The offseason has significantly slowed down in College Football as players can no longer enter the transfer portal while the majority of the players in the transfer portal have picked their next program. The offseason was hectic for the LSU Football team as the Tigers brought in the best transfer class of the Brian Kelly era while getting involved during the spring transfer window to continue bringing in elite talents.
As a whole, LSU's additions far outweigh their losses as the Tigers added starters all over the field while losing mostly depth pieces. The transfer portal has elevated LSU's roster into National Championship contention giving the fanbase plenty to be excited about. While LSU added a ton of talent, there are a few pieces LSU lost that stings a little bit but, as a whole the additions LSU made make it impossible for anyone to be upset.
The downside to LSU's transfer portal usage is the fact that the Tigers may need to use the same formula again next season. 11 of LSU's 19 additions are in their final season of eligibility which only adds to the number of players LSU will lose this offseason. While adding elite veteran talent, long term losing some of the younger pieces LSU lost could haunt the Tigers if they develop into stars elsewhere.
Addition: AJ Haulcy - Safety
The biggest transfer portal addition by far for the LSU Football team in the transfer portal this offseason is the latest addition AJ Haulcy. Among all of the players to transfer this offseason, Haulcy was the 12th ranked player and the 2nd ranked safety to transfer making him LSU's highest ranked addition. Haulcy is the elite level safety the LSU Football team has been missing during the Brian Kelly era which will help LSU's defense return to the standard.
Loss: Jay'Viar Suggs - Defensive Tackle
When LSU was searching for defensive tackles in the transfer portal last season, the Tigers took a chance on Grand Valley State defensive tackle Jay'Viar Suggs. After starting slow, Suggs proved to be LSU's best pass rushing defensive tackle for a stretch of the season which would've made him a nice player to get back for the 2025 season. Losing Suggs has led to LSU adding Bernard Gooden and Sydir Mitchell which could end up being a win-win for both parties.
Addition: Patrick Payton - Edge Rusher
As LSU lost edge rushers Sai'Vion Jones and Bradyn Swinson to the NFL Draft, the Tigers needed to go out and add an elite pass rusher. Patrick Payton entered the transfer portal and LSU quickly got involved as he's high upside pass rusher with proven ability. Last season, Patrick Payton had a down season but, if he can return to the level he was at in 2023 where he had 7 sacks it'll be LSU's biggest addition.
Loss: Xavier Atkins - Linebacker
After the season, true Freshman Linebacker Xavier Atkins entered the transfer portal before signing with the Auburn Tigers. As LSU's linebackers suffered some injuries during the season Atkins was able to get onto the field as a Freshman recording 3 tackles, 2 of which came against Ole Miss. Atkins wasn't going to play for LSU in 2025 but, he could've been a key piece for LSU down the line if he continued to develop.
Addition: Bauer Sharp - Tight End
As LSU lost Mason Taylor to the NFL Draft and Ka'Morreun Pimpton and Mac Markway to the transfer portal within the last year, LSU needed to go out and reload the tight end room. The Tigers went out and added a player they faced this season signing Oklahoma transfer Bauer Sharp. Last season, Sharp showed the ability to be an impactful receiver leading Oklahoma in yards. Sharp was a pleasant surprise during spring practice quickly building a rapport with Garrett Nussmeier.
Loss: Ka'Morreun Pimpton - Tight End
While LSU loaded up on tight ends this offseason adding Bauer Sharp and Donovan Green, losing Ka'Morreun Pimpton does sting for the Tigers. Pimpton clearly had the talent to be an impact player for LSU but, Mason Taylor was also one of the best players at the position which kept him from having a massive impact. The Tigers tight end room will be talented even with losing Pimpton but, he was a piece that would've been nice to have back this season allowing Trey'Dez Green to play wide receiver more often.
Addition: Bernard Gooden - Defensive Tackle
Last Spring all LSU fans wanted the team to do is add an SEC Caliber defensive tackle but, the Tigers weren't willing to pay the high NIL asking prices. This spring the LSU Football team got the top defensive tackle in the spring transfer window rather quickly landing USF Defensive Tackle Bernard Gooden. The Tigers now have an instant plug and play defensive tackle taking pressure off of LSU's younger defensive tackles giving them more time to develop.
Loss: Dashawn Womack - Edge Rusher
It always hurts when a former 5-star recruit departs your program before making the impact everyone hoped for. This season as LSU had two NFL level pass rushers, Dashawn Womack was relegated to a rotational pass rushing role. After the season, Womack entered the transfer portal landing at Ole Miss where he'll be an instant starter. As LSU faces Ole Miss this season, Womack having a massive impact will only sting worse if it comes against LSU.
Addition: Mansoor Delane - Cornerback
The last few seasons for the LSU have been filled with defensive struggles for LSU especially in the secondary as opponents have made big play after big play against the Tigers. When LSU went out and landed transfer cornerback Mansoor Delane it was a massive pickup for the Tigers as they got an instant starting cornerback. Spring practice only made it clearer for LSU that Delane will be locking down one side of the football field making it much easier to figure out the defensive puzzle.
Loss: Dilan Battle - Defensive Tackle
After landing an exciting recruiting class, losing one of the true freshmen in the class before the season begins is never ideal. The lone scholarship player to leave LSU this spring was defensive tackle Dilan Battle who left the program after going through Spring practice with the Tigers. Battle came to LSU to play for defensive line coach Bo Davis and with Davis taking the New Orleans Saints job it's not a surprise that LSU lost one of the pieces he hoped to develop.