The LSU Tigers have been red hot on the transfer portal trail as LSU continues to rack up commitments everyday. While LSU has already landed a loaded class, the Tigers have still continued to bring in players for recruiting visits which should result in some more commitments for the Tigers. Given who LSU has had on campus for visits, and which positions LSU still needs to address, these are five targets to keep an eye on for LSU.
5. Patrick Payton - Edge Rusher - Florida State
The LSU Football team has already added two edge rushers this transfer portal cycle in Jimari Butler and Jack Pyburn. While adding Butler and Pyburn are great additions, they don't have a ton of proven pass rush production. That is why LSU adding a player like Patrick Payton is appealing for LSU in addition to the other two edge rushers. Over three years at Florida State, Payton has recorded 16 sacks which is more than Pyburn and Butler combined. Regardless of adding Payton or not, LSU will play a rotation at edge next season and adding a player with a ton of pass rush ability is never a bad thing. The Tigers haven't been linked to LSU, so it'll be interesting to see if either side expresses interest.
PATRICK PAYTON pic.twitter.com/BUWPhCPTCN
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) December 30, 2023
4. Sydir Mitchell - Defensive Tackle - Texas
Corey Raymond reunited with a player from his past when he brought in Ja'Keem Jackson and Bo Davis will have a chance to do the same with Sydir Mitchell. While Davis was at Texas, he recruited Mitchell to Texas and now that he's on the portal he took a visit to LSU. The Tigers lose three key contributors in Jay'Viar Suggs, Gio Paez, and Paris Shand so adding a player with experience is key as the younger players continue to develop.
3. Tawfiq Byard - Safety - USF
The Tigers have a need at safety as Sage Ryan and Major Burns leaving the program along with the fact that the play at that position hasn't met LSU's standard. The Tigers had safety Tawfiq Byard (Brother of All-Pro NFL Vet Kevin Byard) on campus this week for a two-day visit. The Tigers need safeties but, only got Zechariah Poyser on campus who has since committed to Florida. Given that LSU doesn't have many other targets on the board, Byard is a must get unless LSU waits to see who else enters from College Football Playoff rosters.
Byard is at his best in the box as he's a sure tackler with solid play recognition and will come up and lay massive hits on ball carriers. Given his style of play, Byard is a perfect candidate to replace Major Burns in that star position in the LSU Defense.
2. Braelin Moore - Offensive Line - Virginia Tech
Given LSU's needs on the interior offensive line with Garrett Dellinger and Miles Frazier out of eligibility, the Tigers need to add some experience on the interior. Braelin Moore is such a must get transfer because of his experience and his experience at multiple positions. Moore started games at Center and at Guard which allows LSU to plug him right into one of those guard spots but, it also allows them to move DJ Chester back to his natural position of guard while putting Moore at Center. Moore has visited LSU and his been projected to LSU but, the Tigers are still waiting on a commitment.
1. Fa’alili Fa’amoe - Offensive Tackle - Washington State
Given that LSU is losing a Unanimous All American Left Tackle in Will Campbell and a potential first round pick in Emery Jones Jr, you'd like to add a tackle with experience. The tackle that's slated to visit LSU is Washington State' Fa'alili Fa'amoe who started the last three seasons at Washington State. LSU and Nebraska will get visits from the player ranked by 24/7 Sports as the 2nd best offensive tackle in the transfer portal. Given how much LSU is dumping into the 2025 season, the Tigers have to add some experienced talented pieces on the offensive line and a tackle is the way to go.