The Transfer Portal can give your team all the right pieces you need to contend while it can also wipe away valuable depth at key positions. At times it can be difficult to keep up with as it seems every hour an announcement is being made that affects LSU.
The Tigers were always going to see a ton of departures on the defensive side of the football as an entire new staff comes in and is recruiting for the first time at LSU. Thus far, LSU hasn't lost many impactful pieces to the transfer portal and that is a great sign.
Here is an up-to-date tracker on every LSU Tiger who has entered the winter transfer portal and every player that head coach Brian Kelly has brought in:
Additions (16):
Tamarcus Cooley - Safety - NC State
The LSU Tigers badly needed to land a safety that can start as the Tigers lose Sage Ryan and Major Burns. The Tigers filled that need by landing safety Tamarcus Cooley from NC State. This season, Cooley recorded a 80.8 defensive grade and a 81.8 coverage grade according to PFF which are solid numbers. According to On3's Industry Transfer Portal Rankings, Cooley was the71st best transfer in the class and the 2nd ranked safety marking a massive addition for LSU who adds another top defender.
Donovan Green - Tight End - Texas A&M
Donovan Green was a top ten tight end recruit in the 2022 recruiting cycle before signing with Texas A&M. As a True Freshman, Green was named a Freshman All American but, he tore his ACL missing the entire 2023 season. This season, Green appeared in 7 games but, did not record a catch as he built back into SEC shape. Green now will get a Fresh start at LSU as the Tigers rebuild their tight end room after losing 3 tight ends since the start of Summer camp.
Josh Thompson - Offensive Line - Northwestern
Landing Josh Thompson is massive for LSU as he brings a ton of positional versatility to the offensive line room. In 2023, Thompson started 11 games at Right Tackle allowing just two sacks on the entire season against Penn State. This season, Thompson played guard and was the second ranked guard in the Big Ten according to Pro Football Focus. The Tigers can deploy Thompson at either Guard or Tackle but, adding a mauler on the offensive line will help after the offense struggled running the ball in 2024.
Patrick Payton - Edge Rusher - Florida State
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 top defender in the transfer portal and the 2nd ranked player.
Braelin Moore - Offensive Line - Virginia Tech
LSU loses four offensive linemen to the NFL which made landing experienced players on the offensive line a massive need. The Tigers nab Virginia Tech's Braelin Moore a player that comes with three years' experience playing Center and Guard. The Tigers can use Moore at either position helping build this group back up.
Sydir Mitchell - Defensive Tackle - Texas
Bo Davis took a page out of Corey Raymond's book and reunited with a former recruit of his bringing Texas defensive tackle Sydir Mitchell. Mitchell comes to LSU with 3 years of eligibility remaining becoming a potential long term player for LSU. The Tigers lost three key players on the defensive line this offseason so adding Mitchell helps building back numbers to the room.
Grant Chadwick - Punter - MTSU
The LSU Football team had punting issues in the Spring which is why they brought in Blake Ochsendorf in the Spring Transfer Cycle. The Tigers struggles with inconsistent punts continued this season so the Tigers now add Grant Chadwick. Chadwick had 51 punts this season averaging 43.4 yards per punt as a True Freshman. We'll likely see one or both of LSU's punters enter the transfer portal as a result of the move.
Nic Anderson - Wide Receiver - Oklahoma
The Tigers had a ton of smaller wide receivers in the room for 2025 which makes the addition of Oklahoma's Nic Anderson so important. At 6 foot 4, Anderson is a big bodied wide receiver that LSU can play on the outside while the smaller speed guys work out of the slot. LSU now has three wide receivers that could be number ones on their own teams which makes LSU's offense next season deadly.
Destyn Hill - Wide Receiver - Florida State
The LSU Tigers typically pursue bringing Louisiana Natives back via the transfer portal and they've done that again by landing Destyn Hill from Florida State. Hill was expected to lead the Seminoles receiving core but, suffered a torn ACL which cost him the season. This isn't the Tigers adding an instant impact player but, if Hill heals and develops this will be a great transfer for LSU down the line.
Mansoor Delane - Cornerback - Virginia Tech
A position LSU didn't need to address heavily quickly becomes the position LSU has recruited the best in the transfer portal. The Tigers picked up their second cornerback transfer landing Virginia Tech's Mansoor Delane. Delane is a multi-year starter and a player that was being mocked in the second or third round of NFL mock drafts which makes him a massive addition for the Tigers. His versatility could lead to LSU playing him at safety but, he's quickly one of the top transfers LSU has landed.
