The college football landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, and a key element of that change has been the rise of the transfer portal. Each year, as the transfer portal window closes, teams are forced to reckon with the roster changes that accompany it. LSU football, one of the premier programs in college football, was no exception in 2023 as they navigated the final days of the transfer portal window.
With a coaching staff eager to continue building on the success of the previous season under Brian Kelly, the Tigers faced the reality that some players would seek opportunities elsewhere. The departure of players via the portal isn’t necessarily a sign of dysfunction or failure but rather a reflection of the modern era of college football, where players are empowered to seek out the best opportunities for their future—whether that means more playing time, a better fit, or a change of scenery altogether.
As we reflect on the closing of the transfer portal window for LSU football, it’s time to break down which players chose to depart the program, what led to their departures, and what it means for LSU moving forward.
### **Understanding the Transfer Portal and Its Impact on College Football**
Before diving into the players who left LSU, it’s important to understand the broader context of the transfer portal and its impact on college football. Introduced in 2018, the NCAA’s transfer portal allows players to enter their name into a database, signaling their intention to transfer to another school. Once a player’s name is in the portal, they are free to communicate with other programs and explore their options.
The portal has fundamentally reshaped the college football recruiting landscape. Teams are now able to retool their rosters much more quickly, while players gain more control over their career trajectories. For programs like LSU, it offers the opportunity to bring in immediate talent, but it also means that players can leave just as quickly as they arrived.
For LSU, a powerhouse program that has been in the spotlight for both its successes and its internal struggles, the portal has been both a blessing and a challenge. Let’s take a look at which players departed the program as the window closed and the impact those departures may have.
### **1. Jontre Kirklin – Wide Receiver**
Jontre Kirklin, a versatile playmaker who spent much of his LSU career contributing as a wide receiver, officially entered the transfer portal in December 2023. Kirklin had been with the Tigers since 2018 and had made contributions in various roles, including special teams. His departure wasn’t necessarily a surprise, as he had seen limited playing time in the Tigers’ wide receiver rotation in 2023.
**Why Did He Leave?**
While Kirklin was a solid contributor for LSU in his early years, his role within the offense became less prominent as new talent, especially younger players, emerged on the roster. With LSU’s receiver room becoming increasingly crowded, especially with the addition of players like Malik Nabers and Kyren Lacy, it’s likely that Kirklin sought out an opportunity where he could play a more central role.
**Impact on LSU:**
Kirklin’s departure opens up additional snaps for the younger and more highly touted receivers on LSU’s roster. While his leadership and versatility will be missed, LSU is deep at the wide receiver position and can move forward with the talent already in place.
### **2. Walker Howard – Quarterback**
Perhaps the most high-profile transfer from LSU in recent years, Walker Howard entered the transfer portal in December 2023. Howard, a highly rated quarterback from the 2022 class, was expected to compete for the starting role in the coming years, especially with Jayden Daniels expected to leave after 2023. However, Howard’s departure came as a shock to many, considering the potential that he had to be LSU’s quarterback of the future.
**Why Did He Leave?**
Howard’s decision to enter the portal can be largely attributed to his desire for playing time. With Jayden Daniels being firmly entrenched as LSU’s starter, and with Garrett Nussmeier showing promise as a potential backup or future starter, Howard found himself stuck in a crowded quarterback room. Despite his talent and potential, Howard was likely not going to get the kind of opportunities he needed to develop as a quarterback at LSU in the short term.
**Impact on LSU:**
Losing Howard stings, especially considering his high school pedigree and the expectations surrounding his development. However, the quarterback room at LSU still boasts Nussmeier, who has shown flashes of brilliance, and Daniels, who should return for one more year of eligibility. LSU is still in good hands at quarterback, but Howard’s exit creates a hole in the program’s long-term depth at the position.
### **3. Trey Palmer – Wide Receiver**
Trey Palmer, a dynamic wide receiver, also entered the transfer portal in late 2023. Palmer, who played for LSU in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, had flashes of brilliance in his limited opportunities but struggled to secure a permanent starting role. After a relatively quiet 2022 campaign, Palmer decided to explore his options in the portal, seeking a fresh start.
**Why Did He Leave?**
The primary reason for Palmer’s departure was his limited playing time at LSU. As LSU continued to develop more talented and deeper receiving corps, Palmer found himself behind other more consistent contributors in the lineup. With other wide receivers emerging as key figures, Palmer likely felt it was time to find a program where he could become the featured player in the passing attack.
**Impact on LSU:**
Palmer’s departure had less of an impact than some other players, as his role in the offense had already diminished. Still, his departure left a gap that was quickly filled by emerging stars like Nabers, Lacy, and others. LSU’s receiver group remains strong, but Palmer’s exit is another example of the intense competition for spots on the roster.
### **4. Max Johnson – Quarterback (Transferred in 2023)**
Although Max Johnson left LSU earlier in the year, his decision to transfer still reverberates as the transfer window closes. Johnson, the starting quarterback for much of the 2021 season, transferred to Texas A&M in search of a fresh start after being relegated to a backup role in 2022. His exit was part of a larger shake-up at the quarterback position, as the Tigers began to solidify their starting roles.
**Why Did He Leave?**
Johnson’s decision to leave LSU stemmed from a crowded quarterback room. With Daniels arriving as a transfer and Nussmeier developing as a potential future starter, Johnson found himself at a crossroads. With limited opportunities in Baton Rouge, Johnson sought a chance to start and find success elsewhere.
**Impact on LSU:**
While Johnson’s departure left a void in terms of experience at quarterback, LSU had already begun to build depth in that position. Daniels, who took over as the starter, was a significant upgrade, and Nussmeier showed enough promise to make the quarterback position one of LSU’s strengths going forward. Johnson’s decision, while impactful in the short term, ultimately did not hinder LSU’s ability to remain competitive.
### **5. Other Departures**
In addition to the players mentioned above, several other contributors also made the decision to leave LSU through the portal. These include:
– **John Emery Jr. – Running Back**: Emery’s departure was notable, as he had shown flashes of talent but struggled with consistency and injuries during his time in Baton Rouge. With LSU’s running back room deep with talent, Emery likely saw less opportunity to make a significant impact going forward.
– **Sage Ryan – Defensive Back**: A former highly-rated recruit, Ryan’s departure was somewhat surprising, but he had fallen down the depth chart as other defensive backs emerged. With LSU’s defense being a key part of their success, Ryan’s exit created a bit of a void in the secondary.
### **Looking Ahead: The Future of LSU Football**
While the departures of players like Walker Howard, Jontre Kirklin, and Trey Palmer may raise eyebrows, it’s important to remember that college football is a constantly evolving environment. Players leave programs for a variety of reasons, whether it’s seeking more playing time, a different system, or simply a new start. For LSU, these departures free up scholarships for incoming players and allow the coaching staff to continue building the program according to Brian Kelly’s vision.
Despite the transfers, LSU remains well-positioned for success in 2024 and beyond. The team has a strong core of talent, including an experienced quarterback in Jayden Daniels (if he returns), a dynamic receiving corps, and a defense that continues to develop into one of the SEC’s best. The transfer portal, while it can create short-term challenges, also opens up opportunities to bring in new talent that can help the team continue its rise in the competitive SEC West.
The 2023 transfer portal window may have closed, but the work to build a championship-contending LSU football program is just beginning. With a strong recruiting class and the potential to add more transfers in the future, the Tigers are well-positioned to make waves in the SEC and beyond.
