LSU football ranks first overall and has nine transfers in the Portal’s top 100.
LSU Football Ranks First Overall and Has Nine Transfers in the Portal’s Top 100: A Deep Dive into the Tigers’ Dominant Offseason
As college football continues to evolve in the era of the transfer portal, LSU football has managed to position itself at the forefront of this revolution. After finishing a remarkable 2024 season, the Tigers have entered the offseason with an impressive ranking as the number one team overall in terms of transfer portal acquisitions. LSU’s coaching staff, led by Brian Kelly, has executed an offseason strategy that has helped solidify their roster for the upcoming 2025 season. With nine transfers currently ranked in the portal’s top 100, the Tigers are not just winning in the recruiting world but also setting themselves up for sustained success on the field.
In the following analysis, we will break down the reasons behind LSU’s success in the portal, examine the players they have added, and discuss how these transfers could impact the Tigers’ quest for a national championship. Moreover, we’ll look at the bigger picture surrounding LSU’s transfer portal strategy and how it fits into the changing landscape of college football.
LSU’s Transfer Portal Strategy: Building a Contender
The 2023 and 2024 seasons saw a marked improvement in LSU’s on-field product, with Brian Kelly’s leadership transforming a program that was in need of an identity following the departure of Ed Orgeron. By combining solid recruiting classes with key transfer portal additions, Kelly was able to build a balanced and competitive team capable of challenging for national titles. In 2025, that vision is expected to come to fruition as LSU ranks first in transfer portal rankings, a testament to their ability to identify and attract talent.
LSU’s dominance in the transfer portal can be attributed to a few key factors:
- Brand Power: LSU is a historically successful program with a rich football tradition. The Tigers’ consistent success, particularly in the SEC, provides them with a massive brand appeal for players looking to make an immediate impact on a national stage. This cachet allows LSU to recruit top talent both domestically and nationally, as the school can offer visibility, competition, and a pathway to the NFL.
- Brian Kelly’s Recruiting Philosophy: While Kelly has built strong recruiting classes during his time in Baton Rouge, he has also strategically targeted key positions of need through the transfer portal. His philosophy centers on adding players who can contribute immediately, complementing the young talent already in place. Kelly’s experience at Notre Dame has taught him the importance of developing depth through transfers, and this has become a key element of his strategy at LSU.
- Talent Development: LSU has a reputation for developing NFL-caliber talent. The school has produced numerous NFL draft picks over the years, which remains a selling point for transfers who want to improve their draft stock. The opportunity to play for a coaching staff that has proven its ability to elevate players to the next level has made LSU a destination for talented athletes.
- Flexibility and Immediate Impact: With the transfer portal becoming a tool for players to find immediate playing time, LSU has positioned itself as a prime destination for those looking to make an immediate impact. Whether it’s filling gaps in the offensive line, strengthening the secondary, or adding depth to the quarterback room, LSU has been proactive in using the portal to meet immediate needs.
Key Transfer Additions: LSU’s Top 9 Transfers in the Portal
One of the most compelling reasons behind LSU’s dominant transfer portal ranking is the caliber of talent they have brought in. Nine transfers have landed at LSU in the top 100 of the portal rankings, each offering unique strengths and addressing key needs for the team. Let’s take a closer look at the players who will be donning purple and gold next season.
- Quarterback: Jayden Daniels (Arizona State Transfer)
- A dynamic dual-threat quarterback, Jayden Daniels has the potential to be the centerpiece of LSU’s offense in 2025. Daniels brings significant experience from his time at Arizona State, where he was a highly productive and versatile player. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs gives LSU an additional dimension on offense. With the Tigers in need of a stable and capable quarterback after Garrett Nussmeier’s departure, Daniels could be the perfect fit to lead this team to a championship.
- Running Back: Zach Evans (Ole Miss Transfer)
- Zach Evans is one of the most highly anticipated running back transfers of the 2025 offseason. Having played for Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss, Evans is known for his explosiveness and ability to break tackles. He will give LSU’s offense a powerful, physical presence in the backfield. With LSU’s current running back depth needing bolstering, Evans could immediately become the Tigers’ feature back and a game-changer on the ground.
- Wide Receiver: Malik Nabers (Alabama Transfer)
- Another high-profile transfer, Malik Nabers is a top-tier wide receiver who brings both speed and physicality to the LSU passing attack. His ability to stretch the field and make contested catches down the sideline will complement LSU’s dynamic offensive schemes. Nabers’ physicality and route-running ability make him a perfect addition for quarterback Jayden Daniels, and together they could form a deadly duo in the SEC.
