As the 2023 college football season winds down, **Brian Kelly** and the LSU Tigers are gearing up for the final phase of a pivotal recruiting cycle. The recruiting trail is one of the most critical elements in shaping the future of any football program, and for Kelly, a seasoned coach known for his success in building competitive teams, this stretch has been crucial. LSU, with its rich football tradition and elite talent pool, has always been a top destination for high school recruits, but Kelly’s work over the past year has taken the Tigers’ recruiting efforts to new heights.
Having wrapped up a pivotal stretch on the recruiting trail, LSU is in a strong position to continue its rise among the elite programs in college football. But to understand why this stretch has been so vital for the Tigers, we need to delve into the impact Brian Kelly has had on the program and the significant moves made during this key period.
### Brian Kelly’s Impact on LSU’s Recruitment Strategy
When Brian Kelly took over as head coach of LSU in 2022, he inherited a program with rich tradition but also several question marks. The Tigers were coming off a tumultuous period, following the abrupt departure of Ed Orgeron after the 2021 season, and the program was looking to rebuild itself after some inconsistent years.
Kelly, a coach who had built a strong program at Notre Dame, brought with him a reputation for consistency, discipline, and a keen eye for talent. But it wasn’t just his X’s and O’s that had fans excited—it was his ability to recruit.
Kelly’s initial recruiting class at LSU in 2022 was already impressive, despite the quick turnaround time. However, as he settled into Baton Rouge, he began to fine-tune the recruiting efforts, not only to attract talent but to build a culture of success that would resonate with the next generation of LSU players.
One of Kelly’s greatest strengths as a recruiter is his ability to sell both the immediate and long-term potential of his programs. He isn’t just bringing in players to fill gaps for the next season—he’s convincing elite prospects that LSU is a place where they can develop, compete for national championships, and eventually make the leap to the NFL. This strategy has been key in LSU’s ability to attract top-tier recruits, especially during this critical stretch of the recruiting cycle.
### LSU’s Strong Showing in the Transfer Portal
One of the biggest stories in college football recruiting over the past few years has been the rise of the **NCAA Transfer Portal**. With the increased eligibility options for players due to COVID-19 and a more player-friendly transfer system, coaches are now tasked with managing two pipelines: high school recruits and transfers from other programs. Brian Kelly, unlike many traditional coaches, has embraced the new era of college football and has used the portal to LSU’s advantage.
Since taking over, Kelly has not been afraid to dip into the Transfer Portal, bringing in established players to fill immediate needs while still maintaining a strong focus on high school recruiting. The 2023 recruiting stretch saw some key additions from the portal that significantly bolstered LSU’s roster.
For example, LSU added **Harold Perkins**, a highly coveted linebacker from the University of Texas, whose dynamic abilities on the field immediately elevated LSU’s defense. Not only does Kelly’s Transfer Portal strategy provide instant help, but it also gives LSU the flexibility to target more specific needs without having to wait for freshmen to develop.
However, it’s not just about adding proven talent—it’s about blending these transfers with the high school recruits who are the foundation for the future. Kelly has walked the tightrope of balancing veteran leadership with youth development, ensuring that LSU’s program is both competitive in the short-term and sustainable long-term.
### Key Recruits for LSU in 2023
While the Transfer Portal has been a key focus, LSU’s recruiting efforts in the traditional high school ranks are what will define the program’s future success. Brian Kelly has made significant strides in landing some of the top high school prospects, and his ability to build relationships with elite athletes has paid off in a big way during this stretch of recruiting.
One of the standout recruits for LSU in the 2023 class has been **Walker Howard**, a highly rated quarterback who many believe is the future of LSU’s offense. The Louisiana native was a key target for Kelly and represents the next chapter in LSU’s tradition of producing NFL-caliber quarterbacks. Howard, who brings a strong arm and impressive athleticism, is expected to compete for the starting role sooner rather than later, and his commitment to LSU has solidified the program’s quarterback position for years to come.
But it’s not just about the quarterback position. Kelly has also been successful in recruiting key players at other positions of need. LSU’s defensive line has long been a cornerstone of the program’s success, and Kelly has added highly rated defensive players like **Tyreese Williams** and **David Johnson**—two 4-star recruits who could become key contributors on the Tigers’ defensive front. These players have the potential to keep LSU’s defense one of the most dominant units in the SEC.
Additionally, Kelly has placed a major emphasis on building the offensive line, a critical part of any successful program. With recruits like **Ethan White**, a top-tier offensive tackle, Kelly has shown that he understands the importance of protecting his quarterbacks and ensuring LSU’s offense remains balanced and potent. White’s addition could be the key to solidifying the trenches and providing protection for a future quarterback like Walker Howard, as well as making holes for running backs to thrive.
### High-Profile Targets and Future Focus
As Brian Kelly wraps up this pivotal recruiting stretch, LSU’s focus now shifts to securing a few more key targets to close out the 2023 class. The Tigers are still in the mix for a number of high-profile recruits, including a few from the state of Louisiana, where Kelly has worked hard to keep local talent close to home. Historically, Louisiana has been a fertile recruiting ground for LSU, and Kelly has embraced that by investing time in relationships with high school coaches and families.
One recruit who could potentially sway the balance for LSU is **James Smith**, a 5-star wide receiver who has been heavily courted by Kelly and his staff. A commitment from Smith would significantly bolster the Tigers’ receiving corps and give future quarterbacks like Howard another weapon to work with. With LSU’s ability to develop wide receivers, a player like Smith could immediately make an impact in Baton Rouge, helping the team compete for championships.
There are also continued discussions surrounding several high-level defensive recruits, as Kelly looks to reload a defense that has been the backbone of the Tigers’ identity for years. If LSU can land a few more of these elite talents, the program will continue to build upon its reputation for producing top-tier talent at every level.
### What’s Next for LSU Football?
As Brian Kelly looks ahead, the immediate goal is to finish strong in the 2023 recruiting cycle and build upon the momentum generated over the past year. LSU is now in a prime position to compete at the highest levels, with a combination of young talent, experienced transfers, and the guidance of a coach who knows how to build a winner.
Looking long-term, Kelly’s success in recruiting will lay the foundation for LSU’s next national championship run. His ability to recruit across multiple pipelines—high school, Transfer Portal, and in-state talent—gives the Tigers a well-rounded approach that will make them one of the most formidable teams in the SEC.
The upcoming years will be defining for LSU, and it’s clear that Kelly’s impact on the recruiting trail has been one of the primary drivers of the program’s trajectory. With the 2023 cycle almost complete, Tigers fans can expect a roster full of talent that will be ready to challenge for national titles in the near future.
### Conclusion
Brian Kelly’s recruiting efforts at LSU have already paid off in significant ways, and the pivotal stretch he’s just completed has positioned the program for continued success. With a mix of top-tier recruits and key transfers, LSU is poised to maintain its place among the elite in college football. As the Tigers prepare for the final stretch of the 2023 recruiting cycle, fans can look forward to a team that is not just talented but poised to compete for championships for years to come.