LSU Basketball Makes Major Offseason Statement by Adding Two High-Impact Transfers to Strengthen Matt McMahon’s 2025-26 Roster
LSU men’s basketball made a major splash in the transfer portal this offseason, reeling in two highly sought-after players who are expected to play key roles for head coach Matt McMahon’s squad in the 2025-26 campaign. The additions mark a critical turning point in the program’s roster building, injecting talent, experience, and much-needed depth into a team aiming to rise in the Southeastern Conference hierarchy. For a program looking to build on flashes of potential last season, these pickups could be the foundation for a breakthrough year.
The Tigers landed forward Jalen Shelton from Washington State and guard Trey Richardson from UAB, two dynamic players who bring distinct but complementary skill sets. Both transfers are expected to step into significant roles from day one, with Shelton bolstering the frontcourt and Richardson adding explosiveness and shot creation to the backcourt rotation. Their arrival is also a strong signal that McMahon and his staff are gaining traction on the recruiting trail and can effectively compete for high-level portal talent.
Shelton, a 6-foot-8 junior, was one of the top available forwards in the portal. He earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention honors last season while averaging 13.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. Known for his defensive versatility and rim protection, Shelton also showed growth as a face-up scorer. His ability to stretch the floor and run in transition fits well with McMahon’s up-tempo system, and he gives LSU a versatile frontcourt piece that can slide between the four and five spots depending on matchups.
On film, Shelton is a relentless competitor who plays with high motor and strong instincts. His rebounding on both ends of the court stands out, and his defensive awareness makes him a threat to switch onto smaller players or hold his own in the paint. Offensively, he is not just a garbage points specialist — he can create for himself off the dribble, knock down midrange jumpers, and is an improving three-point shooter. His 35.2% clip from deep last season indicates he can’t be left open, making him a pick-and-pop threat.
Richardson, on the other hand, was a breakout star at UAB, leading the Blazers in scoring with 17.1 points per game while also dishing out 4.3 assists. A lightning-quick combo guard with a knack for big moments, Richardson combines athleticism and shot-making with a flair for playmaking. He gives LSU a legitimate go-to scorer who can break down defenders off the bounce, create his own shot in isolation, and finish through contact at the rim. His offensive game is complete — he’s comfortable operating in the pick-and-roll, pulling up from midrange, or burying threes off the dribble.
Defensively, Richardson is a pest on the perimeter with quick hands and anticipation skills. He averaged 1.9 steals per game last season and consistently turned defense into offense. With LSU struggling at times to contain opposing guards and generate turnovers, his arrival could mark a significant boost in perimeter defense. The ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes will be a key asset, particularly in SEC play where elite guard play is the norm.
The fit for both transfers in McMahon’s system looks seamless. The Tigers want to play fast, spread the floor, and put pressure on opposing defenses with multiple creators and athletic finishers. Shelton and Richardson allow McMahon to roll out more dynamic lineups, create mismatches, and play with better tempo on both ends. Perhaps more importantly, they bring maturity, having played meaningful minutes in tough environments, which should help LSU avoid some of the inconsistency that plagued them in previous seasons.
McMahon, who enters his third year in Baton Rouge, has faced pressure to elevate the program’s trajectory. His first season ended with just two conference wins, but this past year showed improvement, with LSU hanging tough in several close games against ranked opponents. While the win column didn’t always reflect it, the Tigers were clearly more competitive and beginning to build an identity. The addition of Shelton and Richardson helps accelerate that process and provides the kind of immediate impact talent that can turn close losses into wins.
In many ways, this portal success is the result of the long game McMahon and his staff have been playing. They’ve built relationships, sold a vision, and emphasized development, opportunity, and culture. In an era where player movement is constant, having a program identity and a coach players trust is critical. Both Shelton and Richardson spoke highly of the staff during their respective commitments, praising the player-first approach and the chance to be part of a program on the rise.
Off the court, LSU’s recent NIL developments may have also played a role in these commitments. The school has continued to invest in its basketball infrastructure, and with strong support from boosters and the community, LSU is positioning itself as a competitive destination for top transfer talent. That momentum matters in recruiting battles, especially when competing against bluebloods and established programs.
Beyond just talent infusion, the commitment of both Shelton and Richardson has sparked excitement among the LSU fanbase. Social media reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with Tiger fans optimistic about what the duo can bring to the court. Season ticket interest is reportedly on the rise, and buzz around the program is building as the roster starts to take shape for 2025-26.
The timing of these additions is also crucial. With several players graduating or entering the portal themselves, LSU needed to replenish its depth quickly. The Tigers had glaring needs at both the forward and guard spots, and these two transfers address those directly. The roster is still taking shape, but with Shelton and Richardson in the fold, LSU has a strong foundation to build around. Returning players like guard Mike Williams IV and forward Tyrell Ward now have more help, and the overall talent level has taken a clear step forward.
Looking ahead, the coaching staff is not done. There are still scholarship spots open, and the Tigers are actively involved with other transfer targets. Adding another wing or stretch big remains a priority, and if McMahon can land another proven contributor, this could be one of the best portal hauls in the SEC. Even if no further additions are made, the current group looks like a clear upgrade in athleticism, versatility, and experience from a year ago.
The ultimate question, of course, will be whether these moves translate to wins. The SEC is as competitive as ever, with schools like Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee reloading via the portal and elite freshmen. But for LSU, the goal isn’t necessarily to leap to the top overnight — it’s to take another clear step forward, contend for postseason play, and build sustained momentum.
Shelton and Richardson are the type of players who can move the needle. Their presence on the floor will elevate everyone around them, and their leadership in the locker room will be invaluable to a group that’s still relatively young. For a program that’s been seeking a new identity in the post-Will Wade era, this offseason feels like a moment of clarity. McMahon’s vision is coming into focus, and the pieces are starting to align.
As the summer progresses, eyes will remain on Baton Rouge. The Tigers’ next move in the portal, the development of returners, and the cohesion of this newly retooled roster will be watched closely. But for now, the message is clear: LSU isn’t standing still. The Tigers are pushing forward, and with Shelton and Richardson in purple and gold, the buzz is real.
