The last month has been a hectic month for the LSU Football program when it comes to dealing with the quarterback room. The cycle started with LSU losing Bryce Underwood the Nation's top recruit to Michigan. That then made getting Garrett Nussmeier back for one more season even more important which LSU was able to pull off.
The Transfer Portal opened and LSU then saw Quarterback Rickie Collins enter his name into the transfer portal where he reportedly committed to Syracuse but, has since stated his recruitment is still open. Losing Collins and Underwood meant LSU really needed to add a quarterback and the Tigers potentially landed their quarterback of the future in Michael Van Buren who will compete with Colin Hurley after Nussmeier leaves.
The latest domino to fall is that Vanderbilt transfer AJ Swann has decided he will transfer as there is no clear path to playing time.
BREAKING: LSU QB AJ Swann has signed the papers necessary to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 19, 2024
The 6’3 215 QB will have 2 years of eligibility remaining
Swann will be with LSU for the Bowl Game as well https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/0poHXIP7Aq
The only surprise in this move is that Swann didn't enter his name in the transfer portal sooner than he did and that he'll stick with LSU through the Bowl Game. Swann transferred in after starting at Vanderbilt to compete with Garrett Nussmeier for the starting job. Swann saw brief playing time mostly when Garrett Nussmeier missed a few plays with injuries.
The Tigers quarterback room has its two options post Garrett Nussmeier and Swann doesn't want to waste another year behind Nussmeier if he won't be the starter which is understandable.
LSU clearly likes what they saw from Michael Van Buren this season which is why they jumped on him in the portal and he now becomes LSU's likely back up next season meaning Swann's chances at playing time are even slimmer. The move now opens up another spot on the roster which LSU may need given how active they've been in the transfer portal.