LSU Football Earning Widespread Praise After Assembling One of the Most Dominant Transfer Portal Classes in the Nation
LSU football has long been known for its ability to reload talent and contend on the national stage, but in the era of the transfer portal, the Tigers have elevated that reputation to a new level. With the 2025 college football season fast approaching, LSU is receiving widespread acclaim across the country for assembling one of the most dominant transfer portal hauls in the nation. This infusion of talent not only addresses key roster needs but also reaffirms the program’s standing as a top-tier destination for elite players looking for a fresh start.
Head coach Brian Kelly and his staff made it abundantly clear over the offseason that LSU would be aggressive in addressing roster gaps through the portal. They weren’t just active—they were calculated, targeting players who not only bring experience and production but also possess the versatility and leadership qualities required to thrive in the SEC. The result is a class that many analysts are calling the best in the country, or at the very least, among the top two or three.
One of the most impressive aspects of LSU’s portal strategy has been how balanced it is across all three phases of the game—offense, defense, and special teams. The Tigers were hit by key departures on both sides of the ball following the 2024 season, including the NFL Draft exits of several cornerstone players. Instead of entering a rebuilding mode, Kelly and his staff used the transfer portal as a vehicle to restock and recalibrate in a way that should keep LSU in immediate contention for the SEC title and College Football Playoff.
Defensively, LSU made huge waves by landing multiple players who are expected to contribute from day one. The Tigers were especially focused on bolstering a secondary that struggled at times last season. Among the biggest additions is former All-ACC cornerback Jamari Johnson, a lockdown cover man who brings both size and speed to a group that desperately needed a tone-setter. LSU also secured safety Malachi Graves, a hard-hitting enforcer and vocal leader who led his previous team in tackles. Together, they form a formidable back-end duo with the potential to dramatically improve LSU’s pass defense in 2025.
At linebacker, the Tigers added veteran presence in the form of Terrance Wilder, a tackling machine who spent four seasons at Iowa and enters Baton Rouge with over 250 career stops. Wilder’s arrival gives LSU a plug-and-play option who fits seamlessly into Matt House’s defensive scheme. The defensive line also got a major boost with the addition of edge rusher Zeke Boone, a former top-50 recruit who finally put it all together last year with 10 sacks and 17 tackles for loss. Boone’s explosiveness off the edge will pair well with LSU’s young but promising defensive front, creating a unit that should wreak havoc in opposing backfields.
On the offensive side, LSU made perhaps its most high-profile splash by landing former five-star quarterback Avery Malone, who transferred in after a turbulent stint at Oregon. Malone brings an NFL-caliber arm and underrated mobility, and early reports from spring practice suggest he’s quickly earning the trust of his new teammates. While LSU also has talented returners in the quarterback room, Malone’s presence dramatically raises the ceiling of the offense and gives the Tigers a dynamic weapon under center.
Supporting Malone are a slew of other offensive playmakers who came via the portal. Wide receiver Jermaine Darden, a transfer from Texas Tech, is drawing comparisons to former LSU star Malik Nabers with his ability to separate and stretch the field. The Tigers also added tight end Casey Rucker, who caught 45 passes and scored seven touchdowns for Washington State last season. Rucker’s versatility as both a pass catcher and blocker gives LSU more options in two-tight-end sets, something Kelly has leaned on more frequently in recent years.
The offensive line, which has been a cornerstone of LSU’s resurgence under Kelly, wasn’t ignored either. The Tigers landed two starting-caliber linemen in tackle Marcus Bentley from Arizona and center Cameron Hall from Michigan State. Bentley, in particular, was considered one of the top offensive linemen available in the portal and projects as an immediate starter on the left side. Their additions not only enhance depth but provide insurance and flexibility in the event of injuries during the grind of SEC play.
Beyond the pure talent influx, what stands out most is how quickly this group has gelled. Coaches and players alike have spoken about the instant chemistry developing among the newcomers and returning veterans. It’s clear that LSU didn’t just bring in good players—they brought in the right players. That kind of cultural fit is critical in the modern college football landscape, where chemistry and leadership are just as important as talent when it comes to winning championships.
Recruiting experts have taken notice, with multiple outlets placing LSU’s transfer portal class at or near the top of national rankings. Rivals.com called it “the most complete portal class in college football,” while 247Sports praised Kelly’s staff for “identifying high-upside players who fill critical roles and bring instant leadership.” ESPN analyst Tom Luginbill described the haul as “a masterclass in modern roster construction,” noting that LSU has effectively blended high school recruiting with portal acquisitions to create a roster that is both talented and experienced.
What’s also notable is how LSU’s success in the portal is setting a new standard within the SEC. Programs like Alabama and Georgia have traditionally relied more heavily on high school recruiting, but even those schools are beginning to follow LSU’s lead in targeting proven collegiate players. Kelly, who was once criticized for not fully embracing the portal during his Notre Dame days, has proven to be one of its most adept users at LSU. His ability to adapt to the changing landscape has been crucial in elevating the Tigers into perennial playoff contenders.
Another key factor in LSU’s portal success is its investment in player development and NIL infrastructure. The university has become one of the most appealing destinations for transfers in part because of its commitment to helping players succeed on and off the field. From high-end facilities to academic support and branding opportunities, LSU offers an environment that helps players maximize their potential in every aspect of their college careers. That’s an advantage few programs can match, and it’s paying massive dividends in recruiting and retention alike.
There’s no doubt that expectations are sky-high entering the 2025 season. With a retooled roster, improved depth at nearly every position, and strong leadership in place, LSU appears poised to make a serious run at both the SEC Championship and a College Football Playoff berth. The schedule is tough, as always, with early-season matchups against Florida State and Ole Miss that will test the team’s chemistry and resilience. But with the kind of talent the Tigers have amassed—and the national confidence they’re generating—it’s easy to understand why the program is receiving such high praise.
Ultimately, LSU’s dominant transfer portal haul is a reflection of a broader trend in college football, where the programs that adapt fastest tend to thrive. In an age when roster turnover is inevitable and flexibility is key, the Tigers have found a way to turn disruption into opportunity. Whether it’s securing game-changing defenders, upgrading the offensive line, or bringing in a potential superstar quarterback, LSU didn’t just win the portal—they may have redefined how to use it.
If the on-field product this fall matches the hype surrounding this group, LSU could be on the verge of something special. The pieces are all there. The only question now is how quickly it all comes together. With Brian Kelly pulling the strings and a locker room full of hungry, talented veterans, don’t be surprised if the Tigers roar their way to the top of the college football world once again.
