Which LSU football transfer additions have the potential to be standouts in 2025?

As the 2024 college football season draws to a close, LSU Football is already setting its sights on the future, particularly the 2025 season. Under the guidance of head coach Brian Kelly, LSU has been one of the most active teams in the transfer portal in recent years, bringing in talented players from all over the country to bolster their roster. These additions play a pivotal role in the team’s success, as they not only provide immediate help in areas of need but also offer long-term potential to continue LSU’s tradition of excellence.

The transfer portal has revolutionized college football recruiting, allowing programs to address gaps in their rosters quickly and efficiently. For LSU, this strategy has been particularly beneficial, as they have successfully brought in high-level players across multiple positions. Heading into the 2025 season, there are several transfer additions that have the potential to make an immediate and lasting impact on the field.

In this article, we will examine some of the standout transfer players who could become key contributors for LSU in 2025. These athletes have the potential to shape the future of LSU Football, offering both talent and depth to a program that aims to compete for SEC titles and College Football Playoff appearances in the coming years.

The Importance of the Transfer Portal for LSU Football

Before diving into the individual players, it’s essential to understand why the transfer portal is so important to LSU Football. The portal allows teams to fill immediate needs, bolster areas of weakness, and find players who can step in and contribute right away. This is especially important for a program like LSU, which competes in the SEC, arguably the toughest conference in college football.

Under Brian Kelly, LSU has embraced the transfer portal as a way to address key positions and keep up with the competition. Whether it’s to shore up the defensive line, add depth at the skill positions, or find the next great quarterback, LSU has shown that it’s willing to make the necessary moves to maintain its competitive edge.

For 2025, LSU’s transfer class is shaping up to be one of the best in the country, with several key additions expected to have a major impact. These players come from a variety of backgrounds and bring unique skill sets to the table, giving LSU a chance to reload and strengthen its roster for the future.

Key LSU Transfer Additions Who Could Be Standouts in 2025

1. Jaden Rashada (Quarterback)

One of the most intriguing transfer additions for LSU is Jaden Rashada, a former highly-ranked four-star quarterback who initially committed to Florida before entering the transfer portal. Rashada is an exciting young talent with great potential and has been touted for his arm strength, accuracy, and poise in the pocket. His ability to make throws on all levels of the field, coupled with his athleticism, makes him a dual-threat quarterback who can help LSU’s offense move the ball in a variety of ways.

Rashada’s decision to transfer to LSU is one that immediately bolsters the quarterback room. With Jayden Daniels likely entering the NFL Draft after the 2024 season, the Tigers are looking for a new starting quarterback to lead the offense. Rashada’s skill set makes him an ideal candidate to step in as the starter in 2025, with a year to learn the system and get acclimated to the SEC’s level of competition.

Given his pedigree and ability to make all the necessary throws, Jaden Rashada has the potential to emerge as one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC by 2025. His development under Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock could shape him into a future star for the Tigers, making him one of the most important transfer additions for LSU.

2. Omar Speights (Linebacker)

One of the most significant transfer additions for LSU in recent years is Omar Speights, a standout linebacker who transferred from Oregon State. Speights is an experienced and physical presence in the middle of the defense, with the ability to make plays against both the run and the pass. During his time with Oregon State, Speights developed into one of the top linebackers in the Pac-12, earning All-Conference honors and gaining a reputation as a leader on the field.

The addition of Speights is crucial for LSU’s defense, which lost several key contributors to the NFL after the 2024 season. With LSU aiming to build a defense capable of competing for championships, Speights’ leadership and experience will be invaluable. His ability to diagnose plays, cover in space, and make stops at or near the line of scrimmage will help LSU’s linebacking corps become one of the most feared in the SEC.

As LSU looks to strengthen its defense in 2025, Omar Speights has the potential to be a leader and a game-changer in the middle of the field. His ability to play sideline-to-sideline and impact the passing game as well as the run game makes him one of the top defensive transfer additions for LSU.

3. Kyron Lacy (Wide Receiver)

One of the key areas where LSU has looked to improve is at the wide receiver position. While Malik Nabers is expected to be a standout in 2024 and beyond, LSU needed more depth at receiver to help take pressure off its star pass-catcher. Enter Kyron Lacy, a former Louisiana Lafayette standout who transferred to LSU to continue his career at a higher level of competition.

Lacy is a physical wide receiver with great size and the ability to make plays in both the short and deep passing game. His strong hands, ability to win contested catches, and impressive route-running ability give LSU a new weapon on the outside. With LSU’s passing game poised to be dynamic under Jayden Daniels in 2024, Lacy’s presence will only help improve the Tigers’ receiving corps.

By 2025, Lacy could emerge as one of LSU’s top receiving threats. His ability to stretch the field and make plays in key moments will give LSU a potent weapon in the passing game. The combination of Lacy, Malik Nabers, and other young receivers gives LSU a deep and versatile receiving corps, making the Tigers one of the more dangerous offenses in the country.

4. Mekhi Wingo (Defensive Tackle)

Mekhi Wingo, a standout defensive tackle who transferred from Missouri, is another player who could have a significant impact for LSU in 2025. Wingo is a disruptive force on the interior of the defensive line, known for his quickness, strength, and ability to collapse the pocket. In his time at Missouri, Wingo proved to be one of the top interior linemen in the SEC, earning praise for his motor and ability to penetrate offensive lines.

With LSU’s defensive line looking to build on its success from the 2024 season, Wingo is an ideal addition to provide depth and skill. His ability to play both the run and the pass makes him a versatile player, and his experience in the SEC will allow him to step in immediately and contribute. Whether as a starter or a key rotational player, Wingo’s presence in the middle of the defensive line will be crucial for LSU’s success on defense.

As LSU prepares for the 2025 season, Mekhi Wingo could be one of the players who anchors the Tigers’ defense. His strength and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield will help LSU become more formidable on defense, making him one of the top transfer additions for the program.

5. Lance Hurd (Offensive Tackle)

An important addition to LSU’s offensive line is Lance Hurd, an offensive tackle who transferred to Baton Rouge from Louisiana Tech. Hurd is a towering presence on the offensive line, known for his size, strength, and athleticism. As LSU looks to continue building one of the top offensive lines in the SEC, Hurd is an important piece of the puzzle.

In the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of the SEC, having a strong offensive line is crucial to both the running game and the passing game. Hurd’s ability to protect the quarterback and open holes for running backs will make him a key contributor for the Tigers. Given his size and mobility, Hurd has the potential to be one of the top offensive linemen in the SEC by 2025, and his development under offensive line coach Brad Davis will be pivotal for LSU’s future success.