When LSU lost Bryce Underwood to Michigan it signaled that LSU would need to add a quarterback whether it was from the High School ranks or via the transfer portal. Given that LSU has a returning starter in Garrett Nussmeier it seemed difficult for LSU to land a solid quarterback let alone one willing to wait their turn for a season after already starting.
The Tigers just did that by landing Mississippi State's Michael Van Buren a transfer move that came out of nowhere.
BREAKING: Mississippi State transfer QB Michael Van Buren has committed to LSU, per @Hayesfawcett3🐯https://t.co/6LBQqjtuU5 pic.twitter.com/F97fySydk1
— On3 (@On3sports) December 15, 2024
This season, Mississippi State started Blake Shapen until he was injured and then Michael Van Buren emerged. Van Buren as a True Freshman completed 54.7% of his passes for 1,886 Yards and 11 touchdowns with 7 interceptions adding 5 touchdowns rushing.
Van Buren was highly coveted ranked as the 9th best quarterback in the transfer portal and the 91st ranked player overall according to On3.
While Van Buren won't start right away, his arrival adds a few things that were desperately needed in the quarterback room. Van Buren comes in with Starting experience in the SEC so if LSU faces a situation like the Oklahoma game where Nussmeier is injured, LSU has a capable quarterback to turn to.
Van Buren can also push Garrett Nussmeier better than any of the quarterbacks LSU had last year and competition only makes everyone better. In roster building, you want to land a quarterback in every offseason and after losing Rickie Collins to the transfer portal LSU gets the addition they needed.
The Tigers now have an exciting quarterback battle to watch for the future as Colin Hurley and Michael Van Buren can battle it out to be Garrett Nussmeier's backup and the quarterback of the future. While adding Van Buren isn't an instant impact move this is one of the best moves LSU could've made in the transfer portal.