Since Brian Kelly took over as LSU’s head coach in 2022, the landscape of college football has drastically changed with the proliferation of the transfer portal. With athletes now able to transfer freely and find new homes without sitting out a season, programs across the country have embraced this new reality, and LSU is no exception. Kelly, a seasoned veteran in the college football world, recognized the immense value of the transfer portal early on and used it to reshape the LSU roster. By targeting key players who could immediately contribute, Kelly and his staff transformed the team’s depth and talent pool, which played a significant role in the Tigers’ quick resurgence.
Here, we take a look at the 10 highest-rated transfers of the Brian Kelly era at LSU. These players have not only bolstered LSU’s depth but have also made major impacts on the field. Whether it’s through electrifying performances, key leadership, or providing the program with much-needed experience, these transfers represent some of the most pivotal acquisitions for the Tigers in the modern era.
### 1. **Jayden Daniels – Quarterback (Arizona State)**
One of the most high-profile transfers in Brian Kelly’s inaugural season at LSU was quarterback **Jayden Daniels** from Arizona State. Daniels, a dual-threat quarterback, was rated as a top-tier transfer due to his dynamic playmaking ability and experience at the college level. Coming off a strong career at Arizona State, Daniels was a natural fit for Kelly’s offensive system.
Daniels immediately showcased his talents as a dual-threat quarterback in his first season with LSU, throwing for over 2,900 yards and rushing for 800+, leading the Tigers to the SEC Championship Game and securing a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl game. His ability to extend plays with his legs while also being an accurate passer has made him the centerpiece of LSU’s offense. His leadership and poise in big games have been invaluable to the Tigers, making him arguably the most important transfer in the Brian Kelly era.
### 2. **Mason Taylor – Tight End (Texas)**
When LSU went looking for an impact player at tight end, they found an immediate contributor in **Mason Taylor**, who transferred from Texas. Rated highly for his athleticism, size, and ability to catch passes down the field, Taylor has quickly become one of LSU’s most reliable weapons in the passing game.
In his first season with the Tigers, Taylor quickly developed chemistry with Jayden Daniels, emerging as a trusted target in key situations. His ability to block in the run game while being a reliable receiving option down the seam gives LSU a multifaceted weapon at tight end. Taylor’s versatility has made him a crucial part of Kelly’s offense.
### 3. **Greg Brooks Jr. – Safety (Arkansas)**
When LSU needed a veteran leader in the secondary, **Greg Brooks Jr.** from Arkansas was an ideal addition. Brooks brought experience and leadership to the Tigers’ defense, immediately slotting in as a starting safety. His ability to cover the back end of the defense, as well as his knack for making plays in critical moments, made him an invaluable asset to Kelly’s defense.
In his time at LSU, Brooks has been a key contributor, providing much-needed stability and experience in the secondary. His playmaking ability, including interceptions and forced fumbles, has bolstered the Tigers’ defensive efforts in key SEC matchups.
### 4. **Denver Harris – Cornerback (Texas A&M)**
Rated as one of the top cornerback transfers of 2023, **Denver Harris** came to LSU from Texas A&M, where he had already made a significant impact in the SEC. A former five-star recruit, Harris has the length, speed, and ball skills to be an elite corner in college football.
At LSU, Harris was expected to provide immediate help in the secondary, and he did not disappoint. He’s been a lockdown corner on the outside, allowing LSU to be more aggressive defensively. Harris’ ability to shut down top receivers has been instrumental in LSU’s defensive game plan, making him one of the top transfers under Brian Kelly.
### 5. **John Emery Jr. – Running Back (LSU – Former Transfer Portal Entry)**
Though **John Emery Jr.** originally enrolled at LSU in 2020, he spent time in the transfer portal and was later retained by Brian Kelly. The decision to keep Emery proved to be a wise one, as the talented running back had a breakout season. Known for his speed, vision, and balance, Emery has added a dynamic element to LSU’s running game, pairing perfectly with other talented backs.
