As the LSU Tigers prepare for another grueling SEC season, the excitement around Baton Rouge is palpable. Head coach Brian Kelly has successfully reinvigorated a program that has long been a powerhouse in college football. With a roster packed with talent, LSU is in a strong position to compete at the highest level, but as with every college football program, there are always areas that can be strengthened, especially as the transfer portal has become an integral tool for roster-building in today’s game.
While LSU has already made several impactful additions through the transfer portal in the past few seasons, there are still specific positions where they’re looking to improve ahead of the 2024 season. With a blend of experienced veterans and promising young players, the Tigers are putting together a roster that has the potential to challenge for an SEC title and a College Football Playoff berth. However, according to recent reports, LSU is still eyeing the transfer portal for help in three key areas.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the three positions LSU is targeting in the portal, why these positions are critical for their success, and what type of players the Tigers are seeking to make a difference as they continue their championship pursuit.
### 1. **Defensive Line**
The defensive line has been one of LSU’s hallmarks over the years, with some of the most talented and intimidating players in college football history hailing from Baton Rouge. From former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell to future NFL stars like Leonard Fournette, LSU has long prided itself on having a disruptive defensive front.
In 2023, LSU had several strong defensive linemen, but there were also some questions about the depth and consistency, especially in the trenches. With key departures, including some major contributors to the pass rush, LSU is looking to shore up its defensive line via the transfer portal. The Tigers need to strengthen the rotation, particularly at the interior defensive line, where they lack true depth behind standout players.
#### Why It’s a Priority
In a conference like the SEC, having a dominant defensive line is crucial for both stopping the run and pressuring opposing quarterbacks. LSU’s defensive scheme under coordinator Matt House relies heavily on the front four to generate pressure without having to blitz too often. While LSU has solid talent in place, they are still looking to add a few experienced players to help them maintain their standard of excellence up front.
With an increasingly high-powered passing game across the SEC, having a dynamic pass rush is vital for LSU to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and create turnovers. A solid defensive line will also allow their linebackers to roam more freely and make plays. Adding another experienced player or two to the defensive line rotation could give LSU the necessary depth to compete against the juggernauts in the SEC, including Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee, who all possess high-powered offenses.
#### What They’re Looking For
LSU is looking for an experienced, versatile defensive lineman who can contribute right away. Ideally, the Tigers want a player who can plug gaps in the run game while also providing pressure on passing downs. Whether it’s an interior lineman who can provide a push in the middle or a strong pass-rusher off the edge, the Tigers are seeking someone who can immediately make an impact and provide depth to a unit that is expected to be a focal point of their defense.
### 2. **Wide Receiver**
Offensive weapons are a must for any team hoping to succeed in today’s high-scoring college football landscape, and LSU is no exception. While LSU already has an impressive core of wide receivers, including standout Kayshon Boutte (before he declared for the draft), the Tigers are still looking to add depth and experience at the position.
LSU’s offense under Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock has been solid, but they still don’t have the type of elite, game-breaking wide receivers that other SEC programs like Alabama or Georgia consistently feature. While talented players like Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. are poised to play significant roles in 2024, LSU is still eyeing the transfer portal to add another explosive piece to the puzzle.
#### Why It’s a Priority
The passing game is key to any championship run, especially when facing high-powered offenses in the SEC and on the national stage. LSU’s offense relies on quarterback Jayden Daniels’ dual-threat ability, and having multiple receivers who can create mismatches will only help him perform at his best. While LSU has some reliable targets in the passing game, the Tigers need a few more options to ensure that defenses can’t key in on just one or two players.
Furthermore, adding a proven veteran receiver via the transfer portal could provide a security blanket for Daniels, who will be looking to make strides in his second year as the Tigers’ starting quarterback. A strong receiving corps will give Daniels more options and increase the chances of explosive plays in LSU’s fast-paced offense.
#### What They’re Looking For
In the transfer portal, LSU is seeking a receiver who can stretch the field, create separation, and make big plays downfield. Ideally, they want someone who can be a No. 1 target, capable of handling a heavy load in the passing game. LSU is looking for a player who has experience in a power-five conference and can make an immediate impact in Baton Rouge.
While LSU has a talented group of young wide receivers, adding another veteran presence to the mix would give the Tigers an additional dimension to their offense. If they can find a receiver who is proven at a high level of competition, they will be able to open up the passing game even more and make it harder for opposing defenses to focus on just one or two players.
### 3. **Offensive Line**
The offensive line is often the unsung hero of any successful football team, and LSU is no stranger to the importance of a strong, physical line of scrimmage. However, after a number of departures and some questions about the consistency of their play in 2023, the Tigers are looking to bolster their offensive line with a transfer portal addition.
In 2023, LSU’s offensive line did a decent job of protecting Jayden Daniels and opening lanes for the running game, but they struggled at times against top-tier defensive fronts, especially against teams with strong pass rushes. Heading into 2024, LSU needs to continue building depth on the offensive line to ensure that they can match up with the best defenses in the SEC.
#### Why It’s a Priority
Having a strong offensive line is critical for a team like LSU that likes to run the football and wants to give its quarterback time to make plays in the passing game. The SEC is full of teams with elite defensive lines, and LSU’s offensive line must be able to hold up against these pressures if they are to succeed in the conference.
With Jayden Daniels coming off a solid season but needing more protection in the pocket, the offensive line is a position that needs improvement. Additionally, LSU’s rushing attack must continue to be a key factor in their offense, and that starts up front with the offensive line. Adding depth and experience here would ensure that the Tigers are equipped to handle the tough defenses they will face week in and week out.
#### What They’re Looking For
LSU is seeking a player with experience in high-level competition, ideally a versatile offensive lineman who can play multiple positions along the line. Whether it’s a tackle who can provide protection for Daniels’ blindside or an interior lineman who can help with both pass blocking and run blocking, LSU wants to add a veteran presence to their line. The Tigers would likely prioritize a player who can come in and contribute immediately, bringing both depth and talent to a unit that is crucial for their offensive success.
### Conclusion: LSU’s Path to Contending
LSU’s 2024 roster is shaping up to be one of the most talented in the country, but the Tigers are still looking to make strategic additions in the transfer portal to ensure they are well-rounded and ready to compete for an SEC title and a spot in the College Football Playoff. By addressing key positions like defensive line, wide receiver, and offensive line, LSU can fill in any gaps and build on the success they’ve already achieved under Brian Kelly.
With a strong mix of returning talent and incoming transfers, LSU has the potential to be one of the top teams in the country next season. If they can land the right players from the transfer portal, they will be well-positioned to challenge for a national championship in 2024.
