For the time being, has LSU football been included to the transfer portal?

The landscape of college football has been dramatically altered in recent years by the introduction and rapid expansion of the transfer portal, a system that allows athletes to transfer from one school to another while maintaining eligibility. For LSU football, a powerhouse program in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the transfer portal has become a pivotal tool in building a championship-contending team, particularly in a highly competitive conference. The question on the minds of LSU fans, coaches, and analysts is whether LSU football has been included in the transfer portal and how their activity will impact the team’s future success.

As of the 2025 offseason, LSU football has indeed been active in the transfer portal. Head coach Brian Kelly has made it clear that, while his program values recruitment through high school players, the transfer portal provides an important opportunity to bolster the roster, especially for immediate contributions and specific needs. Let’s explore the reasons behind LSU’s involvement in the portal, who the Tigers have added or lost, and what it means for their future aspirations.

The Role of the Transfer Portal in College Football

Before diving into LSU’s specific situation, it’s important to understand why the transfer portal has become such a critical part of modern college football. The portal allows athletes to enter their name into a system, effectively signaling to all NCAA programs that they are available to transfer. While the system initially raised concerns about player retention and its potential to disrupt team chemistry, it has also created a more fluid player market and allowed for greater flexibility in roster management.

For teams like LSU, which have national championship aspirations, the portal has proven to be an invaluable tool. It allows programs to address weaknesses quickly, secure top-tier talent that may have been overlooked in high school recruiting, or simply provide depth in key positions. The emergence of the portal has fundamentally changed the way programs build their rosters, with a growing emphasis on not only high school recruits but also transfers who can make an immediate impact.

LSU’s Strategy: Targeting Key Positions in the Portal

Under Brian Kelly, LSU has embraced a multi-faceted recruiting strategy that includes a heavy reliance on high school recruiting while also leveraging the transfer portal to address specific needs. The Tigers have been aggressive in the portal, using it to supplement their already impressive roster and ensure that they remain competitive in a stacked SEC.

One of the primary reasons LSU has been active in the transfer portal is to address areas of need where their roster may be lacking depth or experience. For example, LSU has used the portal to bolster positions such as quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back, areas where they had either a lack of proven talent or needed additional competition to raise the level of play.

In addition to adding players at positions of need, LSU has also used the transfer portal to bring in high-caliber athletes who can make an immediate impact. With the program’s long-standing tradition of success, players who might have been initially overlooked by LSU or who may not have had the right fit at their previous school have flocked to Baton Rouge in hopes of joining a competitive program with national title aspirations.

LSU’s 2025 Transfer Portal Additions

While LSU has seen a few departures through the portal in recent years, the program has also made some key additions in the 2025 offseason that could help elevate them to championship contention. Some of the most notable players who have transferred to LSU in recent months include:

1. QB Walker Howard (from Ole Miss)

One of the most notable additions to LSU’s roster is Walker Howard, the former highly touted quarterback from Ole Miss. Howard, a freshman at Ole Miss, entered the transfer portal after limited playing time behind starter Jaxson Dart. At LSU, Howard will join a quarterback competition that includes rising stars like Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier, but his arrival adds depth to an already talented room.

LSU is looking to capitalize on Howard’s strong arm and mobility. While Daniels is expected to remain the starter for the upcoming season, Howard’s arrival provides LSU with a backup who can step in at any moment, and his long-term potential may make him a starter in the future. Having this type of depth at the quarterback position is vital for a program aiming to compete for championships, especially in the tough SEC.

2. WR Ricky Collins (from Purdue)

LSU has also bolstered its wide receiver corps with the addition of Ricky Collins from Purdue. Collins, a former 4-star recruit, brings an element of speed and playmaking ability to the Tigers’ offense. LSU’s wide receiving unit had previously been one of the weakest spots on the team, but Collins’ athleticism and ability to stretch the field will give LSU’s offense more dimension, particularly as they look to improve their aerial attack.

The Tigers have a strong group of receivers, including the likes of Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., but adding another dynamic threat like Collins helps elevate the talent level across the position group. Collins has the potential to make an immediate impact, and LSU fans are excited to see how he can contribute.

3. CB Javon Banks (from Georgia Tech)

The defensive backfield is another area where LSU has made key additions. Javon Banks, a cornerback from Georgia Tech, brings experience and talent to a secondary that lost some key players to graduation and the NFL. Banks is known for his ability to lock down receivers and his ball skills, making him an important addition to an LSU defense that is already known for its aggressive, playmaking style.

Having Banks on the roster provides LSU with depth at cornerback and helps shore up a secondary that will face numerous potent passing offenses in the SEC. His leadership and experience will be crucial as LSU looks to contend for an SEC title.

4. LB Jordan Hall (from Florida State)

At linebacker, LSU added Jordan Hall from Florida State, a talented player known for his sideline-to-sideline range and ability to contribute both in pass coverage and as a run-stopper. LSU’s linebacker corps has always been a strength, but adding a player like Hall gives them another weapon to combat some of the high-powered offenses in the SEC.

Hall’s versatility and experience should help solidify LSU’s front seven, and his ability to make plays in the open field will be a significant asset in both SEC and national games.

Departures from the LSU Program

In addition to adding talent from the transfer portal, LSU has also seen some key departures over the last few seasons. These departures are often the result of players seeking more playing time or finding a better fit elsewhere. While losing talent via the transfer portal can be tough for any program, it’s a natural part of the process, especially for a team that is consistently competing for championships.

Some of LSU’s recent transfer portal departures include:

• CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse (to Arkansas)
• WR Deion Smith (to Mississippi State)
• OL Anthony Bradford (to Florida)

Though LSU has lost some notable players to the portal, the additions have far outweighed the losses. With a coaching staff that values player development and competition, LSU’s program remains as strong as ever, and the key to their success in the future will be their ability to maximize their current roster while continuing to build through the portal.

What This Means for LSU Football Moving Forward

Looking ahead, LSU’s activity in the transfer portal is just one part of the bigger picture. As the program aims for another SEC title and a possible College Football Playoff berth, the transfers will undoubtedly play an important role in the team’s success. Coach Brian Kelly, who has an excellent track record in managing rosters and developing talent, is well-positioned to maximize the contributions of the players who have come to LSU via the portal.

The strategy of blending elite high school talent with experienced transfers creates a well-rounded roster that can be competitive at the highest levels of college football. The transfer portal provides LSU with the flexibility to add players who fit specific needs while maintaining the foundation of a championship-caliber program.

Moreover, LSU’s success in the portal reflects the program’s reputation as a destination for top-tier talent. As more players look for opportunities to compete at elite programs, LSU will continue to attract talented athletes who can contribute immediately. Whether it’s adding depth to a position group, bringing in immediate starters, or enhancing team competition, LSU’s active role in the transfer portal will continue to shape the program’s future.