The offseason is officially underway for the LSU Basketball team as the transfer portal will open on Monday, March 24th. This season was abysmal for the LSU Basketball team as the Tigers finished the year 14-18 with a 3-15 record in SEC Play. Given how the season fared along with the fact that the transfer portal is always chaotic, LSU is expected to have a busy offseason.
Through three seasons at LSU, Matt McMahon is 45-48 with a 14-35 record in Conference Play. While the season was a disaster, LSU won't be firing Matt McMahon rather they'll be further investing into McMahon's push to build a winner in the SEC. In February, On3's Shea Dixon broke the story that LSU will be investing heavily into the basketball program to get its NIL budget on par with the top teams in the SEC.
NEW: LSU is sticking with head basketball coach Matt McMahon, @Sheadixon reports🐯
— On3 (@On3sports) February 17, 2025
The school plans to increase its NIL budget after being one of the lowest spenders in the SEC this season...
Story: https://t.co/hFf6gFIH1h pic.twitter.com/WpXObkmyKx
The decision to retain Matt McMahon while investing more than LSU ever has into recruiting makes this one of the most crucial off-season's yet as McMahon will need to show improvement next season otherwise LSU may be searching for a new Head Coach.
The Tigers have a Trio of Top 75 recruits coming in this offseason as Matt McMahon signed Jalen Reece, Mazi Mosley, and Jalen Reece.
LSU will have a ton of holes to fill as Seniors Cam Carter, Jordan Sears, Dji Bailey, and Derek Fountain leave a massive void on LSU's roster. Add in whichever losses LSU has in the transfer portal, and the Tigers have a ton of holes to fill this offseason. After missing on most of his additions last offseason, Matt McMahon will have to recruit a higher caliber of player in the portal this offseason.
Here are the players leaving LSU and joining LSU via the Transfer Portal:
Departing Transfers (3):
Mike Williams III - Guard
As a Freshman, Williams showed a ton of promise as a scorer after signing with LSU as a Three-Star recruit. This season as Matt McMahon brought in young talented guards and transfers, Williams role shrunk but, as injuries mounted, Williams showed the ability to be an impact player in the SEC.
Corey Chest - Center
After redshirting as a True Freshman, Corey Chest became a key piece for the LSU Basketball team in 2024-25. When Jalen Reed was lost for the season Chest's production dropped and he'll likely be a high impact player at another Power Four school.
Tyrell Ward - Guard
After missing the entire 2024-25 season to handle his mental health, Tyrell Ward will be leaving LSU via the Transfer Portal. Ward came to LSU as a five-star recruit playing in two seasons for the Tigers before missing 2024-25 and transferring. While Ward leaves LSU, he'll always be remembered for his buzzer beater to sink #17 Kentucky.
TYRELL WARD (@tyrellward_) THROWS IT IN AT THE BUZZER AND LSU UPSETS #17 KENTUCKY 75-74 pic.twitter.com/v3IZxOOcB6
— NCAA Buzzer Beaters & Game Winners (@NCAABuzzerBters) February 22, 2024