Mansoor Delane was the best purchase Brian Kelly could make

After a pedestrain 8-4 regular season record in Brian Kelly's third season in 2024, the LSU Tigers wanted to make big moves during the offseason. Garrett Nussmeier, Caden Durham, Aaron Anderson, Whit Weeks, and Harold Perkins Jr, were all returning, but LSU needed to round out its roster with more talent. If LSU was going to compete for an SEC title and a National Championship this season, improvements needed to be made - especially on the defensive side of the ball.

The LSU defense had underachieved in recent seasons, ultimately holding the team back. But Brian Kelly and his staff had their eyes on a game-changing cornerback from the ACC that could help get the Tiger defense back on track.

Via the transfer portal, LSU brought in CB Mansoor Delane from Virginia Tech to help lead LSU's secondary in 2025. A four-star corner, Delane was ranked as the No. 4 corner and No. 52 overall player in the transfer portal according to On3's Industry Rankings.

Delane made an immediate impact for the Tigers on Saturday night, as he was arguably the best defensive player on the field against No. 4 Clemson. His efforts played a massive role in LSU's impressive 17-10 win, giving the Tigers their first season opening win since 2019.

Mansoor Delane shines in LSU debut

Going up against potential top-10 pick Cade Klubnik, Delane and the Tiger secondary made life extremely difficult for Clemson's passing attack. In total, Klubnik completed just 50 percent of his passes with zero touchdowns and one interception. The interception came courtesy of Delane, who made a pair of game-changing plays in the second half.

With the game tied 10-10 in the third quarter, Delane took advantage of Klubnik's overthrown ball by leaping up and coming down with the interception. The pick gave LSU some much-needed momentum in the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter with LSU leading 17-10, Clemson was in dire need of a first down. Dabo Swinney's squad was staring down a fourth-and-five from LSU's 34-yard line, and Swinney opted to go for it. The move backfired, as Delane's blanket coverage and elite playmaking ability gave Clemson WR TJ Moore no shot. Moore ran a five-yard slant route over the middle, but Delane was ready and got his hands on the ball to force the incompletion. The critical PBU turned the ball over on downs and put the LSU offense back on the field.

Brian Kelly brought in a number of veteran players in the transfer portal following the 2024 season. Along with Delane, S AJ Haulcy (Houston), CB Ja'Keem Jackson (Florida), and S Tamarcus Cooley (NC State) bring a wealth of experience to LSU's secondary this season. That is incredibly valubale, and it showed on Saturday night. The group played prepared, confident, and made timely plays that stymied the Clemson offense all night long. The LSU defense is back, and it could change everything for the Tigers in 2025.