The Most Recent Information on LSU Football Target Tamarcus Cooley, the Portal’s No. 2 Safety

On New Year’s Eve, Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers defeated Dave Aranda’s Baylor Bears in the Texas Bowl to end the 2024 season.

Kelly has a 9-4 record at the end of his third season in Baton Rouge, and the staff’s crucial offseason is quickly coming.

The LSU program is in “win-now” attitude as the 2025 season rapidly gains significance in the South.

The Kelly’s group’s aggressive use of the NCAA Transfer Portal as the offseason approaches makes it obvious.

Although LSU can acquire up to 14 players through the free agent market, there are still needful positions, particularly in the safety room.

Joel Rogers, Dashawn Spears, Jardin Gilbert, and Javien Toviano are all back for the Tigers, but competition is needed before spring camp.

Now, while several SEC schools compete for his signature during “portal season” this month, LSU has turned its attention to a sought-after ACC transfer.

The Defensive Back Target:

Tamarcus Cooley Kelly and company are still in contact with North Carolina State transfer Tamarcus Cooley, who is scheduled to visit several SEC programs. Cooley, who was the team’s top defensive player in 2024, left the Wolfpack program after recording 30 tackles, nine interceptions, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles.

“He played really well in a lot of ways,” stated Dave Doeren, the head coach of North Carolina State, regarding the safety who was a redshirt freshman. “Setting edges and fitting in the run in the box. He then had several pass breakups while in coverage. At the end of the game, he made the crucial interception. He did a good job fitting a lot of formations and surface areas. There’s a lot going on there communication-wise on motions. For a young guy to have to manage all that, it was impressive.”

He’s an immediate impact caliber player that will have a slew of schools in his ear. A 6-foot, 200-pounder, Cooley has ideal size for a defensive back where he primarily played safety.

According to a source who spoke to LSU Tigers On SI, Cooley checked in with Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels on Sunday and Monday to start his Transfer Portal process. He started his playing career at Maryland in 2023 before transferring to North Carolina State for the 2024 season, which swiftly became his breakout year after redshirting in 2023. Matt Zenitz of 247Sports initially reported the first visit.

After that, he has a packed schedule of visits, including one to see Brian Kelly’s LSU Tigers.

On Thursday, Cooley will arrive in Baton Rouge for a day trip with the Tigers, who currently have the best Transfer Portal Class in the nation.

After a visit with LSU on Thursday, Cooley will head to Missouri on Friday and Kentucky on Saturday to round out his schedule. Zenitz of 247Sports published the visit schedule.

LSU will try to stay in the running for the highly sought-after defensive back position. His lack of depth in the safety room makes him a “must-get” player for the program.

In the defensive backfield, Cooley is as adaptable as they come. He has flourished in the nickel position and has the potential to make an instant impact for the Tigers in 2025.

Now that the Ole Miss visit is over and check-ins with LSU, Missouri, and Kentucky are planned, Kelly’s program will try to stay relevant when things get tight.

Cooley isn’t the only defensive back that will be in town this week. The Current Visitor: Auburn’s Keionte Scott A source confirmed to LSU Tigers On SI that Auburn defensive back transfer Keionte Scott arrived in Baton Rouge on Monday evening for a two-day stay in town. The coveted transfer entered the portal after three seasons with the Tigers where he totaled 113 tackles, eight pass breakups and an interception. Scott is listed as a cornerback, but is a versatile piece in the secondary where he can also play the nickel and safety slots.

According to a source, he has visited both USC and Houston, with LSU having the most recent opportunity to host him.

Scott and Cooley are the two defensive backs visiting town this week. LSU will also host Texas A&M tight end transfer Donovan Green, according to On3 Sports’ Pete Nakos.

Who have the Tigers gained commitments from?

The Additions on Offense (7):
– TE Bauer Sharp: Oklahoma
– WR Barion Brown: Kentucky
– QB Michael Van Buren: Mississippi State
– WR Destyn Hill: Florida State
– WR Nic Anderson: Oklahoma
– OL Braelin Moore: Virginia Tech
– OL Josh Thompson: Northwestern

The Additions on Defense (6):
– CB Ja’Keem Jackson: Florida
– EDGE Jimari Butler: Nebraska
– EDGE Jack Pyburn: Florida
– CB Mansoor Delane: Virginia Tech
– DL Sydir Mitchell: Texas
– EDGE Patrick Payton: Florida State

The Special Teams Additions (1):
Punter Grant Chadwick: Middle Tennessee