Emery’s ability to break tackles and make explosive plays has given the Tigers a much-needed dimension in their rushing attack, making him one of the most valuable players on the roster. His impact has been significant in both short-yardage and long-run situations, and his development under Kelly has been crucial for LSU’s success on offense.
### 6. **Kyren Lacy – Wide Receiver (Louisiana-Lafayette)**
**Kyren Lacy** was a standout wide receiver at Louisiana-Lafayette before transferring to LSU, and his addition immediately boosted the Tigers’ receiving corps. Rated as one of the top wide receiver transfers in the country, Lacy brought size, speed, and deep-ball ability to LSU’s offense. His physicality and ability to win contested catches made him an immediate target for Jayden Daniels in the passing game.
Lacy quickly proved to be a key contributor for the Tigers, providing a reliable big-play threat down the field. His combination of size and speed allows LSU to stretch the field vertically, adding another dimension to the offense that opposing defenses must respect.
### 7. **Mekhi Wingo – Defensive Tackle (Missouri)**
**Mekhi Wingo**, a former defensive standout at Missouri, was one of the most important transfers for the LSU defensive line. Wingo, who played as a true freshman at Missouri, was a key acquisition for the Tigers, bringing stability and talent to a position of need. His ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, combined with his run-stopping ability, made him a crucial piece of LSU’s defense.
In his time at LSU, Wingo has shown a knack for disruption, both as an interior pass rusher and a force against the run. His consistency and energy on the defensive line have been critical to the Tigers’ defensive success, and he has quickly established himself as one of the top defensive tackles in the SEC.
### 8. **Aaron Anderson – Wide Receiver (Alabama)**
**Aaron Anderson** came to LSU after a brief stint at Alabama, and his impact has been felt immediately. Anderson, a highly rated wide receiver from the 2022 recruiting class, has flashed his playmaking ability as a true freshman. Known for his quickness, route-running ability, and sharp hands, Anderson has quickly developed into one of LSU’s most explosive players in the passing game.
Though he’s still learning the intricacies of the Tigers’ offense, Anderson’s potential is sky-high, and his contributions as a playmaker are expected to grow in the coming seasons. His presence adds depth and a dynamic element to LSU’s wide receiver corps, making him a key transfer acquisition for Brian Kelly.
### 9. **Omar Speights – Linebacker (Oregon State)**
**Omar Speights** made a major impact in the middle of LSU’s defense after transferring from Oregon State. Known for his leadership, ability to diagnose plays, and sideline-to-sideline range, Speights quickly became a force for the Tigers. His experience in the Pac-12 helped him transition seamlessly into SEC competition, where he served as an anchor for LSU’s linebacker corps.
Speights’ ability to read offenses and make crucial tackles in the open field has made him a critical part of the defense. His leadership and work ethic are also invaluable, making him a perfect fit for Kelly’s defensive system.
### 10. **Zavier Carter – Edge Rusher (Georgia Southern)**
**Zavier Carter**, a former edge rusher from Georgia Southern, was another key transfer who helped bolster LSU’s pass rush. With an impressive combination of speed and strength, Carter provides an immediate threat to opposing quarterbacks. His motor and relentless style of play have added an extra dimension to the Tigers’ defense.
Though Carter is still refining his skills at the highest level of competition, his upside is clear. With more development under Kelly’s staff, Carter has the potential to become one of the top pass rushers in the SEC.
### Conclusion
The transfer portal has allowed Brian Kelly to quickly inject talent into LSU’s roster, and the impact of these players has been immeasurable. The 10 highest-rated transfers of the Brian Kelly era at LSU have filled crucial gaps and helped elevate the Tigers into an elite program. Whether it’s Jayden Daniels leading the offense, Greg Brooks commanding the secondary, or Mekhi Wingo dominating the defensive line, these players have played vital roles in LSU’s pursuit of championships. As the transfer portal continues to shape college football, these players will be remembered as pivotal pieces in Brian Kelly’s transformation of LSU into a powerhouse once again.