As the 2025 college football season approaches, the LSU Tigers under Brian Kelly find themselves in the midst of an intense battle for national championship glory. After a year of significant growth, improvement, and success, LSU’s already impressive roster has become even more formidable with a series of key additions from the transfer portal. This influx of talent has sparked discussions across the college football landscape, with many analysts now considering the Tigers a legitimate contender for the College Football Playoff and a potential National Championship.
In this article, we will examine how LSU’s strategic approach to the transfer portal has reshaped their roster, how these additions complement their existing talent, and why they are now considered among the top teams in the country. We will break down the key players added through the portal, the positions of need that were addressed, and why LSU’s combination of transfer talent and strong recruiting classes sets them up for a run at the title in 2025.
LSU’s Approach to the Transfer Portal
The transfer portal has become an integral part of college football, with teams across the country increasingly turning to it to fill gaps in their roster. While some programs are cautious in their approach, LSU and Brian Kelly have embraced the portal as a way to complement their strong recruiting efforts and bring in instant-impact players who can elevate the program immediately.
Brian Kelly, who has been known for his ability to build championship-caliber teams, has always emphasized the importance of roster depth and talent. Under his leadership, LSU has turned the transfer portal into a well-oiled machine, identifying players who not only have the necessary skills to contribute immediately but also the right fit for the Tigers’ culture.
By focusing on key positions of need, LSU has been able to supplement its roster with veteran players who have proven themselves at the college level. These additions give LSU a well-rounded roster that can compete with the best in the country, especially as they face an increasingly competitive SEC and national landscape.
Key Transfers That Could Impact LSU’s 2025 National Title Run
LSU has made several key additions through the transfer portal, addressing critical areas on both sides of the ball. Below, we will break down the most important transfers and how they fit into the Tigers’ title aspirations.
1. QB Jalen Daniels (Transfer from Kansas)
Perhaps the most high-profile addition to LSU’s roster via the transfer portal is Jalen Daniels, the former Kansas Jayhawks quarterback. Daniels, who is coming off a breakout season at Kansas, is a dual-threat quarterback who brings both arm strength and mobility to the Tigers’ offense. His ability to extend plays with his legs while also being able to make all the throws required at the highest level of competition has made him one of the most coveted quarterbacks on the transfer market.
While LSU already had a talented quarterback in Garrett Nussmeier, Kelly was quick to identify the upside of Daniels and bring him to Baton Rouge. Daniels’ ability to read defenses and perform in high-pressure situations, especially in the Big 12, makes him an excellent fit for the Tigers’ up-tempo offense. His experience in big games will also be invaluable for LSU, which will need a reliable signal-caller to compete with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and other powerhouse programs.
Daniels’ addition provides LSU with depth and competition at the quarterback position, ensuring that their offensive attack will be dynamic, versatile, and capable of attacking defenses in multiple ways. His presence also raises LSU’s ceiling and gives the Tigers the kind of experience and leadership that is necessary for a title push.
2. RB Devon Achane (Transfer from Texas A&M)
Another crucial transfer for LSU came in the form of Devon Achane, the dynamic running back who spent the last several years terrorizing defenses for Texas A&M. Known for his blistering speed, vision, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field, Achane is one of the most electric running backs in college football. His decision to transfer to LSU was a significant coup for the Tigers, giving them a proven playmaker who can be the centerpiece of their rushing attack.
Achane’s versatility is one of his greatest assets, as he can contribute in both the running and passing game. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and create mismatches in the open field will open up options for LSU’s offense and keep opposing defenses on their toes. With John Emery Jr. and Noah Cain already in the backfield, Achane provides depth and a true home-run threat that could make LSU’s running game one of the most dangerous in the nation.
With Achane, LSU has an elite playmaker who can take the pressure off their quarterback and provide balance to their offense. A strong running game is essential for any team vying for a national championship, and Achane’s presence gives LSU the ability to dictate the tempo of games, control the clock, and wear down opposing defenses.
