Among the ten transfers LSU has already landed this offseason, the Tigers signed two edge rushers Nebraska's Jimari Butler and Florida's Jack Pyburn. Earlier this week, we mentioned that LSU should still be in the market for one more edge rusher especially one with proven pass rush ability when Patrick Payton entered the transfer portal.
The Tigers are now not only hosting Patrick Payton on an official visit this weekend, the Tigers are emerging as the top team to land the Florida State Transfer.
As @Sheadixon reported Thursday, Florida State EDGE Patrick Payton is visiting LSU this weekend.
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) December 20, 2024
The Tigers have been the school to watch since the start. The 2022 ACC ROY registered 12 sacks and 12 pass deflections in his first 2 seasons.https://t.co/NfZI53qIwH pic.twitter.com/5deBifoXfY
Jack Pyburn and Jimari Butler are both solid edge rushers and great additions but, they're better defenders that are against the run combining for 3 sacks last season as starters for their respective teams. In Bradyn Swinson and Sai'Vion Jones, the Tigers need to replace 13 sacks as LSU's edge duo was dominant getting after the passer.
Patrick Payton had a down season this year recording just 4 sacks after recording 7 sacks in 2023 and 5 sacks in 2022. This time last season if Patrick Payton entered the transfer portal, team's would've been lining up to try and land him. Patrick Payton faced LSU in 2023 and while he didn't record a sack, he had some impressive reps against Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr.
This season, we saw Kevin Peoples get massive seasons out of Bradyn Swinson and Sai'vion Jones who had shown far less in their careers before his arrival with Swinson emerging as a potential first round pick under Peoples. Kevin Peoples is the perfect coach to try and unlock Payton's ability in his final season of College Football.
Given that LSU is going All In with the transfer portal this season, making sure the defensive line has enough proven productive players is a top priority. If the Tigers land Payton, LSU's defense will be loaded with elite playmakers at each level giving us easily the best defense we've ever seen under Brian Kelly.