Kelly reveals the Bayou Bengals’ approach heading into the spring window, whether or not the program will be active.

As the college football world looks ahead to the spring transfer portal window, LSU head coach Brian Kelly is gearing up for a strategic yet measured approach to roster building. While the Tigers were highly active in the winter portal, securing multiple key transfers to bolster their roster, Kelly and his staff are adopting a more conservative approach as the spring transfer period begins. The spring portal window opens on May 1, 2025 and runs until May 15, 2025, and LSU’s focus during this time will not solely revolve around adding talent but integrating current players and ensuring any new additions are the right fit for the program.

This article dives into how Kelly plans to approach LSU’s activity during this upcoming transfer portal window, the rationale behind a less active strategy compared to the winter portal period, and how this fits into LSU’s long-term goals of building a sustainable, competitive football program.

The Winter Transfer Portal: A Flurry of Activity

Before delving into LSU’s spring transfer portal strategy, it’s important to review the team’s activity during the winter portal window. In December 2024 and January 2025, LSU was among the most active programs, making a series of significant additions to its roster. LSU head coach Brian Kelly and his staff worked tirelessly to plug gaps in the roster and add talent that would immediately contribute to the program’s pursuit of an SEC title in 2025.

Among the most notable additions were Tamarcus Cooley, a safety from NC State, and Gio Paez, a defensive tackle from UCLA. These players were brought in to address key needs in the secondary and defensive line, respectively. Cooley, for example, is expected to provide immediate depth and experience at safety, while Paez adds a physical presence to an LSU defensive front that has the potential to be dominant in 2025.

Alongside these high-profile transfers, Kelly also secured a handful of key role players and depth pieces, many of whom were ranked among the top 150 players in the portal. These moves not only bolstered LSU’s roster but also addressed areas where the Tigers were thin, ensuring that Kelly’s team would be prepared for the rigors of the SEC.

Looking Ahead: A More Selective Approach

While the winter transfer portal activity has brought in some crucial pieces, Kelly has made it clear that LSU’s approach during the spring transfer portal window will be more measured and selective. Speaking on LSU’s strategy heading into the spring, Kelly noted, “We think we go into this next portal window with no expectations. If we were to get somebody out of the spring portal, it would have to be something that was a right fit for us.”

This statement highlights the shift in LSU’s focus—whereas the winter portal was about immediate impact players, the spring period will revolve more around filling specific needs and enhancing the team’s culture, rather than making significant additions for the sake of numbers.

So why this change in strategy? Kelly is keenly aware that adding players simply for the sake of adding players doesn’t always lead to long-term success. In the case of LSU, Kelly’s focus is to ensure that each player brought in during the spring portal window fits into the Tigers’ system both on and off the field. This holistic approach is essential to building a program that thrives on teamwork, trust, and player development.

Position-Specific Needs: Where LSU Might Add Talent

While Kelly’s approach to the spring portal window will be more selective, there are still certain positions where LSU may look to add depth. One of those areas is wide receiver. After the departure of some key playmakers from the previous season, LSU will likely look to bolster its receiving corps through the portal if the right candidate presents itself.

Additionally, offensive line has been identified as another potential area where LSU could add talent. Given the physicality required in the SEC, Kelly has made it clear that depth and competition along the offensive line are vital to LSU’s success. While the Tigers return several experienced players, adding a veteran presence on the line could provide an additional layer of protection for LSU’s quarterbacks.

Another position that could see attention is safety. Although LSU has a solid group of safeties already on the roster, Kelly is always looking to improve the team’s defensive backfield. A versatile safety who could step in and provide immediate contributions could be a valuable addition if the right fit becomes available in the portal.

Lastly, linebacker is another area where Kelly could make a move. While LSU returns key players at the linebacker position, the potential for additional competition and depth could help solidify the defense.

That being said, Kelly has reiterated that any spring portal additions will be about quality over quantity. LSU won’t be adding players simply for the sake of adding them but will instead target those who are a natural fit for the system, can provide immediate contributions, and align with the program’s culture.

Development of Existing Talent

Perhaps the most important element of Kelly’s spring transfer portal strategy is the development of the players already on the roster. With many talented players returning in 2025, including some who have had limited playing time in previous seasons, LSU’s coaching staff is focusing heavily on player development and internal growth.

Kelly knows that building a championship contender requires more than just adding star transfers—it requires developing the talent within the program. As such, LSU will be placing an emphasis on ensuring that both new additions and returning players develop and improve during the spring and summer months.

Much of LSU’s success in the spring will depend on how well the coaching staff can integrate players into the system and push them to reach their potential. Kelly has consistently praised the hard work and commitment of his players, and he is optimistic that LSU’s young stars will continue to grow and mature over the course of the offseason.

Balancing Freshmen and Transfers

In addition to the potential for spring portal additions, LSU is set to welcome 16 early enrollees from the high school class of 2025. This mix of freshmen and transfers creates an interesting dynamic for Kelly’s team as he seeks to build a balanced roster that includes both youthful talent and experienced players.

This balance will be critical in ensuring that LSU remains competitive in the SEC while also fostering a pipeline of young talent for future seasons. Freshmen enrollees will need to acclimate quickly to the college game, while transfers will be expected to make an immediate impact. Kelly’s ability to blend these two groups effectively will go a long way in determining LSU’s success in 2025.

A Vision for Sustainability

At the core of Kelly’s strategy is the desire to build a program that is sustainable and capable of competing at the highest level year in and year out. This vision requires patience and a commitment to developing players both on and off the field. While the transfer portal provides an immediate solution to roster gaps, Kelly understands that true success comes from nurturing homegrown talent and creating a culture of excellence.

Kelly has repeatedly emphasized the importance of developing a team-oriented mentality and creating a program where players are held accountable for their development and contributions. By focusing on these long-term goals, LSU can ensure that the program remains a national contender for years to come.

As the spring transfer portal window approaches, Brian Kelly’s approach to LSU’s roster-building efforts reflects a clear commitment to both short-term success and long-term sustainability. By being selective in the spring portal, focusing on player development, and balancing freshmen with transfers, Kelly is setting the foundation for continued growth at LSU.

With a strong mix of returning talent, new recruits, and potential portal additions, LSU looks poised to make a serious run in 2025 while also building a team that will compete for championships in the years to come. Brian Kelly’s vision for the future of LSU football is clear: build a program that consistently competes at the highest level, develops players from within, and makes strategic, targeted moves in the transfer portal to ensure success.

As the Tigers prepare for the spring portal, LSU fans can rest assured that Kelly’s approach will be methodical, thoughtful, and focused on building a championship program both on and off the field.