LSU Football Transfer Portal Update: Who’s In, Who’s Out, and What It Means for the Tigers
The LSU Tigers, under head coach Brian Kelly, have been making waves in the college football transfer portal, a key tool in modern recruiting and roster construction. Since Kelly took over the program in 2022, LSU has experienced a renaissance, highlighted by an impressive 10-win season in 2023, culminating in a victory over Purdue in the Citrus Bowl. As the Tigers head into another crucial offseason, the transfer portal remains a focal point for the team’s continued rebuilding and reshaping efforts.
With college football’s transfer portal open and LSU continuing to bolster its roster, the Tigers’ staff is working tirelessly to address key position groups. From immediate-impact transfers to players who have moved on to other programs, this year’s portal activity could shape LSU’s fortunes for the 2024 season and beyond. Here’s a comprehensive look at the players coming in and going out, along with the impact they’ll have on the team.
The Transfer Portal Era: An Overview
The transfer portal has completely transformed the landscape of college football over the past few seasons. Players now have the freedom to transfer to any program without requiring a traditional redshirt year, making immediate eligibility the norm rather than the exception. Coaches, in turn, have embraced the portal as a way to fill roster gaps quickly and address weaknesses in the squad.
Brian Kelly’s approach to the portal has been methodical, focused on securing talented athletes who can contribute right away while also adding depth to areas where the Tigers may have a lack of experience or depth. After his first year in Baton Rouge, Kelly proved that he wasn’t afraid to dip into the portal to upgrade the roster.
As of late 2023 and into 2024, the LSU Tigers are continuing this trend, balancing their recruiting classes with the addition of experienced players. The strategy is simple: attract immediate impact players to elevate the program while maintaining a strong, competitive roster for the long term.
Who’s In: LSU’s Newest Additions via the Transfer Portal
1. Jaden Rashada – Quarterback (Transferred from Arizona State)
The Tigers have made headlines by adding a former highly-rated 5-star recruit to their quarterback room. Jaden Rashada, who initially committed to Florida before a brief stint at Arizona State, is expected to make an immediate impact at LSU. Rashada’s strong arm, athleticism, and raw talent make him an intriguing option to compete for the starting quarterback position.
His move to Baton Rouge is part of Kelly’s commitment to keeping the quarterback room competitive and full of high-level talent. With LSU’s starting quarterback, Jayden Daniels, leaving for the NFL Draft after a stellar 2023 season, Rashada provides an immediate option who could develop into a future star in the SEC.
2. Omar Speights – Linebacker (Transferred from Oregon State)
Omar Speights, a linebacker from Oregon State, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to LSU’s defense. Speights was one of the top linebackers in the Pac-12 and earned numerous accolades for his stellar play over the past few seasons. His arrival in Baton Rouge addresses a critical need at linebacker, as LSU had a few holes to fill in the middle of their defense following the departure of several key contributors.
Speights’ ability to read the game, tackle efficiently, and contribute as a vocal leader will be a major asset to a defense that aims to improve on the solid performance it had in 2023. With the SEC being known for its punishing, run-heavy offenses, having an experienced linebacker like Speights should go a long way toward stabilizing the defense.
3. Aaron Anderson – Wide Receiver (Transferred from Alabama)
A former 4-star recruit out of New Orleans, Aaron Anderson is a major get for Brian Kelly and LSU. After spending his first few seasons at Alabama, Anderson found himself looking for more opportunities to shine. He is a versatile receiver who can line up both in the slot and on the outside, bringing speed, athleticism, and playmaking ability to the Tigers’ offense.
Anderson’s decision to transfer to LSU is not only a win on the field but also a big recruiting victory for the program, as it strengthens the already impressive receiver corps. With LSU losing several key pieces at wide receiver, including Malik Nabers potentially declaring for the NFL Draft, Anderson could provide much-needed depth and competition at the position.
4. Davon Townley – Defensive End (Transferred from Minnesota)
LSU’s defensive line has long been one of its strengths, and the addition of Davon Townley from Minnesota further solidifies this unit. Townley, a former 4-star recruit, brings a blend of size, athleticism, and pass-rush ability to Baton Rouge. Standing at 6’5” and weighing in at 250 pounds, Townley will add a much-needed dimension to LSU’s defensive line rotation, particularly after the departure of standout pass-rusher Harold Perkins Jr. to the NFL.
Townley’s ability to disrupt the pocket and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks makes him an intriguing addition to LSU’s defense, which could be even more aggressive in 2024 under defensive coordinator Matt House.
