Three Transfers from LSU Football Are Still Looking for New Schools

Three Transfers from LSU Football Are Still Looking for New Schools: The Impact on Their Careers and the LSU Program

As the college football transfer portal continues to evolve into a key mechanism for roster management, the movement of players from one program to another has become a central feature of the game. This offseason, LSU football, like many programs, saw several players depart for new opportunities via the transfer portal. However, while many players have already found new homes, there are still a few former LSU Tigers searching for the right fit at a new school.

The decision to enter the transfer portal is never an easy one, and it can be influenced by a variety of factors, including playing time, scheme fit, personal growth, or even off-field circumstances. For LSU, a program that consistently competes at a high level in the SEC, the departure of players through the portal is a sign of the competitive nature of the roster and the challenges of keeping every player satisfied. But for the players themselves, finding a new school is a crucial next step in their college football journey, and it could determine the trajectory of their careers.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the three LSU football players still searching for new schools through the transfer portal. We’ll explore their reasons for leaving LSU, how they’ve performed in their careers so far, and what schools could be potential landing spots for these players. Additionally, we’ll examine how LSU, as a program, is navigating the realities of the transfer portal and how these departures might impact the Tigers in the long term.

The Transfer Portal: A Double-Edged Sword

The introduction of the transfer portal has changed the landscape of college football in profound ways. On one hand, it provides players with the opportunity to find a better fit in terms of playing time, system, or personal needs. On the other hand, it introduces an element of uncertainty and volatility, as players constantly shift between programs in search of new opportunities.

For LSU, the transfer portal has been both a tool for rejuvenation and a source of challenge. On the positive side, the Tigers have been able to bolster their roster by bringing in several talented players from the portal, helping to address depth and strengthen key areas. For head coach Brian Kelly, the transfer portal has been essential to building the program’s future while also competing at a high level in the present.

However, the downside is that it also leads to player attrition. Even with LSU’s success and prominence, not every player can see the field consistently, especially at a program with such a deep and competitive roster. For some players, the lack of playing time, the inability to crack the starting lineup, or a change in coaching staff or scheme can lead them to seek opportunities elsewhere. These decisions are a natural part of college football’s current ecosystem, but they still represent an emotional and professional challenge for both the players and the coaching staff.

The Three LSU Players Still Looking for New Schools

As the transfer portal continues to be a hub of movement and change, three former LSU football players stand out for their decision to seek new programs. Each of these players has a unique story, and their departure from LSU provides insight into the various factors that lead to transfer portal entries. Let’s take a look at these three players and their situations.

1. Max Johnson (Quarterback)

Background and Departure from LSU: Max Johnson was one of LSU’s most prominent quarterbacks during his time in Baton Rouge. The son of former NFL quarterback Brad Johnson, Max showed promise as the Tigers’ starting quarterback during the 2021 season and into 2022. However, despite his potential, Johnson faced stiff competition for the starting job, especially with the arrival of highly touted transfer quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Johnson’s decision to enter the transfer portal was driven by his desire for more consistent playing time. As a talented quarterback with NFL aspirations, Johnson recognized that he needed to find a situation where he could continue to develop and improve as a starter. After two seasons at LSU, he ultimately decided to move on in search of a program where he could secure the starting role without the uncertainty of competing for the position.

Current Status and Potential Landing Spots: Max Johnson found a new home relatively quickly, transferring to Texas A&M to continue his college football career. Texas A&M, a fellow SEC West school, provided Johnson with the opportunity to compete for the starting quarterback position. The Aggies are rebuilding their program, and Johnson’s experience and talent were seen as assets that could help stabilize the position.

Although Johnson’s transfer did not drastically change LSU’s immediate fortunes—LSU’s offense shifted to Daniels as the starting quarterback—his departure nonetheless highlights the competitive nature of the quarterback position and the challenges LSU faces in keeping top-tier talent satisfied. As a player who showed flashes of promise but ultimately didn’t secure a consistent starting role, Johnson’s transfer provides valuable context in understanding the evolving role of quarterbacks in college football.

2. Eli Ricks (Cornerback)

Background and Departure from LSU: Eli Ricks came to LSU as a highly rated cornerback recruit with the potential to become a first-round NFL draft pick. He quickly made an impact as a freshman, earning All-SEC honors and establishing himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the nation. However, his career took an unexpected turn as injuries and inconsistencies affected his time on the field.

After a highly anticipated sophomore season, Ricks announced he would enter the transfer portal following the 2021 season. His decision to leave LSU was likely influenced by a combination of factors, including injuries and LSU’s shifting defensive schemes. While Ricks’ talent was never in doubt, his time at LSU was marred by health concerns, and the Tigers’ defense was undergoing significant changes under new defensive coordinator, Matt House.

Current Status and Potential Landing Spots: Ricks quickly found a new home, transferring to Alabama, one of LSU’s biggest rivals. This move was surprising to many fans, given the fierce rivalry between the two programs. However, Alabama was able to offer Ricks the chance to play in a high-profile defense and compete for national championships.

Ricks’ departure was felt by LSU’s defense, especially in the secondary, where the Tigers had hoped he would be a cornerstone for years to come. However, his move to Alabama underscores the difficulty LSU faces in retaining top defensive talent, especially when top programs like Alabama are able to attract players who may feel they need a change of scenery.

3. Trey Palmer (Wide Receiver)

Background and Departure from LSU: Trey Palmer came to LSU as a highly regarded wide receiver prospect but struggled to carve out a consistent role within the Tigers’ offense. Despite his speed and raw talent, Palmer found himself competing for playing time in a deep and talented receiving corps.

In 2021, Palmer’s limited production led to his decision to enter the transfer portal. His departure from LSU was influenced by the need to find a system that would better suit his talents and provide him with more opportunities to showcase his skills. With competition for spots on the LSU roster growing, Palmer saw the portal as an opportunity to find more consistent playing time and contribute more significantly to an offense.

Current Status and Potential Landing Spots: Palmer found a new home at Nebraska, a school that had been actively recruiting players to rebuild its program. At Nebraska, Palmer will likely be a key contributor to the offense and will have the chance to prove himself as one of the top wide receivers in the Big Ten.

While LSU’s wide receiver group continues to feature some of the most talented pass-catchers in the country, Palmer’s departure highlights the challenges of finding consistent playing time in a crowded position group. His move also illustrates the growing trend of players seeking fresh opportunities to prove themselves, especially when they are not given the starting roles they hope for at their original school.

Impact on LSU’s Program

The departure of these three players has had varying levels of impact on LSU’s football program. On the one hand, their exits have created opportunities for other players to step up and seize key roles within the team. For example, Jayden Daniels’ arrival has solidified LSU’s quarterback position, while younger defensive players have had the chance to earn significant playing time following Ricks’ departure. On the other hand, the loss of these players, particularly Ricks and Palmer, represents a blow to LSU’s depth in important areas like the secondary and receiving corps.

Brian Kelly, however, has remained focused on building a program that can succeed with the talent at his disposal, and he has been active in using the transfer portal to replace the talent lost to transfers. The influx of new players has already made a noticeable impact on LSU’s depth, and the Tigers’ future remains bright despite the turnover.