Brian Kelly on whether LSU football needs to add in the spring transfer window

As the spring transfer window approaches in college football, LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly finds himself in a position of careful evaluation and decision-making. LSU’s football program has already seen significant changes during the offseason, and many fans, analysts, and insiders are wondering if more moves will be made in the spring transfer window. Historically, the transfer portal has become an integral part of roster building for college football programs, and LSU has been no stranger to making moves that help enhance the talent pool.

In this piece, we delve into Brian Kelly’s thoughts and the broader context surrounding LSU football’s approach to the spring transfer window. We’ll explore LSU’s roster needs, the impact of the transfer portal, and the decisions facing Kelly and his coaching staff.

1. LSU’s Recent Success with the Transfer Portal

Under Brian Kelly’s leadership, LSU has proven to be adept at navigating the transfer portal. The 2023 season highlighted Kelly’s ability to bring in key contributors from the portal, a strategy that is now commonplace in college football. Notable additions in the previous offseason included players like quarterback Jayden Daniels, wide receiver Malik Nabers, and cornerback Mekhi Garner, who all became integral parts of the LSU football team’s success.

Jayden Daniels, in particular, was a game-changer for LSU, leading the Tigers’ offense to new heights with his dual-threat capabilities. His arrival, along with several other key transfer additions, helped LSU finish the 2023 season with a strong record and a competitive showing in the SEC. The ability to bring in talented players who fit LSU’s system immediately allowed the team to remain competitive and return to national prominence under Kelly.

Kelly’s understanding of the transfer portal and how to use it to his advantage has made him a top recruiter. It’s no surprise that the upcoming spring transfer window is on his radar as he looks to continue building a roster that can compete for SEC and national titles.

2. Assessing LSU’s Current Roster Needs

Before diving into whether LSU football will make a move in the spring transfer window, it’s important to first take a step back and evaluate the current state of the roster. The Tigers have a solid foundation heading into the 2024 season, but like every program, there are areas that could use strengthening.

Quarterback Depth

LSU is in a relatively stable position at quarterback with the return of Jayden Daniels, who will be one of the top quarterbacks in the nation heading into 2024. Daniels’ growth under Kelly has been evident, and he has cemented his status as LSU’s leader on offense. However, the question remains about depth behind Daniels.

Currently, Garrett Nussmeier is the backup quarterback, a player with considerable talent and potential. However, the backup position remains crucial to any program, and having reliable depth at quarterback is necessary for a championship-contending team. LSU may want to consider adding another quarterback through the spring transfer portal to ensure they have a third option, particularly in case of injury.

Offensive Line Depth

One area that Kelly has been focused on improving since his arrival at LSU is the offensive line. While the Tigers have solid starters, depth remains a concern. LSU’s offensive line struggled in the 2023 season at times, particularly in games against SEC teams with strong defensive fronts. Offensive line play is critical for any team that wants to compete at a high level, and LSU may want to bolster its depth in the spring to avoid being caught short-handed.

Adding an experienced offensive lineman from the transfer portal could help create competition for starting spots and provide additional depth. With several SEC programs investing heavily in their offensive lines, LSU needs to keep pace by ensuring its line is not only talented but also deep enough to withstand the rigors of a grueling schedule.

Defensive Line and Linebackers

On the defensive side of the ball, LSU has a strong core of players, but as with every elite program, there’s always room for improvement. The defensive line, which has historically been a strength for LSU, could use an influx of depth in the spring transfer window. While LSU has several young defensive linemen with significant upside, adding a veteran presence to help guide and mentor the younger players could be a valuable move.

Similarly, the linebacker corps could benefit from an experienced transfer. While LSU returns several key pieces, including Harold Perkins, who emerged as one of the nation’s top linebackers in 2023, adding depth to the position could further solidify the defense. Defensive coordinator Matt House will likely want to create more competition and ensure that LSU has the necessary pieces to be a formidable defense in 2024.

Wide Receiver Corps

LSU’s wide receiver room is another area where Kelly may consider making a move. Although Malik Nabers returns as one of the top wide receivers in the nation, LSU’s receiving corps is relatively untested after Nabers. Kayshon Boutte’s departure to the NFL and Jack Bech’s move to TCU have left gaps that could be filled through the transfer portal. LSU may look for an experienced wide receiver to step into a starting role or provide more depth in the rotation.

While LSU’s recruiting class in 2024 is expected to bring in talented wide receivers, it may take time for those players to develop and adjust to the college level. A transfer receiver could immediately help provide another weapon for Jayden Daniels and the Tigers’ high-powered offense.

3. Brian Kelly’s Approach to the Transfer Portal

Brian Kelly has been clear about his philosophy regarding the transfer portal: it’s an invaluable tool for roster building, but it must be used strategically. Kelly has emphasized that he doesn’t view the transfer portal as a way to “fill holes” just for the sake of doing so. Instead, he views the portal as a way to add players who can make an immediate impact and fit LSU’s culture and team-building philosophy.

“I think the transfer portal is an important tool, but it’s also important to make sure you’re not just adding players for the sake of adding players,” Kelly said during a press conference in 2024. “We’re looking for guys who will help us win championships, and who are the right fit for LSU and the culture we’re building here.”

Kelly’s careful approach to the transfer portal has paid off thus far, as LSU has been able to add impact players while maintaining its focus on developing talent from within. Kelly is known for his ability to build relationships with recruits and players in the transfer portal, making sure they understand LSU’s vision and what the program stands for.

4. Does LSU Need to Add in the Spring Transfer Window?

Considering LSU’s current roster and Kelly’s philosophy, the question remains: does LSU need to make any moves in the spring transfer window? The answer, according to Kelly, depends on what is available and whether the right players are out there who can make an immediate impact.

“We’ll always be looking at the transfer portal,” Kelly said. “But it has to be the right fit. If there’s a player that we feel can come in and contribute right away, and who fits our program, we’ll certainly take a hard look. But we also have to make sure we don’t disrupt the chemistry we’re building with the current roster.”

The decision to make a move in the spring transfer window will likely come down to a few factors:

• Position Needs: As discussed earlier, LSU could potentially add depth at quarterback, offensive line, or linebacker, all of which are areas of focus. If a talented player becomes available who can immediately contribute, Kelly may pull the trigger.
• Player Fit: LSU’s culture is a major part of its success, and Kelly will not add a player just to fill a roster spot. The player must align with LSU’s values and mesh well with the team’s existing chemistry.
• NIL Considerations: With the growing influence of NIL, LSU’s ability to attract top transfer talent through NIL deals will play a role in any potential additions. Kelly will need to balance NIL opportunities with the needs of the program.