LSU Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker: Make-or-break offseason for Matt McMahon

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.

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:

Incoming Transfers (5):

Dedan Thomas Jr - Point Guard - UNLV

When LSU decided to back Matt McMahon with additional NIL resources, it was to land players of Dedan Thomas Jr's caliber. Thomas Jr is ranked as On3's 8th ranked transfer in the portal, and LSU beating out Florida, Kentucky, and Syracuse is a massive development. Dedan Thomas Jr has two years of eligibility remaining, meaning the 15+ point per game scorer could be a multi-year catalyst for Matt McMahon.

Marquel Sutton - Forward - Omaha

LSU's added NIL resources and new commitment to the transfer portal paid off once again as LSU landed Omaha transfer Marquel Sutton. This season saw Sutton win the Summit League Player of the Year Award, averaging 18.9 PPG, 7.9 RPG, and 1.2 APG while shooting 47.9% from the field. Sutton gives the Tigers an elite scorer on the inside who can create for himself and others, bringing much-needed size to the inside.

Rashad King - Shooting Guard - Northeastern

The LSU Tigers needed to land capable scorers alongside Dedan Thomas Jr and in Rashad King they get just that. King averaged 18.5 points per game, 6.1 rebounds per game, and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 44.9% from the field. King is 6 foot 6 bringing much needed size and length to the wing for LSU.

Max Mackinnon - Small Forward - Portland

One of the biggest flaws the 2024-25 LSU Basketball team had was a lack of true wing players on the roster. Matt McMahon and his staff made another addition to address that issue landing Portland Small Forward Max Mackinnon. Mackinnon is a 40.7% three point shooter which is massive for LSU and he has the ability to be a high level scorer for LSU after averaging 14.5 PPG.

Michael Nwoko - Center - Mississippi State

The loss of Corey Chest to the transfer portal created a hole in LSU's front court, meaning LSU needed to add depth at the center position. LSU quickly went out and nabbed Mississippi State starter Michael Nwoko to give the Tigers the size they need on the interior. Nwoko is still young with plenty of areas to improve in but, he'll be an instant impact addition for LSU.

Departing Transfers (7):

Vyctorius Miller - Guard

The biggest loss for LSU thus far is the loss of Freshman Point Guard Vyctorius Miller who has entered the transfer portal. Miller was one of the best players for LSU prior to SEC play but, when SEC play arrived he took some time adjusting to the size and speed of the league. Miller was LSU's 3rd leading scorer meaning LSU will need to replace 4 of its 5 top scorers.

Curtis Givens III - Guard

Despite announcing that he'd return to LSU for his second season, Curtis Givens III entered the transfer portal on the final day it was open. The Tigers have done a ton of work bringing guards onto the roster and as LSU is involved with a few high caliber players the two sides likely decided to move on.

Damion Collins - Forward

After two seasons in Baton Rouge, Forward Damion Collins entered the transfer portal looking for a fresh start elsewhere. Collins showed promise at times but, a significant shoulder injury in his first season with LSU cost him most of the season while nagging injuries hampered his ability in 2024-25.

Noah Boyde - Center

This offseason, LSU brought in Noah Boyde via the transfer portal to add size to the Tigers lineup even as he was coming off of a torn ACL. Boyde hardly played for the Tigers appearing in just five games totaling 11 minutes appearing just once in SEC play. The loss of Boyde isn't surprising as LSU looks to upgrade talent as its best both parties move on.

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.

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