Jack Pyburn - Edge Rusher - Florida
The Tigers needed to go out and land a pair of edge rushers as Sai'Vion Jones and Bradyn Swinson head off to the NFL and after landing Jimari Butler, LSU landed its second edge rusher in Florida's Jack Pyburn. Pyburn is an incredible run defender racking up 60 tackles and a pair of sacks for the Gators and if Kevin Peoples can improve his game as a pass rusher this could be a slam dunk for LSU.
Michael Van Buren - Quarterback - Mississippi State
After losing Rickie Collins to the transfer portal and Bryce Underwood decommitted, LSU needed to go out and land a quarterback. The Tigers far exceeded the expectations in what everyone thought they'd get by landing Mississippi State freshman Michael Van Buren. The Freshman showed a ton of promise in his eight starts and has a massive arm and gives LSU a capable backup next season.
I could watch this clips all day.
— Hump Dawg (@HumpDawgMSU) October 13, 2024
Michael Van Buren is the future🔮 pic.twitter.com/RcyCEA6HSO
Jimari Butler - Edge Rusher - Nebraska
The biggest need for LSU was at the edge rush position as LSU needed to replace Bradyn Swinson and Sai'Vion Jones who are off to the NFL as well as Da'Shawn Womack who transferred to Ole Miss. The Tigers have added their first edge rusher of the transfer cycle in Nebraska transfer Jimari Butler. Over the past two seasons his sack totals at 7.5 don't show the full picture as he's credited with 48 pressures. Butler should step in immediately and fill one of the two roles left behind by Swinson and Jones.
Barion Brown - Wide Receiver - Kentucky
LSU needed to land wide receivers with Kyren Lacy and CJ Daniels leaving so they went out and landed one of the best in the portal in Barion Brown. The Kentucky offense wasn't helping anyone put up impressive numbers but, Brown's speed, ability with the ball in his hands, and his versatility jump off the screen when you watch him play. Brown will be a weapon for LSU next season and he instantly helps LSU ease the pain of losing Kyren Lacy and CJ Daniels.
Ja'Keem Jackson - Cornerback - Florida
Previous relationships are one of the most important factors in landing a player via the transfer portal and LSU showed that landing cornerback Ja'Keem Jackson. Jackson was recruited to Florida by Corey Raymond and the two now reunite in Baton Rouge. Jackson was a starter this season for the first two games but, an injury sidelined him the rest of the year.
Bauer Sharp - Tight End - Oklahoma
LSU was hoping for Mason Taylor back as well as the younger players in the room but, instead Trey'Dez Green is the only tight end sticking with LSU making Tight End a priority in the portal. The Tigers nab Oklahoma Tight End Bauer Sharp who caught 42 passes for 324 yards and a pair of touchdowns with one interception thrown to Sage Ryan. The Tigers likely aren't done shopping at the position but, Sharp can help LSU in both aspects of the game next year.
Departures (17):
Rickie Collins - Quarterback - Syracuse
The first player to hit the transfer portal for LSU was Quarterback Rickie Collins and it doesn't come as much of a surprise. Collins was stuck behind Garrett Nussmeier for at least one more season and when AJ Swann replaced Garrett Nussmeier when he was injured it seemed like the writing was on the wall. Collins committed and signed with Syracuse as he'll look to replace Kyle McCord.
Landon Ibieta - Wide Receiver
After playing a few snaps in 2022, where he caught 2 passes for 15 yards, Landon Ibieta hasn't caught a pass the last two seasons. Ibieta will likely transfer to a school where he has a quicker path to the field.
CJ Daniels - Wide Receiver - Miami
The most surprising Transfer Portal entry by far was CJ Daniels as Brian Kelly has said just a week prior that all signs were pointing toward CJ Daniels returning. Daniels transferred to LSU after a 1,000-yard season at Liberty but, dealt with a dislocated heel the entire season. Daniels has committed to Miami who is still looking for their next quarterback.
Da'Shawn Womack - Edge Rusher - Ole Miss
When Da'Shawn Womack didn't play in the final four games and was suspended for the Florida game, all the writing was on the wall that he would transfer especially when he was stuck behind Bradyn Swinson and Sai'Vion Jones. Womack decided rather quickly when he committed to Ole Miss three days after the portal opened and LSU will get to face him next season.
Jordan Allen - Safety - Houston
Early this season, Jordan Allen was making an impact playing in the rotation of safeties that Blake Baker was trying out. LSU then stuck with its veteran trio of Burns, Ryan, and Gilbert but, Allen got injured and missed the majority of the season. Jordan Allen has since committed to Willie Fritz and the Houston Cougars.
Shelton Sampson Jr - Wide Receiver - ULL
This season it was shocking how little we saw of Shelton Sampson Jr considering his recruiting pedigree but, that typically means there is a disconnect. Sampson committed to UL Lafayette staying In-State where he'll have the chance to play immediately alongside Walker Howard.