- Offensive Tackle: Tyler Steen (Kentucky Transfer)
- LSU’s offensive line has been one of the program’s focal points in recent seasons, and the addition of Tyler Steen will solidify this unit even further. Steen’s experience playing for Kentucky in the SEC makes him an excellent fit for LSU’s offensive system. His pass-blocking ability will protect Daniels and create opportunities for Evans to run behind a sturdy line.
- Defensive End: Landon Jackson (Texas A&M Transfer)
- LSU has always had a strong defensive line, and Landon Jackson will only enhance that reputation. A highly athletic defensive end with great pass-rushing skills, Jackson will bolster LSU’s ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. His ability to disrupt the pocket will make LSU’s defense even more formidable in 2025. Jackson’s size and speed will allow LSU to rotate pass rushers and keep fresh legs on the field.
- Linebacker: Harold Perkins (Florida Transfer)
- A talented linebacker who can cover ground quickly, Harold Perkins adds speed and versatility to LSU’s defensive front. Known for his ability to play sideline to sideline, Perkins will be a key asset against both the run and the pass. His addition will provide much-needed depth to the Tigers’ linebacker corps and make them more aggressive defensively.
- Cornerback: Denver Harris (Texas Transfer)
- LSU’s secondary has been a major strength for the team over the past few years, and the addition of Denver Harris only makes it stronger. Harris brings a wealth of experience in the Big 12 and has the talent to be an immediate starter. His ability to shut down wide receivers and his ball skills will make him an invaluable asset in LSU’s defensive backfield.
- Safety: Jordan Toles (LSU Transfer)
- Coming back to Baton Rouge from his previous stint elsewhere, Jordan Toles provides LSU with leadership in the safety position. Known for his versatility, Toles can play both as a strong safety and a free safety, providing LSU’s defense with the flexibility it needs to adapt to different offensive styles. He will be a key leader in the back half of LSU’s defense, helping to anchor the secondary and prevent big plays.
- Tight End: Dalton Kincaid (Utah Transfer)
- As a standout tight end at Utah, Dalton Kincaid offers a combination of size, athleticism, and hands that will make him a significant weapon in the passing game. His ability to block in the run game and contribute in the passing game will help LSU diversify their offensive attack. Kincaid can create mismatches with defenders and provide another reliable target for Daniels down the field.
The Impact of LSU’s Transfer Success on Their 2025 Season
With these nine top-ranked transfers, LSU has positioned itself to be one of the most dangerous teams in the SEC in 2025. From bolstering their offensive line to adding explosive playmakers on both sides of the ball, the Tigers have addressed critical areas of need. Here’s a look at how these additions will impact LSU’s upcoming season:
- Offensive Explosion: With the return of an experienced quarterback like Jayden Daniels, combined with a physical running back in Zach Evans and a deep group of receivers, LSU’s offense is poised to be one of the most dynamic in the SEC. This improved offensive talent, paired with a top-tier offensive line, will make LSU tough to stop in both the run and pass game.
- Defensive Dominance: On the defensive side of the ball, LSU is bringing in some of the nation’s most feared pass rushers and defensive backs. Landon Jackson and Harold Perkins will strengthen LSU’s ability to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks, while Denver Harris and Jordan Toles will provide stability and leadership in the secondary. Together, this defensive unit has the potential to be suffocating, making LSU one of the toughest teams to score against in 2025.
- Depth and Rotational Flexibility: LSU’s depth across the board will give the coaching staff the flexibility to rotate players and keep them fresh throughout the grueling SEC schedule. With the added talent and depth through the portal, LSU will be able to weather injuries and make adjustments on the fly, which will be crucial in high-stakes games.
- National Championship Contention: With the influx of talent from the transfer portal, LSU is now firmly in the conversation for a national championship. The combination of a high-powered offense, a dominant defense, and excellent depth will make the Tigers a formidable opponent in every game they play.
Conclusion: LSU’s Transfer Portal Mastery Sets the Stage for a Historic Season
LSU’s impressive success in the transfer portal during the offseason sets the stage for an exciting 2025 season. By bringing in nine top-100 transfers, the Tigers have filled key holes and added significant talent to both sides of the ball. With head coach Brian Kelly’s vision and leadership, LSU is primed to compete for a national championship and challenge the SEC elite. As the college football landscape continues to evolve, LSU’s ability to adapt and capitalize on the transfer portal will likely serve as a model for other programs seeking success in this new era of recruitment.
