The transfer portal has become an integral part of college football in recent years, and LSU football has seen its fair share of departures as players seek new opportunities. The latest shakeup came when two prominent players from the Tigers’ roster announced their decisions to enter the transfer portal, sparking discussions about their future and the impact on LSU’s football program. As LSU head coach Brian Kelly looks to build a program capable of competing for championships, these departures could have ripple effects both in terms of team dynamics and recruiting strategy.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the two players who are leaving LSU, the reasons behind their departures, and what this means for the Tigers moving forward.
### The Players Departing LSU: A Closer Look
While LSU has become known for its elite talent, including multiple NFL-caliber players, not every athlete that steps onto campus sticks around for the long haul. As the transfer portal continues to reshape the landscape of college football, LSU is no exception, with two high-profile players deciding to move on from Baton Rouge.
#### 1. **Quarterback Walker Howard**
One of the most notable departures is quarterback Walker Howard, a highly-touted recruit from the 2022 class. Howard, a four-star prospect from Lafayette, Louisiana, was seen as one of the top quarterbacks in the country during his recruitment process. His decision to leave LSU surprised many, as the young signal caller had long been considered the heir apparent to LSU’s quarterback position.
During his first season in Baton Rouge, Howard found himself in a competitive battle for the starting spot, as LSU had veterans like Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier already in the fold. While Howard’s role in the Tigers’ offense in 2022 was limited, he showed flashes of promise during his limited opportunities. However, with Daniels cementing himself as the starter and Nussmeier continuing to develop, Howard likely saw a more competitive quarterback room ahead of him. His decision to transfer is, in part, a reflection of his desire to compete for a starting job elsewhere, potentially at a school where he could have a clearer path to playing time.
Howard’s departure could also be seen as a result of LSU’s coaching staff’s decision to build around Jayden Daniels, who has shown significant growth since transferring to Baton Rouge from Arizona State. The Tigers’ offense has been effective under Daniels, and with the 2023 season ending with another successful bowl appearance, Howard may have felt that the window for him to start at LSU was closing.
#### 2. **Defensive Back Colby Richardson**
Another key player leaving LSU is cornerback Colby Richardson, a transfer from McNeese State who joined the Tigers prior to the 2022 season. Richardson’s journey to LSU wasn’t traditional, as he made a significant jump from the FCS to the SEC. While his time at LSU has been relatively brief, he had moments where he displayed his skills on the field, making contributions as a depth piece in the Tigers’ secondary.
Richardson entered LSU’s cornerback rotation and saw some meaningful minutes in 2022, providing valuable depth behind established starters. His departure from the team, however, is not entirely surprising considering LSU’s ever-growing depth at the cornerback position. The Tigers have consistently recruited elite talent in the defensive backfield, and with the emergence of players like sophomore standout Jarrick Bernard-Converse and experienced senior Mekhi Garner, Richardson may have found his role with the Tigers increasingly limited.
In an era where the transfer portal gives players the opportunity to pursue greater playing time, Richardson’s decision to move on makes sense. With LSU’s roster stacked with cornerback talent, Richardson likely wants a new environment where he can be a bigger contributor. His departure will leave a hole in LSU’s secondary depth but also opens up room for younger talent to step up and develop further.
### The Transfer Portal’s Growing Influence at LSU
The decisions by Howard and Richardson are part of a broader trend that has affected college football as a whole: the growing influence of the transfer portal. Since its inception, the portal has allowed players to explore new opportunities without having to sit out a year, provided they meet specific eligibility requirements. This has led to increased player movement, with athletes leaving programs in search of better playing time, coaching situations, or other personal reasons.
At LSU, the transfer portal has played a key role in building and reloading the roster. Head coach Brian Kelly has already shown a keen ability to use the portal to his advantage. In his first year as the Tigers’ head coach in 2022, Kelly brought in several transfers who made immediate impacts, including Jayden Daniels, who was crucial to LSU’s success. LSU has become one of the more active schools in the transfer portal, utilizing it to address gaps in its roster and bolster positions of need.
However, as much as the portal has worked in LSU’s favor, it also creates challenges for team chemistry and continuity. The departures of players like Howard and Richardson highlight how the transfer portal can disrupt a team’s long-term planning. Both players entered LSU with high expectations, but their exits show how quickly the landscape can change in college football. This dynamic forces coaching staffs to be agile and constantly re-evaluate their rosters in order to maintain competitiveness.
### Impact on LSU’s Football Program
The departure of Howard and Richardson may seem like a setback for LSU at first glance, but it is important to contextualize these exits within the broader scope of the Tigers’ roster and their trajectory under Brian Kelly.
#### **Quarterback Depth and Future Plans**
Howard’s decision to leave LSU puts additional pressure on the Tigers’ quarterback room moving forward. With Jayden Daniels returning for the 2023 season and Nussmeier continuing to develop, LSU’s quarterback situation is in good hands, but Howard’s departure creates an opportunity for other young quarterbacks to emerge.
LSU now faces the challenge of replacing Howard’s depth, particularly in a quarterback room that was already competitive. The Tigers will likely look to bring in another highly-regarded recruit or transfer to compete for the backup spot, especially given the physical nature of SEC play and the need for reliable depth at the quarterback position. At the same time, LSU’s coaching staff will need to continue developing Nussmeier, as he could be the future of the program if Daniels departs after his senior season.
#### **Secondary Depth and Future Development**
For Richardson, his departure from LSU opens up more opportunities for younger players in the secondary. LSU has built a reputation for producing elite defensive backs, and the team’s 2023 recruiting class featured several highly-rated cornerbacks. This departure will likely speed up the development of players like freshman Laterrance Welch and sophomore Major Burns, both of whom have bright futures.
While LSU will miss Richardson’s veteran presence, the talent in the Tigers’ secondary is deep, and this could be a chance for younger players to step into a more prominent role. As LSU continues to recruit top-tier defensive backs, the secondary should remain one of the team’s strengths moving forward.
### The Road Ahead: How LSU Responds
As LSU navigates these departures, the coaching staff will continue to monitor the transfer portal to add talent and address any needs. With an already strong recruiting class, including several top-tier defensive recruits, the Tigers will continue to reload and position themselves for sustained success under Brian Kelly. The departures of Howard and Richardson may create short-term challenges, but the Tigers’ future remains bright, especially with their deep roster and commitment to player development.
For now, LSU fans can rest assured that the Tigers’ football program is in capable hands. The team’s ability to adapt to changes—whether through the transfer portal or in recruiting—will ultimately determine their success as they continue to chase championships in the ultra-competitive SEC.