In the new world of NIL and the transfer portal, roster turnover is becoming a common theme in college football. It's becoming more and more rare for players to stay in the same place for all four years, and that is only enhanced when a coach is fired. Brian Kelly's firing means that there are several important pieces of LSU's 2025 team that may not be back in 2026.
LSU football fans given extra Lane Kiffin hope but there's a big catch
As LSU continues its coaching search and awaits an upcoming announcement from Lane Kiffin, there are several players worth keeping an eye on to see if they enter the transfer portal. With a new coaching staff coming in, here are three LSU players who may not be back in 2026.
Caden Durham, sophomore RB
Caden Durham grabbed the starting job in the LSU backfield last season as a true freshman. He took advantage of the opportunity, rushing for 753 yards and six touchdowns on 140 carries. He also added 28 catches for 260 yards and two touchdowns in the passing game. But the 2025 season hasn't yielded the same results, as the LSU running game as a whole has struggled. True freshman Harlem Berry has taken over the lead role in the backfield, seeing double-digit rushing attempts in four of his last five games. Berry is a Louisiana native who likely isn't going anywhere amidst the coaching change, which means Durham could be the odd man out.
Ja'Keem Jackson, sophomore CB
Ja'Keem Jackson transferred to LSU this past offseason after spending two seasons in Gainesville with the Florida Gators. He appeared in 11 games as a true freshman in 2023, and opened the 2024 season as a starting CB for the Gators. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending injury just two games into the season. He came to Baton Rouge for more opportunity, but he has seen limited time behind elite CBs Mansoor Delane and DJ Pickett. Hailing from Kissimmee, FL, Jackson could be on the move depending on how LSU's coaching search plays out. It's worth mentioning that as a Florida native, he could opt to return to the Gators depending on who the hire as well. With multiple years of eligibility remaining, Jackson is a name to keep an eye on.
Donovan Green, redshirt junior TE
Donovan Green is another player who has already transferred, but he is another name worth monitoring when the transfer portal opens. Green spent three seasons at Texas A&M, but only recorded stats in 2022 when he hauled in 22 catches for 233 yards and two touchdowns as a true freshman. He then redshirted in 2023 after suffering a season-ending knee injury, and appeared in eight games with no starts in 2024. He came to Baton Rouge for more opportunity, but has only collected two catches for 40 yards on the season. If Trey'Dez Green stays with LSU, it wouldn't be surprising to see Donovan Green on the move.