Brian Kelly Highlights Three LSU Football Transfer Portal Additions Turning Heads

The LSU Tigers football program, under the leadership of head coach Brian Kelly, has quickly established itself as one of the most prominent programs in the country, both in terms of recruiting and developing talent. As the college football landscape continues to evolve, one of the most important aspects of building a championship-caliber team is the transfer portal. The transfer portal has become an essential tool for coaches to strengthen their rosters by adding experienced and talented players from other programs.

For LSU, the 2025 season is shaping up to be another big year, with Kelly and his staff making key additions to the team via the transfer portal. These transfers not only provide much-needed depth but also fill specific gaps that LSU needed to address to stay competitive in the ever-tough SEC.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at three of the most impactful LSU football transfers under Brian Kelly’s guidance. These players have turned heads both in practice and among fans and analysts, and their impact on the team is expected to be significant for the upcoming season.

1. Kyron Lacy (Wide Receiver, Louisiana-Lafayette)

Transfer Overview: One of the most high-profile additions to LSU’s roster via the transfer portal is Kyron Lacy, a wide receiver formerly at Louisiana-Lafayette. Lacy made a name for himself in the Sun Belt Conference with his ability to make big plays and stretch the field. During his time at Louisiana-Lafayette, Lacy amassed over 1,500 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. His combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability made him one of the most sought-after receivers in the transfer portal.

Why He’s Turning Heads: Lacy’s transition to LSU has already been a success in terms of his fit in the Tigers’ offense. With a proven track record as a playmaker, Lacy provides LSU with another dynamic weapon in their receiving corps. He has already impressed LSU’s coaching staff and fans with his smooth route-running, ability to win contested catches, and his deep threat potential.

What sets Lacy apart is his blend of size and speed. Standing at 6’2″ and possessing a powerful frame, Lacy is able to high-point balls and overpower defenders, making him a reliable target in the red zone. Furthermore, his speed makes him a threat on deep routes, adding a vertical dimension to LSU’s offense that was sometimes missing in previous seasons.

What Lacy Brings to LSU: Lacy is expected to play a major role in LSU’s passing game, especially with the departure of some key receivers in the past year. His ability to stretch the field will complement LSU’s existing talent in the receiving corps, and he has the potential to be a primary target for quarterback Jayden Daniels. If he continues to develop chemistry with Daniels during camp, Lacy could quickly emerge as one of the Tigers’ go-to players.

Lacy’s arrival is especially important considering LSU’s need for depth and versatility at wide receiver. His experience at Louisiana-Lafayette means he’s battle-tested and ready to contribute immediately, which is crucial in a program like LSU that expects its transfers to make an immediate impact.

2. Juwan Johnson (Defensive Tackle, Oregon)

Transfer Overview: Another key addition to LSU’s defensive line is Juwan Johnson, a talented defensive tackle from Oregon. Johnson, who spent several productive seasons with the Ducks, is a physical presence on the interior of the defensive line. He has shown the ability to disrupt plays in both the running game and as a pass rusher, with impressive numbers in terms of tackles for loss and sacks. Standing at 6’4″ and 310 pounds, Johnson is a powerful player who can clog up running lanes while also generating pressure on the quarterback.

Why He’s Turning Heads: Johnson’s potential has already become apparent in LSU’s spring practices. His ability to command double-teams in the trenches and be a force in both pass rush and run defense has been a standout quality during his time in Baton Rouge. LSU’s defensive line coach, Jamar Cain, has praised Johnson’s physicality and work ethic, noting that he’s been a quick study since arriving at LSU.

What’s most exciting about Johnson’s addition to LSU’s defense is his versatility. While his natural position is defensive tackle, Johnson has the ability to play across multiple positions on the defensive line, including as a defensive end in certain packages. This flexibility allows LSU to deploy him in various ways, which will make their front seven even more formidable.

What Johnson Brings to LSU: LSU’s defensive line is traditionally a strength of the program, and Johnson’s presence only strengthens that reputation. His combination of strength, quickness, and versatility will allow him to be a game-changer in the middle of LSU’s defense. Additionally, Johnson’s experience in the Pac-12 means he’s been tested against high-level competition, which should help him make an immediate impact in the SEC.

The SEC is known for its dominant offensive lines, so having a player like Johnson who can consistently win battles in the trenches will be critical for LSU. His ability to both disrupt the pocket and stop the run gives LSU a versatile and valuable piece on defense, one that will undoubtedly be counted on to contribute heavily this season.

3. Jordan Burch (Edge Rusher, South Carolina)

Transfer Overview: Jordan Burch, an edge rusher who transferred from South Carolina, is another high-impact addition for LSU in 2025. Burch was a highly-rated recruit out of high school, and during his time with the Gamecocks, he showcased the ability to rush the passer and play against top-tier SEC competition. With 8.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss over his three seasons at South Carolina, Burch has demonstrated his potential to be a dominant edge rusher at the next level.

Why He’s Turning Heads: Burch’s physical attributes, which include his size and speed off the edge, have made him a standout in spring practices at LSU. At 6’6″ and 275 pounds, Burch has the length and strength to shed blockers and disrupt the quarterback’s pocket. His speed and agility make him a nightmare for offensive tackles, and he has already impressed the coaching staff with his ability to read offenses and get to the quarterback.

Another factor that has been a pleasant surprise for LSU is Burch’s ability to defend the run. His size and physicality allow him to set the edge and contain the running game, an area where edge rushers can sometimes be a liability. Burch’s well-rounded game makes him a valuable asset for LSU’s defense.

What Burch Brings to LSU: Burch provides LSU with a pass rusher capable of immediately stepping into a starting role. His ability to get pressure on the quarterback, combined with his run-stopping ability, makes him a complete player who can contribute in a variety of defensive schemes. LSU has long prided itself on its ability to pressure the quarterback, and Burch’s skill set adds another dimension to this unit.

With LSU playing in the high-powered SEC, the ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks is a critical need. Burch has the tools to be a difference-maker in this regard. Whether he’s lining up as a traditional defensive end or in a hybrid role, Burch’s presence will help LSU continue its tradition of dominant defensive play.

The Impact of the Transfer Portal on LSU’s 2025 Season

The additions of Kyron Lacy, Juwan Johnson, and Jordan Burch represent just a few of the key players LSU has brought in via the transfer portal, but they also underscore a broader strategy employed by Brian Kelly and his staff. The transfer portal has become an essential aspect of modern college football, and LSU has embraced this new era with open arms, using it as a tool to address specific needs while continuing to recruit and develop high school talent.

The 2025 LSU football team is shaping up to be one of the most balanced and well-rounded teams in the country. With a dynamic offense led by Jayden Daniels, a defense filled with playmakers like Burch and Johnson, and a roster brimming with talent across all positions, LSU is primed for success.

The transfer portal has provided LSU with key players who can make an immediate impact, ensuring that the Tigers remain competitive in the stacked SEC. Kelly’s ability to identify top-tier talent in the portal while still focusing on high school recruits shows a level of recruiting acumen that should keep LSU at the forefront of college football for years to come.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on these transfer additions to see how they contribute to LSU’s quest for a national title. With players like Kyron Lacy, Juwan Johnson, and Jordan Burch leading the charge, LSU is in prime position to be a major player in college football once again.