Kylin Jackson - Safety - TCU
Kylin Jackson was a player that stood out this Summer as a younger player pushing for serious playing time especially at the star position. Just like in the case of Jordan Allen, Jackson was pushed aside for the older group of safeties and will now land at TCU where he can play immediately.
Xavier Atkins - Linebacker - Auburn
As a True Freshman, Xavier Atkins actually got a good look at playing time but, fellow freshman Dahvon Keys. Given that Blake Baker just brought in a massive class of linebacker and didn't recruit Atkins its not surprising that he's looking for a new school. Atkins committed to Auburn over Colorado, he had a relationship with DJ Durkin during his recruitment which led to the move.
Jyaire Brown - Cornerback - UCF
Jyaire Brown came to LSU from Ohio State but, like Sevyn Banks and JK Johnson, Jyaire Brown didn't fully pan out like everyone hoped for. Brown was a backup cornerback this year playing just 34 snaps and will now look for somewhere where he can find the field right away. Brown has committed to UCF where he'll have a chance to make an immediate impact.
Bernard Causey - Cornerback - Georgia State
True Freshman Cornerback Bernard Causey entered the transfer portal and it doesn't come as a surprise at all. Corey Raymond is back in Baton Rouge and is bringing his guys in to play cornerback which will give LSU a higher talent pool to pick from. Causey has committed to Georgia State where he'll be able to compete for immediate playing time.
Nathan Dibert - Kicker - Eastern Michigan
This season, Nathan Dibert was left without a role as Damian Ramos handled Field Goals while Aeron Burrell was an All-SEC player as the Tigers kickoff specialist. Dibert committed to Eastern Michigan transferring back home.
De'Myrion Johnson - Defensive Tackle
In his first and only season at LSU, Johnson didn't receive any snaps at defensive tackle after signing with LSU as a three-star recruit in the 2024 recruiting cycle. Johnson was recruited by the previous coaching staff and with Bo Davis bringing in a massive class it makes sense that Johnson would leave.
JK Johnson - Cornerback - Oklahoma State
JK Johnson came to LSU after spending the start of his career at Ohio State where he started for the Buckeyes which gave LSU a ton of hope. Johnson missed all of the 2023 season with an injury and in 2024 logged 113 snaps. Johnson has transferred to Oklahoma State giving him a chance to start right away in the Power 4.
Ka'Morreun Pimpton - Tight End
Ka'Morreun Pimpton entering the transfer portal was one of the more shocking entries as he was going to have a much bigger role in 2025 with Mason Taylor heading off to the NFL Draft. Pimpton finished the season with 6 catches for 79 yards a number that would've felt very low after watching Pimpton this Summer. Pimpton is currently projected to land at TCU according to 24/7 Sports.
Jay'Viar Suggs - Defensive Tackle - Wisconsin
The LSU Tigers weren't very active this Spring in the transfer portal but, one of the moves they did make was bringing in Grand Valley State's Jay'Viar Suggs. At times Suggs flashed a ton of pass rush ability recording 2.5 sacks and would've seen more snaps in 2025 with Paris Shand and Gio Paez moving on. Suggs has committed to Wisconsin reuniting with former Grand Valley State Coach Matt Mitchell.
Sage Ryan - Safety - Ole Miss
This isn't the first time Sage Ryan has entered the Transfer Portal as he entered but, returned last season but, this time it seems likely that Ryan moves on. The former five star had his best season yet, under the new staff but, the safety position didn't give LSU much of an impact and its time to bring in a new crop of plyers for the role. The Tigers will get to face Sage Ryan next season as he signed with Ole Miss.
AJ Swann - Quarterback - Appalachian State
LSU added AJ Swann from Vanderbilt last year as a player that could compete with Garrett Nussmeier. Given that Nussmeier won the job and LSU added Michael Van Buren, Swann entered the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining. Swann committed to Appalachian State replacing Joey Aguilar who transferred to UCLA.
Kimo Makane'ole - Defensive/Offensive Line -West Virginia
Makane'ole signed with LSU during the 2021 recruiting cycle as a three-star recruit at guard out of Florida. He'd Redshirt as a True Freshman before playing in 5 games during the 2022 season, mostly against Purdue in the Citrus Bowl. In 2023, Makane'ole played in 30 snaps mostly facing Army and Grambling while he appeared in just four games. In 2024, Makane'ole was moved to defensive tackle and after not playing enters the transfer portal. Makane'Ole has committed to West Virginia.
Jalen Lee - Defensive Tackle - UNLV
Jalen Lee transferred into LSU in 2023 after spending 3 seasons at Florida. Lee's biggest impact came in 2023 when he appeared in 7 games but, the coaching turnover and incoming transfers limited his role in 2024. Jalen Lee has committed to UNLV rejoining his former coach Dan Mullen.