The LSU Tigers have long been a powerhouse in college football, known for their elite talent, formidable coaching staff, and commitment to competing at the highest level. Under head coach Brian Kelly, the Tigers have already made waves in his short time in Baton Rouge, transforming the program with a combination of high school recruiting and a heavy focus on the transfer portal. This offseason, LSU took their roster-building efforts to a whole new level, securing a remarkable nine transfers who are all ranked in the top-100 of the transfer portal. In addition to these top-tier transfers, LSU has secured the No. 1 overall class for the 2024 recruiting cycle, further cementing their place among the elite programs in college football.
This infusion of talent from both the transfer portal and recruiting class positions LSU for not just a competitive 2024 season but potentially a dominant era under Kelly’s leadership. With these roster upgrades, LSU is poised to make a serious push for SEC titles, playoff berths, and possibly a national championship. Let’s break down what makes this transfer portal haul so impressive and why it signals a new era for LSU football.
### The Transfer Portal Revolution
The transfer portal has fundamentally changed the landscape of college football, allowing players to move between programs more easily than ever before. While this shift has presented challenges for some programs, it has also provided an unprecedented opportunity for teams to quickly improve their rosters. LSU has been one of the schools that has fully embraced the portal, strategically targeting transfers who can come in and make an immediate impact.
What makes LSU’s haul so impressive is the quality and quantity of talent they were able to secure. Nine top-100 transfers represent a commitment not only to short-term success but also to long-term program building. This isn’t just about filling gaps; it’s about adding top-tier talent across multiple positions—players who can step in and compete at the highest level right away.
### Breaking Down the Nine Top-100 Transfers
LSU’s approach to the transfer portal has been methodical and targeted. Rather than simply looking for bodies to fill roles, the Tigers have sought players who can contribute at a high level and strengthen multiple areas of need. Here’s a closer look at the impact these transfers could have on LSU’s program:
1. **Quarterback Play (Jaden Daniels – Arizona State)**
One of the key transfers that raised eyebrows around college football was Jaden Daniels, who came to LSU from Arizona State. Daniels is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who has already shown the ability to lead a program in the Pac-12. His mobility, arm strength, and football IQ are all elite-level traits that make him a perfect fit for Kelly’s offense. With a season of eligibility left, Daniels has the potential to be a game-changer for LSU’s offense, providing a versatile weapon who can both extend plays with his legs and make accurate throws down the field.
2. **Wide Receiver Talent (Kyren Lacy – Louisiana)**
Kyren Lacy is another impressive addition to the LSU offense, coming from Louisiana with a reputation as a strong, physical receiver who can stretch the field. With LSU’s receiving corps looking to replace key veterans, Lacy provides an immediate boost. His ability to make plays at all levels of the field makes him a versatile threat, and his physicality will complement LSU’s fast-paced offense.
3. **Defensive Line Depth (Mason Smith – LSU)**
Mason Smith, a top-ranked defensive lineman, has returned to LSU after a brief stint in the portal, and his impact cannot be overstated. As one of the most sought-after players in the transfer market, his return strengthens LSU’s already formidable defensive line. Known for his explosive burst and ability to disrupt both the passing and running games, Smith gives the Tigers a legitimate force up front that will wreak havoc in the SEC.
4. **Linebacker Power (Harold Perkins Jr. – LSU)**
Another highly coveted transfer, Harold Perkins Jr. brings elite speed and playmaking ability to LSU’s linebacking corps. His combination of athleticism, instincts, and leadership qualities will bolster LSU’s defense in a major way. A top-100 prospect with a reputation for being a sideline-to-sideline player, Perkins will be a critical piece in stopping high-powered offenses and maintaining defensive dominance in the SEC.
5. **Secondary Help (Joe Funa – Washington State)**
Joe Funa brings valuable experience to LSU’s secondary, an area that has been hit-or-miss for the Tigers in recent seasons. A talented cornerback, Funa excels at reading the quarterback’s eyes and making plays on the ball. With LSU’s secondary needing a boost to compete with the pass-heavy offenses in the SEC, Funa’s ability to lock down receivers and contribute to the turnover game will be a critical addition.
6. **Offensive Line Help (Emory Jones – Florida)**
As any championship team knows, a strong offensive line is crucial to success, and LSU is addressing this need by adding Emory Jones from Florida. Jones is an experienced, powerful tackle who can protect the quarterback’s blindside and provide stability in the trenches. His leadership and experience will help shore up a line that needs to protect a talented quarterback and provide holes for a strong running game.
7. **Defensive Backfield (Greg Brooks Jr. – Arkansas)**
Greg Brooks Jr. is a versatile safety who brings leadership and playmaking ability to LSU’s defensive backfield. Known for his excellent ball skills and ability to read plays, Brooks will be a crucial piece in the secondary. LSU has had ups and downs in the defensive backfield over the years, but adding a player like Brooks gives the Tigers more depth and experience against the high-flying offenses they face in the SEC.
8. **Running Back Depth (TreVonte’ Citizen – Louisiana)**
Running back depth has been an ongoing concern for LSU, and the addition of TreVonte’ Citizen provides an immediate solution. Citizen, a talented back from Louisiana, brings speed, vision, and power to the Tigers’ backfield. With LSU looking to balance its offensive attack and provide a strong ground game to complement their passing offense, Citizen could emerge as a key contributor in 2024.
9. **Edge Rusher (Zachary Evans – Texas Tech)**
Edge rusher Zachary Evans is an explosive, athletic player who can make a significant impact in LSU’s pass rush. As a high-motor player who can generate pressure on quarterbacks and force turnovers, Evans adds another layer to LSU’s defense, which already has one of the most feared defensive lines in the country. His ability to pressure the quarterback and disrupt plays will be essential to LSU’s success, particularly in a loaded SEC.
### The No. 1 Overall Recruiting Class
In addition to these top-100 transfer portal additions, LSU has also secured the No. 1 overall recruiting class for 2024. This combination of elite recruits and experienced transfers gives LSU an immediate infusion of talent and a foundation for sustained success. With both young, promising prospects and seasoned, battle-tested transfers, Brian Kelly has positioned the Tigers to compete for championships right away.
The recruiting class is highlighted by several five-star players, many of whom will compete for significant playing time as freshmen. With the transfers already adding experience and leadership to the roster, these recruits will complement the established talent, creating a perfect storm for success.
### What This Means for LSU Football
LSU’s decision to go all-in on both the transfer portal and recruiting is a sign of their commitment to returning to dominance in the SEC. With the right mix of experienced players and young talent, the Tigers are building a program that can compete with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and other SEC heavyweights.
The nine top-100 transfers are not just role players—they are instant-impact players who can change the game from day one. With these additions, LSU is poised to be one of the most well-rounded teams in college football, capable of both stifling opposing offenses and producing fireworks on offense.
### Conclusion
Brian Kelly’s aggressive approach to roster-building through the transfer portal and recruiting is paying off in a major way. By securing nine top-100 transfers and the No. 1 overall recruiting class, LSU is setting itself up for a bright future. Whether it’s competing for SEC titles or national championships, the Tigers are back in a big way, and the 2024 season will be the first step in proving that they’re here to stay at the top of college football. With the right pieces in place, LSU is ready to be a dominant force for years to come.