These two prolific playmakers can lead LSU's highly-touted transfer portal class

Like many programs across the country, Brian Kelly and his staff utilized the transfer portal heavily when constructing LSU's roster for 2025. In total, the Tigers brought in 18 transfers, including 11 four-star recruits.

In a pivotal 2025 season, Tiger fans are eager to see the roster come together. LSU's transfer portal class has been rated by some as the best in the country, and getting elite production from the newcomers will be essential to a run at the SEC title and College Football Playoff.

Two players in particular have a chance to lead LSU's strong transfer portal class in 2025. On3 has released their annual preseason All-Transfer Portal Team, and a pair of Tigers made the cut: WR Barion Brown and S A.J. Haulcy.

Brown and Haulcy looking to lead LSU's highly-touted transfer class

Brown is an electric playmaker who joins the Tigers after spending three seasons at Kentucky. He is a prolific kick returner who can be a solid compliment to the LSU passing game as a receiver. With five career kick return touchdowns in his career, he needs just two more to tie an NCAA record.

While primarily known for his kickoff return abilities, Brown has experience returning punts as well. That's an area where LSU struggled last season, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Brown take the lead on returning punts. In 2024, LSU had 14 punt returns for just 66 yards. Their average of 4.71 yards per return ranked 111th in the country. Needless to say, getting a boost in that department would be a welcome sight for Tiger fans. Brown is more than capable of making an impact.

Brown also brings plenty of receiving experience to Baton Rouge. In three years in Lexington, he racked up 1,528 receiving yards, which ranks 10th on Kentucky's all-time receiving yards list. He also collected 11 receiving touchdowns and 3,277 all-purpose yards.

Haulcy is a four-star safety who comes to LSU after two seasons at Houston. He also previously played at New Mexico in 2022. Having appeared in 36 games and racking up 703 defensive snaps played in his career, Haulcy was viewed as one of the most experienced players to hit the portal last season. He's a big get for LSU, and Haulcy is looking to be a reliable playmaker for an LSU secondary in desperate need of a strong season.

Haulcy was an All-Big 12 First-Team selection last season after collecting 74 tackles (43 solo) and a league-leading five interceptions. He also totaled 13 passes defended, which was second in the Big 12.

Several other transfers are making an impact in Fall Camp, and could have an immediate impact in the season opener against Clemson on Aug. 30. C Braelin Moore, CB Mansoor Delane, DL Bernard Gooden, and OL Josh Thompson are all impressing in practices leading up to Week 1.