5. Trey Amos – Cornerback (Transferred from Louisiana-Lafayette)
Trey Amos, who played at Louisiana-Lafayette, brings much-needed experience to LSU’s cornerback room. After earning All-Sun Belt honors, Amos’ skills and physicality make him a perfect fit for the Tigers’ defense. LSU’s secondary was a mixed bag in 2023, and adding a player with Amos’ pedigree should help solidify the cornerback depth chart.
Amos is known for his ability to stay sticky in coverage and break up passes, and he could be a key contributor for LSU’s defense in a division as pass-heavy as the SEC West.
6. Keon Coleman – Wide Receiver (Transferred from Michigan State)
Keon Coleman, a standout wide receiver from Michigan State, was one of the most coveted transfer portal targets in 2024. Standing at 6’4″, Coleman is a physical specimen with excellent ball skills and the ability to make big plays down the field. His ability to stretch defenses will be a significant asset for LSU’s offense, which already boasts top-tier talent in Jayden Daniels and Malik Nabers (if he returns for his senior season).
Coleman adds another dimension to LSU’s wide receiver group, providing a mismatch for SEC defenses with his size and athleticism. His presence in Baton Rouge should allow the Tigers to open up the playbook and take more deep shots in 2024.
Who’s Out: Departing Players and What Their Absence Means
While LSU has made significant gains through the transfer portal, the Tigers have also seen some key players depart. Some have moved on to other programs, while others have declared for the NFL Draft. Here’s a look at the players who won’t be returning for the 2024 season.
1. Jayden Daniels – Quarterback (Declaring for the NFL Draft)
Jayden Daniels was arguably the most important player on LSU’s roster in 2023, leading the Tigers to a strong finish with over 4,000 total yards and 40 touchdowns. Daniels’ decision to declare for the NFL Draft was expected, given his outstanding season and NFL potential. His leadership, dual-threat ability, and poise under pressure were integral to LSU’s success, and his absence will leave a sizable gap at the quarterback position.
With Daniels moving on, LSU’s quarterback competition in 2024 will be intense, with Jaden Rashada and other players in the room battling for the starting job.
2. Malik Nabers – Wide Receiver (NFL Draft Decision Pending)
Malik Nabers was one of the top wide receivers in college football during the 2023 season, showcasing his ability to make game-changing plays. However, as of this writing, Nabers has yet to make an official decision about his future. His departure to the NFL would leave a significant hole in LSU’s receiving corps, which would increase the pressure on newcomers like Aaron Anderson and Keon Coleman to step up immediately.
If Nabers returns for another season, it would be a huge boost to LSU’s offense, but the Tigers are preparing for life without him just in case.
3. Ali Gaye – Defensive End (NFL Draft)
Ali Gaye’s decision to leave for the NFL after a strong career at LSU was expected, given his performance in the 2023 season. Gaye’s leadership and pass-rush ability were key components of the Tigers’ defense, and his absence will create a hole on the defensive line. However, with the addition of players like Davon Townley, LSU’s defensive front should remain formidable in 2024.
4. Jaelyn Lee – Linebacker (Transferred to Ole Miss)
Jaelyn Lee, a key linebacker for LSU in 2023, transferred to Ole Miss for more playing time in 2024. Lee’s departure will leave a void in the middle of the defense, but the Tigers are well-positioned to fill that spot with transfers like Omar Speights.
5. Greg Brooks Jr. – Defensive Back (Transferred to Arkansas)
After contributing to LSU’s secondary for a couple of seasons, Greg Brooks Jr. transferred to Arkansas. His departure further underscores the importance of LSU’s additions in the secondary, including Trey Amos.
Conclusion: LSU’s Transfer Portal Strategy and 2024 Outlook
Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers are continuing to build a championship-caliber program, and the transfer portal has played a significant role in this process. The additions of players like Jaden Rashada, Omar Speights, Keon Coleman, and others show Kelly’s commitment to bringing in high-caliber talent to Baton Rouge.
With several key departures, including Jayden Daniels and possibly Malik Nabers, LSU’s future will depend on how well these new transfers integrate into the team. The Tigers’ success in 2024 will largely hinge on the development of their new roster pieces, as well as how well they replace the leadership and production left by departing players.
As LSU heads into the 2024 season, the program is poised to remain competitive in the SEC and on the national stage. The work Kelly and his staff have done in the transfer portal gives them the tools to stay at the forefront of the college football landscape, building a team that is capable of winning championships in the near future.
