LSU has assembled what Antonio Morales of The Athletic calls the “best transfer portal class in the country” as the Tigers prepare for a potential College Football Playoff return.
The Tigers missed the 12-team playoff in 2024 despite bringing back one of college football’s top starting quarterbacks. Head coach Brian Kelly now has his most complete roster since arriving at LSU.
“This is the most talented roster Brian Kelly has had at LSU, and he’s finally got the Tigers to the point where they can compete for a national championship,” Morales said.
LSU’s transfer additions target their biggest weaknesses from last season.
The Tigers added receivers Nic Anderson from Oklahoma and Barion Brown from Kentucky to boost their passing attack. That combination gives LSU the skill position depth they lacked in 2024.
The defense gets reinforcements on the line with transfers Patrick Payton from Florida State, Jack Pyburn from Florida, and Bernard Gooden from South Florida. LSU ranked 89th nationally in yards per play allowed last season.
“The last two national champions did the bulk of their roster building on the recruiting trail and used the portal only to fill small holes. LSU will be better at the skill spots, led by transfer receivers Nic Anderson (Oklahoma) and Barion Brown (LSU),” Morales noted.
The recruiting class adds immediate impact players in cornerback DJ Pickett and running back Harlem Berry.
LSU hasn’t reached the playoff since their 2019 championship run with Joe Burrow. The Tigers have remained competitive but haven’t broken through to elite status under Kelly.
The crowded SEC presents challenges for any playoff bid, but LSU’s roster overhaul positions them as a legitimate contender for the first time since Kelly’s arrival.
