This offseason, Brian Kelly and his staff went out and brought in a loaded transfer class elevating the roster to a National Championship level. Down the list the Tigers seemingly checked off every need, backup quarterback, wide receivers, tight end, offensive line, edge rusher, and defensive backs. In total, LSU added 16 players via the transfer portal a massive haul especially compared to past LSU classes.
While LSU landed a ton of key pieces to the roster the Tigers seemingly have two positions that may be a concern heading into the Spring. The team did a solid job filling holes across the board to add to the younger returning pieces but, two positions may remain concerns this Spring.
The one lingering question heading into the Spring is at offensive tackle as LSU looks to replace Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr. The Tigers have several talented tackles in Tyree Adams, Coen Echols, Weston Davis, and Ory Williams. LSU also brings in a loaded offensive line class with several players that can play tackle but, we won't truly know where they'll play until camp.
While LSU has loads of talent at the position, the most we've seen of the tackles is at the end of games or during the Texas Bowl. The question is now whether LSU's young tackles are able to take the next step or if LSU will need to explore the Spring transfer market. While LSU's room has the talent, it's never ideal to replace two starting offensive tackles, especially without a veteran in the room.
The player who may be the last piece in LSU's transfer portal class is Safety Tamarcus Cooley from NC State. Cooley joins the team as LSU looks to replace Major Burns and Sage Ryan who have been staples on the back end as well as Jordan Allen who played a ton of reps for the Tigers early on last season.
While Cooley will most likely be a Day One starter for LSU at safety the rest of the position is unclear for LSU. Jardin Gilbert returns after a season starting for LSU but, it was a rocky year as the safety group played poorly this season. In the Texas Bowl, Javien Toviano and DaShawn Spears showed that they may not be ready to start in 2025. This Spring, camp will prove if any of the younger safeties are ready to take the next step or if LSU may need to pursue a veteran safety via the Transfer Portal.