The LSU Football roster looks a little different than it did just a few days ago.According to On3's Pete Nakos, junior cornerback Ashton Stamps is no longer with the LSU Football team. Brian Kelly confirmed that Stamps has left the team and isn't listed on the roster.
On Monday, Kelly stated that LSU was trying to "protect" eligibility for both Stamps and Jardin Gilbert by preserving their redshirts. Fans could see the writing on the wall that the statement likely meant that Stamps and Gilbert were looking to enter the transfer portal. Stamps has now set that plan into motion by leaving the team.
Ashton Stamps leaves LSU and expected to enter transfer portal
Stamps played a big role for the Tiger defense over the past two seasons. As a true freshman in 2023, Stamps appeared in 11 games making four starts. He made a combined 20 tackles in his four starts and helped lead LSU to a ReliaQuest Bowl win over Wisconsin paired with fellow true freshman corner Javien Toviano.
Stamps then put together a strong sophomore campaign that saw him finish 3rd in the SEC with 14 passes defended. He started all 13 games in 2024, racking up 51 tackles and a pair of QB hurries. In addition to his heavy usage in the secondary, Stamps also accumulated 81 total snaps on special teams.
Stamps has been extremely limited so far this season, appearing in just three games. He ends his LSU career with 75 tackles and 18 pass break ups.
Stamps the odd man out in LSU's secondary
The LSU Tigers completely revamped their secondary over the past offseason. Brian Kelly and defensive coordinator Blake Baker utilized the transfer portal to bring in some of the top names available. CB Mansoor Delane, S AJ Haulcy, S Tamarcus Cooley, headlined a strong transfer portal class that was regarded by some as the best in the country.
Delane, Haulcy, and Cooley have brought life back to LSU's secondary, and have the Tiger defense in a better spot than it was a season ago. With Delane and PJ Woodland both playing at elite levels, and true freshman DJ Pickett getting lots of playing time, Stamps was the odd man out in LSU's secondary. That's the reality of the portal.
Brian Kelly didn't provide any further details on the situation other that Stamps has left the team. It will be interesting to see where he ends up, as he has the talent and experience to be a strong contributor in a power conference.