quarterback job. With Mason Taylor entering what could be his final year in Baton Rouge, Jones’ arrival ensures there won’t be a drop-off at one of the most important positions in Kelly’s offensive scheme.
This calculated aggression in the portal is not new under Kelly’s regime. Since arriving in Baton Rouge, Kelly has leaned heavily on transfers to rebuild the roster quickly. His first year saw major contributions from the likes of Daniels, linebacker Greg Penn III, and cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse. But what separates this latest cycle is the balance LSU struck between flashy pickups and depth additions. Every move served a clear purpose—and with the transfer window closing, the Tigers appear to have executed one of the most successful portal strategies in the SEC.
It’s not just about who LSU added—it’s also about who they retained. Star wideout Malik Nabers may be gone, but Brian Thomas Jr. returning for another year gives the Tigers a legitimate No. 1 receiver. Tight end Mason Taylor and running back Logan Diggs also stuck around, providing continuity on offense. On defense, Harold Perkins Jr. and Sage Ryan give LSU two game-changers around whom the new faces can rally. In a landscape where roster turnover is constant, holding onto your core talent is just as important as acquiring new players.
Kelly’s ability to recruit through the portal while maintaining high school recruiting success is also worth noting. LSU still boasts a top-10 incoming freshman class, headlined by five-star safety Dashawn McBryde and elite edge rusher Dominick McKinley. These freshmen won’t be asked to carry the load immediately—thanks to the transfers—but they’ll benefit from the mentorship of seasoned players and the opportunity to develop in a competitive environment. This blend of experience and potential is what makes LSU’s future so intriguing.
Of course, questions remain. Will the revamped secondary gel quickly enough to handle the gauntlet of SEC offenses? Can Rashada—or Nussmeier—replicate the poise and explosiveness that Daniels brought week after week? Can the Tigers stay healthy after back-to-back years of key injuries derailing their depth? These are fair concerns, but they’re also the kind of problems that elite teams deal with by simply having more talent than their opponents. And right now, LSU is stacking talent at a rate that should concern the rest of the conference.
Beyond the talent, there’s a sense of cultural cohesion starting to take shape in Baton Rouge. Kelly has spoken often about “alignment” between the players, coaches, and administration. With the chaos of the portal, NIL, and coaching carousel always looming, programs need a unified vision to thrive. LSU appears to be finding that identity—a gritty, tough-minded team that embraces competition and isn’t afraid to swing big. That mindset starts at the top with Kelly and permeates through every roster move the Tigers make.
LSU’s ability to finish strong in the portal is more than just a sign of good scouting or recruiting—it’s a reflection of a program that’s evolving with the times without losing its core values. For decades, LSU has been synonymous with elite athletes and passionate fans. Now, it’s becoming a model for how to build a modern college football powerhouse: blend traditional recruiting with portal precision, foster a competitive culture, and always aim higher.
As spring turns to summer, optimism in Baton Rouge is high. The pieces are in place. The schedule remains daunting, with games against Alabama, Florida, and Texas A&M looming large. But this is a team that has reloaded with purpose and intention. There’s no doubt LSU has the talent to compete for an SEC title—and perhaps more. With their work in the portal now complete, the Tigers aren’t just hoping for a strong finish. They’ve already delivered one. Now, the goal is to turn that offseason flourish into something far more meaningful come fall: a championship run.