The Tigers are hosting two defensive back targets, according to the LSU football transfer portal buzz.

As college football enters the critical offseason period, LSU Football is once again making waves in the transfer portal. The Tigers, led by head coach Brian Kelly, have proven to be one of the most active programs in recent years when it comes to recruiting and player acquisitions, and they are showing no signs of slowing down. One area of focus for LSU this offseason is its secondary, as the team has made moves to bolster its defensive backfield for the 2024 season.

According to the latest buzz surrounding the LSU football transfer portal, the Tigers are hosting two defensive back targets who could significantly strengthen their defense. These players are expected to provide immediate contributions to a defense that has shown considerable improvement under Kelly’s leadership but still needs depth and playmaking ability, especially in the secondary. LSU has a rich tradition of producing elite defensive players, particularly in the defensive backfield, and these two players may be key pieces in continuing that legacy.

In this article, we will explore the latest developments surrounding LSU’s pursuit of these two defensive back targets, the importance of improving the secondary, and what impact these potential additions could have on the team’s success in 2024 and beyond.

The Need for Defensive Back Help

LSU’s defense, while solid, has had its fair share of ups and downs in recent years. Under Brian Kelly, the program has taken significant strides in rebuilding its defensive unit after a few years of inconsistency. One area of weakness for LSU has been its secondary, which has had moments of brilliance but has also been vulnerable at times, especially when facing high-powered passing offenses in the SEC.

The SEC is known for its high-octane offenses, and LSU’s defense has often been put to the test against some of the conference’s most potent quarterbacks and wide receivers. To compete for championships, particularly in a division as competitive as the SEC West, LSU needs to ensure that its secondary is not just good, but elite. The Tigers’ defense thrives when their defensive backs can lock down receivers, create turnovers, and give the defensive line time to pressure the quarterback. In short, LSU’s secondary is a critical component of their defensive success, and the Tigers are focused on upgrading this position through the transfer portal.

While LSU’s secondary showed flashes of potential, there were significant struggles during the 2023 season, especially in games where the team faced high-caliber quarterbacks like Bryce Young (Alabama), Jalen Milroe (Alabama), and others who tested the Tigers’ defensive backs. The need for more depth and skill in this position group has never been clearer, and Brian Kelly and his staff are addressing it head-on by targeting top talent in the transfer portal.

The LSU Transfer Portal Strategy

The transfer portal has become a vital tool for college football programs to quickly improve their rosters, and LSU is one of the teams that has mastered the art of portal recruiting. Under the direction of Brian Kelly, the Tigers have been able to attract top-tier transfers from all over the country, particularly in key areas of need. LSU’s approach to the transfer portal is strategic, ensuring that each acquisition adds immediate value to the team.

For LSU, the goal of utilizing the transfer portal is twofold: First, it allows the program to address immediate needs with experienced players who can make an impact right away. Second, it helps supplement the team’s talent pool, allowing LSU to continue recruiting high-level players even while working within the constraints of traditional recruiting cycles.

In particular, LSU has been targeting positions of need in the transfer portal, and the defensive backfield has been a focal point for this cycle. Given the importance of the secondary in the modern game of college football, LSU is focusing on adding players who not only provide depth but also possess the ability to make an immediate impact in key situations.

The Two Defensive Back Targets for LSU

LSU’s transfer portal recruiting buzz has centered around two standout defensive backs who are expected to visit and potentially commit to the program. These players come from different backgrounds but share a common trait: both have the potential to significantly enhance LSU’s defensive backfield. Let’s take a closer look at these two targets and why they are so highly coveted by the Tigers.

1. Target One: Jalen McMillan (Transfer from Oregon)

The first target is Jalen McMillan, a highly regarded defensive back who played his college football at Oregon. McMillan, a former four-star recruit, has shown significant promise during his time with the Ducks, earning praise for his physicality, ball skills, and ability to cover a wide range of receivers. Known for his athleticism and versatility, McMillan has played both safety and cornerback, which makes him a valuable asset for any team looking to upgrade its secondary.

