The top five transfers that negatively impacted LSU football in the 2025 transfer portal

In the world of college football, the transfer portal has become a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows players to find new opportunities and gives programs the ability to fill crucial gaps in their rosters. On the other hand, it can disrupt team chemistry and alter the trajectory of a program, especially when key players decide to leave. For LSU football, the 2025 transfer portal period was one filled with both triumph and heartbreak. While the Tigers successfully added impactful players, the departures of some key talents raised concerns about the future of the team.

Though LSU head coach Brian Kelly and his staff managed to secure several high-profile transfers to bolster the roster, the loss of certain players via the portal left significant gaps that the team must now address. These transfers, while providing new opportunities for the players themselves, created substantial challenges for the Tigers as they look to maintain their competitive edge in the SEC and beyond.

Here’s a breakdown of the top five transfers that negatively impacted LSU football in 2025:

1. Jaden Daniels (QB) – A Departure That Leaves a Huge Void

One of the most shocking departures in the 2025 transfer portal was that of quarterback Jaden Daniels, who had been the cornerstone of LSU’s offense under head coach Brian Kelly. After a record-breaking 2024 season, during which Daniels established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in college football, the news of his transfer sent shockwaves through the LSU fanbase.

Daniels had emerged as a dual-threat quarterback capable of making plays with both his arm and his legs. His ability to extend plays with his mobility and make clutch throws in high-pressure moments was one of the primary reasons for LSU’s success in 2024, when they reached the SEC Championship game and earned a spot in a prestigious bowl game. Daniels’ poise, leadership, and big-play potential were qualities that made him one of the most respected quarterbacks in the nation.

His decision to leave LSU and enter the transfer portal not only left the team with a significant hole at quarterback, but it also posed challenges for the offense’s continuity. Although LSU brought in a highly-rated quarterback in the transfer portal to replace Daniels, no new recruit could instantly replicate the experience and chemistry he had with the team. Daniels’ departure also meant that the Tigers lost a proven leader who could command the offense and keep the unit calm in the most difficult of situations.

In terms of immediate impact, LSU was forced to rely on a new starting quarterback who had limited experience, potentially disrupting the offense’s rhythm and creating uncertainty around the quarterback position for the 2025 season. This departure was one of the most significant blows to LSU football in recent memory.

2. Kayshon Boutte (WR) – A Star Receiver Gone Too Soon

Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte had long been viewed as one of the most promising playmakers to come out of LSU in recent years. His combination of size, speed, and explosive playmaking ability made him a standout in the Tigers’ offense. After a productive 2024 season, in which Boutte led the team in receiving yards and touchdowns, many anticipated that the dynamic wide receiver would return for another season to help LSU contend for a national championship.

However, Boutte’s decision to enter the transfer portal caught many by surprise and was a major blow to the Tigers’ receiving corps. While LSU still had talented receivers on the roster, none possessed the unique combination of physical traits and elite production that Boutte brought to the table. His ability to stretch the field, make contested catches, and serve as a deep threat was a vital component of the LSU offense.

Boutte’s departure left a massive void in the receiving room. Despite the presence of other talented wideouts, such as Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., the loss of a player with Boutte’s experience and versatility was felt immediately. The Tigers’ offense would need to find a new go-to receiver, one who could take over games and command defensive attention, just as Boutte had done in previous seasons. LSU’s passing attack, which had been one of the most potent in the SEC, would likely be less explosive without its star wideout.

Boutte’s decision to transfer also highlighted the continuing challenges that LSU faces in terms of player retention. The Tigers will now need to rely on younger players or incoming transfers to fill the gaps in their receiving corps, a task that could take time and may not yield the same level of success as Boutte had brought to the team.

3. Ali Gaye (DE) – A Key Departure on Defense

Defensive end Ali Gaye’s decision to enter the transfer portal was another significant loss for LSU’s defense. Gaye, a talented pass rusher who had been a consistent presence on the Tigers’ defensive line for several seasons, had become one of the most disruptive forces on LSU’s defense. His ability to pressure the quarterback, stop the run, and make plays in the backfield made him a crucial part of LSU’s defensive schemes, and his departure left a noticeable gap on the defensive line.

While LSU had a number of talented players along the defensive front, Gaye’s ability to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks and his leadership on the field were irreplaceable. Losing a player of his caliber meant that the Tigers would need to rely on unproven players or younger talent to step up and fill the void left by Gaye’s departure. The pass rush, which had been one of LSU’s strengths in 2024, would need to be retooled in his absence.

The defensive line was already an area of concern for LSU heading into the 2025 season, and Gaye’s decision to leave further complicated matters. The Tigers would need to find a way to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks without one of their top playmakers. The loss of Gaye also meant that LSU would be without one of its key leaders in the locker room, a factor that could have an impact on the defense’s overall cohesion and effectiveness.

4. Maason Smith (DT) – A Highly-Touted Talent, Gone

Another highly-regarded LSU player who entered the 2025 transfer portal was defensive tackle Maason Smith, who had been considered one of the top defensive prospects in the country. Smith’s blend of size, athleticism, and quickness made him one of the most feared interior defensive linemen in the SEC. His potential as a future first-round NFL draft pick was clear, and LSU had counted on him to anchor the defensive line for the 2025 season.

However, Smith’s decision to leave LSU was a blow to the Tigers’ defensive front. His ability to clog running lanes, push the pocket, and disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage made him a critical part of the defense’s success. The loss of Smith left LSU with a major hole in the interior of their defensive line, forcing them to turn to less experienced players or incoming transfers to fill the void.

The timing of Smith’s departure was particularly concerning, as LSU was already in the process of rebuilding its defensive line after the loss of several key players. While the Tigers had talented players ready to step up, none could fully replicate Smith’s impact on the field. His absence would likely lead to a drop in the team’s ability to stop the run and pressure opposing quarterbacks, two areas where Smith had excelled during his time at LSU.

5. Greg Brooks Jr. (CB) – A Key Contributor in the Secondary

Cornerback Greg Brooks Jr. had become a key part of LSU’s secondary since transferring to Baton Rouge, and his decision to enter the transfer portal in 2025 left a significant gap in the Tigers’ defensive backfield. Brooks was a versatile corner who excelled in both man and zone coverage and was known for his ability to lock down receivers and create turnovers.

While LSU had depth in the secondary, the loss of Brooks meant that the Tigers would have to rely on younger players who had yet to prove themselves at the highest level. Brooks’ ability to match up with top-tier wide receivers in the SEC was one of the primary reasons LSU’s defense had been effective in 2024, and his departure raised concerns about how the secondary would fare in 2025.

With Brooks no longer in the fold, LSU’s defense would need to find a new leader in the secondary who could shut down opposing wide receivers and provide consistency on the back end. This was especially important in the SEC, where high-powered offenses are the norm. Brooks’ absence would force LSU to shuffle their cornerback depth chart and potentially expose vulnerabilities in coverage.