3. DT Jalen Lee (Transfer from Florida)
On the defensive side of the ball, LSU was able to strengthen its already formidable line by adding Jalen Lee, a standout defensive tackle from the Florida Gators. Lee, a versatile and disruptive force on the interior, will add depth to an LSU defensive line that already features some talented players but needed more veteran presence and leadership.
Lee’s ability to clog up running lanes and collapse the pocket on passing downs makes him an ideal fit for LSU’s aggressive defensive schemes. He will play a critical role in ensuring that LSU’s defense remains stout against the run while also providing a constant push up the middle on passing plays. This addition further solidifies the LSU defense, which has been a key part of their success in recent seasons.
4. CB Kelee Ringo (Transfer from Georgia)
In a stroke of brilliance, LSU was able to secure a commitment from Kelee Ringo, one of the top cornerbacks in the country who transferred from Georgia. Ringo brings championship pedigree and elite coverage skills to LSU’s secondary, bolstering a defense that has been solid but not always elite in the passing game.
Ringo is a physical corner with excellent ball skills, making him a threat both in coverage and as a potential playmaker in the secondary. His experience playing for a national powerhouse like Georgia means he’s battle-tested and accustomed to the pressure of big games. With Ringo anchoring one side of the field, LSU’s secondary will be much tougher to attack, making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.
Complementing LSU’s Existing Talent
While the transfer portal class is certainly impressive, LSU also has a wealth of returning talent that positions them for a national title run. The combination of key transfers and established stars gives the Tigers one of the most balanced and complete rosters in the country.
- Defensive Line Depth: LSU’s defensive line is one of the most formidable in college football, with players like Mason Smith, Jaquelin Roy, and Ali Gaye returning to anchor the front seven. With the addition of Jalen Lee, the Tigers now have an even deeper rotation on the defensive line, ensuring they can rotate fresh bodies in and out while maintaining pressure on the quarterback and stopping the run.
- Wide Receiver Corps: LSU has also added some key pieces to its receiving corps, including transfers and high-impact freshmen. Players like Kayshon Boutte and Jack Bech provide Daniels with reliable targets, and the addition of transfers like Luther Burden from Missouri adds another element to the passing game.
- Coaching Stability and Leadership: Brian Kelly’s ability to develop players and instill a winning culture has been evident since his arrival in Baton Rouge. Kelly is known for his attention to detail, disciplined coaching style, and emphasis on building strong relationships with players. With a blend of experience and youth on both sides of the ball, Kelly has created a team that is poised for greatness.
LSU’s Path to the National Championship
With the additions from the transfer portal, LSU now finds itself with one of the most talented and well-rounded rosters in college football. The Tigers have addressed critical needs on offense and defense, bringing in playmakers who can contribute immediately. But in the competitive SEC, nothing is guaranteed, and LSU will need to navigate a difficult schedule that includes matchups with Alabama, Georgia, and other top-tier teams.
For LSU to reach the national championship, they will need to:
- Maintain Consistency on Offense: Jalen Daniels must continue to develop as a quarterback while balancing the explosive talent in the backfield with Achane and the receiving corps. LSU’s offense will need to be versatile, capable of both passing and running to keep defenses on edge.
- Dominate Up Front: The defensive line will need to be dominant, controlling the line of scrimmage and providing consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With a deep and talented front, LSU should be able to impose its will on opposing offenses.
- Stay Healthy and Focused: Injuries and distractions are always a factor in any season, but LSU’s depth, especially with the transfer portal additions, gives them a significant advantage in terms of roster management and overcoming setbacks.
LSU’s National Title Aspirations in 2025
With a revamped roster filled with elite talent, LSU is unquestionably a national championship contender in 2025. The additions from the transfer portal have addressed key areas of need, providing instant impact players who will make a difference immediately. Combined with an already strong roster, LSU’s coaching staff, led by Brian Kelly, has the tools to make a run at the College Football Playoff and potentially secure a national title.
If LSU can continue to build on its momentum, stay healthy, and execute its game plan, the Tigers will be one of the most formidable teams in college football as they chase their next national championship. The transfer portal has been a game-changer for Brian Kelly and LSU, and it could be the key to returning Baton Rouge to the pinnacle of college football.