Brian Kelly, the head coach of LSU football, suggests that an underappreciated transfer may have an influence in 2025.

Brian Kelly, the Head Coach of LSU Football, Suggests That an Underappreciated Transfer May Have an Influence in 2025

As LSU football enters the 2025 season with high hopes and aspirations, one of the most exciting aspects of the team is the influx of transfers. With the rise of the transfer portal, programs like LSU have been able to bring in talented players who can immediately contribute to their programs. Under the leadership of Brian Kelly, the Tigers have been one of the most successful programs in terms of building through the portal, creating an intriguing mix of established talent and emerging stars.

While much of the attention this offseason has been focused on high-profile transfers, Brian Kelly, the head coach of LSU, has hinted at a lesser-known transfer who could be poised for a major impact in 2025. Despite flying under the radar for many fans and analysts, Kelly believes this transfer player may play a pivotal role in LSU’s success next season.

In this article, we will break down who this underappreciated transfer is, why Kelly is so high on their potential, what the player brings to the table, and how they could make a difference in LSU’s quest for an SEC title and a possible national championship in 2025.

The Transfer Portal and LSU’s Success

The transfer portal has become a staple of modern college football, giving programs an opportunity to reload their rosters with established talent from other programs. LSU has capitalized on this system under Brian Kelly, with several high-profile transfers joining the program in recent seasons. From adding veteran players to bolstering depth at key positions, LSU’s transfer portal success has been a vital part of their rebuilding process.

In recent seasons, the Tigers have added players like Jarahd Williams (cornerback from Tennessee), Kyren Lacy (wide receiver from Louisiana), and Mason Taylor (tight end from Texas), all of whom were expected to make significant contributions to the program. But it’s not just the high-profile names that have drawn attention. Brian Kelly and his coaching staff have been strategic in targeting underappreciated transfers—players who may have slipped under the radar for various reasons but have immense potential to excel in LSU’s system.

Who Is This Underappreciated Transfer?

While LSU fans and media have been quick to praise big-name transfers, Kelly recently suggested that there is one particular underappreciated transfer who could have a major influence on the team in 2025. That player is Jalen Smith, a 6-foot-3-inch, 210-pound linebacker who transferred from Purdue after three seasons with the Boilermakers.

Smith’s path to LSU has not been one of instant recognition, but Kelly has seen something in him that makes him a valuable asset for the Tigers. While he may not have been the flashy, headline-grabbing transfer like some of the other players, Jalen Smith has the potential to be a key player for LSU’s defense.

Smith was a three-year starter at Purdue, playing both inside and outside linebacker for the Boilermakers. In his final season at Purdue, he posted 85 tackles, including 9.5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. He also demonstrated excellent coverage skills, intercepting two passes and breaking up several more. Despite his solid statistics, Smith’s decision to transfer was overshadowed by other high-profile players making waves in the transfer portal.

However, Brian Kelly saw a unique fit for Smith in LSU’s defensive system, one that emphasizes athleticism, speed, and versatility. Kelly has always been known for getting the best out of his players, especially when it comes to defensive schemes. Given the type of talent Smith has demonstrated over his college career, Kelly believes the linebacker can step in and make an immediate impact in 2025, even though he may not have received the same level of attention as other transfers.

Why Brian Kelly Is High on Jalen Smith’s Potential

The first reason Brian Kelly is excited about Jalen Smith’s potential lies in his versatility. Kelly has long been a believer in fielding a dynamic, fast-paced defense, and Smith’s ability to play in different linebacker roles makes him an ideal fit for this system. At Purdue, Smith was asked to perform a variety of duties, from stopping the run to covering running backs and tight ends in the passing game. This experience will allow him to fit into LSU’s defense, which often requires linebackers to do a little bit of everything.

In Kelly’s system, linebackers need to be capable of both being physical in the run game and agile enough to cover wide receivers and tight ends in passing situations. Jalen Smith checks both boxes. His ability to cover ground quickly and his experience in pass coverage will be critical as LSU faces off against high-powered SEC offenses.

Another factor that Kelly finds appealing is Smith’s football IQ. Despite his underappreciated status in the transfer market, Smith’s experience at Purdue has given him the ability to read offensive schemes and make adjustments on the fly. As the quarterback of the defense, the linebacker must be able to quickly process what the offense is doing and react accordingly. Kelly believes Smith’s awareness and understanding of the game will be a major asset in LSU’s defensive schemes, especially when facing complex offenses in the SEC.

Additionally, Kelly has praised Smith’s leadership qualities. Having played significant minutes in the Big Ten, Smith brings a level of maturity and experience that will be invaluable in LSU’s locker room. While LSU’s defense is full of young talent, the presence of a seasoned player like Smith can help provide guidance to younger players and ensure the defense remains cohesive throughout the season.

What Jalen Smith Brings to LSU’s Defense

Jalen Smith’s addition to LSU’s linebacker corps gives the Tigers a player who can contribute both immediately and in the long term. Here are some of the key qualities that make Smith an excellent fit for LSU’s defense:

1. Versatility Across the Linebacker Positions

As mentioned earlier, Smith has experience playing both inside and outside linebacker. This versatility will allow LSU to move him around the defense as needed. Whether it’s blitzing from the outside, covering in the passing game, or being an anchor against the run, Smith can do it all. This flexibility makes him an ideal fit for LSU’s diverse defensive scheme.

2. Physicality and Tackling Ability

Smith is known for being a physical player who excels in tackling. His ability to read plays and quickly fill running lanes makes him an effective tackler in both short-yardage and open-field situations. In a conference like the SEC, where physicality is key to success, Smith’s tackling ability will be invaluable.

3. Pass Coverage and Instincts

One of the standout features of Smith’s game is his ability to cover pass-catching threats, including running backs and tight ends. His hands are quick, and he has demonstrated great instincts when it comes to jumping routes or getting his hands on the football. This skill will allow LSU’s defense to be more flexible, knowing that Smith can take on various coverage responsibilities without giving up big plays.

4. Leadership and Mentorship

While his on-field skills are important, Smith’s leadership and experience will be just as valuable for LSU. As the team’s younger players look to grow and improve, having a player with Smith’s experience will provide them with a solid example of what it means to compete at a high level. His presence will be key in keeping the defense organized and focused throughout the season.

The Impact on LSU’s 2025 Season

Jalen Smith’s potential to have an impact on LSU’s defense cannot be overstated. With the Tigers looking to compete for an SEC title and a national championship, having a versatile and experienced linebacker like Smith could make all the difference. His ability to step into multiple roles and contribute both in the run game and the passing game provides LSU with added flexibility in their defensive game plans.

The addition of Smith could be especially important as LSU faces tough competition in the SEC. Teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Ole Miss have high-powered offenses, and LSU will need all hands on deck to slow them down. With Smith contributing to the linebacker unit, LSU will have a more complete defense capable of handling a variety of offensive schemes.

In addition, Smith’s leadership will be critical in helping LSU’s younger players adjust to the physical and mental demands of the SEC. His experience and understanding of the game can serve as a mentor to LSU’s younger linebackers, allowing them to develop and step into larger roles as the season progresses.