The LSU Football team have come out and absolutely dominated the transfer portal landing players at every position of need. Coming into the transfer portal, Brian Kelly declared that LSU would be aggressive but, no one knew how aggressive that would be. Brian Kelly and his staff just proved that once again adding their third edge rusher of the transfer cycle nabbing Florida State's Patrick Payton.
Former Florida State EDGE Patrick Payton will transfer to LSU, per @mzenitz
— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 21, 2024
🐯 11.0 Sacks & 70 QB Pressures Since 2023 pic.twitter.com/Pck14PeLy5
Payton joins LSU's edge rush haul after the Tigers already landed Jack Pyburn and Jimari Butler. The Tigers came into the offseason with a massive need at edge rusher as Bradyn Swinson and Sai'Vion Jones are off to the NFL.
Where Jimari Butler and Jack Pyburn shine is as edge rushers is setting the edge in the run game which was a massive issue for LSU against running quarterbacks like Jalen Milroe. Adding Patrick Payton however, is adding a difference maker when it comes to rushing the passer.
Over his three seasons in College Football, Patrick Payton has recorded 16 sacks, 109 tackles, and 3 forced fumbles. As Bradyn Swinson departs for the NFL LSU loses its top pass rusher which left a big void heading into 2025. In Payton, LSU lands an edge rusher with proven pass rush skills and ability while LSU hopes the younger players and the transfers develop.
According to 24/7 Sports, Payton is the second ranked player in the transfer portal behind quarterback John Mateer.
Payton took a step back this season after recording 7 sacks in 2023, he recorded just 4 sacks in 2024. The hope is that edge rusher's coach Kevin peoples can help Payton in putting it all together like he did this season with Bradyn Swinson and Sai'Vion Jones.
After landing Jack Pyburn and Jimari Butler, LSU could've called it a cycle at the edge rush position yet, the Tigers remain aggresive and now land one of the best players in the transfer portal.