Brian Kelly landed a big transfer class for the 2025 season. LSU brought in a resounding 18 transfers this offseason, including 11 four-star recruits. That is a lot of experienced players coming to an already talented roster.
With a handful of Fall Camp practices complete, Kelly and his staff are noticing some standout performances from that transfer portal class. In the trenches, two players from the portal who have impressed include OL Braelin Moore and DL Bernard Gooden.
Few LSU players who have impressed Brian Kelly so far: Braelin Moore, Bernard Gooden, Kyle Parker and Nic Anderson.
— Wilson Alexander (@whalexander_) August 3, 2025
Moore and Gooden impressing in the trenches
Braelin Moore is slated to be the starting center for the Tigers in 2025. The Virginia Tech transfer has taken first-team reps across the first five Fall Camp practices. Moore was a two-year starter for the Hokies, and brings a 6-foot-2, 300-pound frame to Baton Rouge.
He has impressed early, and will have a tough test right out the gate. The Tigers are set to face Clemson's vaunted defensive line in the season opener on August 30. That means there won't be much time to ease into things up front. Moore will have to continue getting acclimated with LSU's system over the next few weeks to ensure he - and the offensive line as whole - is ready to roll against Clemson.
Bernard Gooden's previous two stops before coming to LSU include time at Wake Forest and South Florida. He redshirted in 2021 before appearing in 12 games and collecting seven tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss for the Demon Deacons in 2022. After sitting out in 2023, he then put together a strong 2024 campaign for the Bulls. Appearing in 13 games, Gooden tallied 35 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries. For his efforts, he received All-AAC honorable mention honors.
Moore and Gooden make up a group of incoming talent that not only includes 18 transfers, but 23 freshmen. Nearly half of the Tigers' scholarship players this season were not on the roster last season. The group of LSU newcomers has the potential to do special things this season, which could put the sport on notice. Moore and Gooden can be a big part of that.