Ranking LSU's 5 Most Impactful additions from the Transfer Portal

This offseason, Brian Kelly and the LSU Football Program have gone out and loaded up in the transfer portal. The Tigers have brought in 13 players instantly adding some true instant impact pieces to this roster as well as some developmental pieces. The transfer portal can take away a ton of depth but, there's no better way to add top end talents that can transform your roster into a National Championship contender. Among the 13 additions, these five players are the most impactful pieces LSU has added.

5

Michael Van Buren

Quarterback | Sophomore

When Bryce Underwood flipped from LSU to Michigan and Rickie Collins entered the transfer portal, LSU needed to add a quarterback. It's always tough to land an experienced quarterback especially one that has a ton of potential when you have a starter in place but, that's what LSU got in Michael Van Buren. This season, Van Buren got thrown into action when Blake Shapen got injured playing in 9 games passing for 1,886 yards with 11 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Now Van Buren takes a back seat and can develop with the chance of being the heir to Garrett Nussmeier.

When Garrett Nussmeier got hurt against Oklahoma, it was clear that LSU needed to add a capable backup and they get that now with Van Buren. Adding Van Buren to the quarterback room only adds competition and it'll be the best thing for Van Buren and Colin Hurley when it comes time for the two to battle for the starting job.

4

Barion Brown

Wide Receiver | Senior

The Tigers first truly massive addition of the transfer cycle was landing Kentucky Wide Receiver Barion Brown. When you look at Brown's stats, he doesn't jump out as a top receiver but, Kentucky has had terrible quarterback play the past two seasons. Barion Brown is a player where you get the ball in his hands and he'll figure out the rest. LSU missed Chris Hilton's ability to win deep for most of the season but, the Tigers get him back and add an explosive deep threat in Brown who may be the fastest player in the Country. Adding Brown also gives LSU arguably the best kick returner in the Country as Brown will impact several aspects of the game.

3

Mansoor Delane

Cornerback | Senior

When Corey Raymond arrived back in Baton Rouge, the hope was that he'd bring LSU back to its DBU days of glory. Thus far, Raymond has brought the pieces in to achieve that goal and one of the best examples is landing transfer Mansoor Delane. In every mock draft you'd look at, Mansoor Delane was a 2nd to 3rd round pick so the Tigers get a player of that caliber into the defensive backfield. Delane is a solid tackler and can slot in immediately at cornerback but, his best fit may be at safety. Bringing in a cornerback with Delane's experience and skill set is one that instantly makes LSU's defense better.

2

Nic Anderson

Wide Receiver | Redshirt Junior

LSU had already landed Barion Brown which was a massive addition to the room but, LSU was still missing the bigger wide receiver on the outside. Then the Tigers reeled in 6 foot 4 Nic Anderson who is the perfect replacement for Kyren Lacy. This season, Anderson couldn't play as he dealt with an injury but, in 2023 he caught 38 passes for 798 yards and 10 touchdowns in his first season of playing time. If Anderson is able to return to his Pre-Injury form, this is a massive pickup for LSU and a clear Wide Receiver 1 for Garrett Nussmeier to throw to.

1

Patrick Payton

Edge Rusher | Redshirt Senior

While LSU just landing Jack Pyburn and Jimari Butler at edge rusher would've been a solid transfer cycle at edge rusher, adding Patrick Payton is a massive addition. As Bradyn Swinson leaves after recording 8.5 sacks, LSU needed to add an edge rusher with true pass rush talent and proven pass rush production. In 2023, Payton proved that with 7 sacks but, his production fell in 2024 as he became Florida State's top edge rusher. Payton has all the talent and tools to be a double digit sack edge rusher and if Kevin Peoples can help him in putting it all together, this will be a massive pickup for LSU.

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