In his time at Oregon, McMillan proved that he could be a playmaker in both man and zone coverage. His ability to read quarterbacks and jump routes is a trait that will make him a critical addition to LSU’s defense. His physical play in the run game also shows that he’s capable of contributing in multiple facets of the defense. McMillan’s potential to excel in both coverage and against the run makes him a versatile player who can adapt to different defensive schemes.

McMillan has drawn interest from several major programs, and LSU appears to be a prime contender for his services. With his experience in the highly competitive Pac-12, McMillan could bring a high level of maturity and football IQ to a secondary that is looking for leadership and stability. The potential addition of McMillan would give LSU immediate help in both coverage and leadership, helping to bolster the Tigers’ defense against the high-powered offenses in the SEC.

2. Target Two: Tyrone Turner (Transfer from Auburn)

The second target is Tyrone Turner, a defensive back from Auburn University, who is one of the top defensive backs available in the transfer portal this offseason. Turner, a standout cornerback during his time at Auburn, has made a name for himself as a shut-down corner who can take away an opponent’s best receiving threat.

Turner is known for his exceptional speed, agility, and ability to make plays on the ball. His ball-hawking skills have made him one of the top defensive backs in the SEC, and his experience playing in one of the toughest conferences in the nation has prepared him for the rigors of high-level college football. As a cornerback, Turner has shown the ability to shut down elite receivers and make critical plays in big moments. He excels in one-on-one coverage, which is essential in the modern college football game, where spread offenses and passing attacks dominate.

With LSU’s defense needing more high-caliber cornerbacks to match up against the talented receiving corps in the SEC, Turner could provide a massive boost. His skills as a press corner and his ability to stay with receivers down the field would make him an invaluable asset to LSU’s defense. Furthermore, Turner’s leadership and experience would be crucial for LSU, as they look to make another run at an SEC Championship and ultimately the CFP.

What These Players Bring to LSU’s Defense

Both Jalen McMillan and Tyrone Turner bring significant value to LSU’s defense, and their potential addition would address some of the secondary’s biggest needs. Their experience in the high-pressure environment of Power 5 football, particularly in the SEC and Pac-12, gives them the necessary skill set to compete at the highest level of college football.

LSU’s defense has shown the ability to be dominant, especially under defensive coordinator Matt House, but the Tigers’ secondary has been a point of vulnerability, especially when it comes to defending against pass-heavy offenses. Adding McMillan and Turner would solidify the Tigers’ defensive backfield, providing them with two talented playmakers who can help defend against the pass while also contributing in run support. Both players are versatile, athletic, and capable of contributing in multiple ways, which makes them ideal candidates for LSU’s defense.

Additionally, both players would bring a wealth of experience and leadership to a relatively young secondary. LSU’s defense is building for the future, and adding two experienced, skilled defensive backs could provide the kind of depth and leadership that could take the Tigers to the next level.

The Impact of These Acquisitions on LSU’s 2024 Season

Should LSU successfully land Jalen McMillan and Tyrone Turner, it would be a massive boost for the team heading into the 2024 season. The Tigers have shown that they are capable of competing with the best in the SEC and across the country, and with these two defensive backs, they would become even more formidable.

The SEC is filled with explosive offenses, and having elite cornerbacks and safeties who can defend against dynamic passing attacks will be crucial in LSU’s quest for an SEC Championship and potential CFP appearance. With McMillan and Turner in the fold, LSU’s secondary would become one of the most formidable in the conference, giving them the ability to compete with teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee on a weekly basis.

Moreover, the addition of two talented defensive backs would allow LSU’s defensive line and linebackers to be even more aggressive, knowing that their secondary has the coverage ability to hold up on the back end. This would create a more balanced, dynamic defense capable of generating turnovers and getting off the field in critical situations.