The transfer portal is officially open. Over the next few days, you’ll hear more and more about top prospects visiting LSU football games, and it won’t be long before the dominoes start falling.
New LSU head coach Lane Kiffin and general manager Billy Glasscock are known as some of the best portal recruiters in the sport. At Ole Miss, the staff recruited big names and identified added value. Expect LSU to take the same approach and have even more resources to brag about.
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The Tigers have a lot of needs. Some LSU players are logging into the portal, and others will declare for the NFL draft. LSU didn’t perform up to expectations in 2025, and the roster wasn’t up to par with what LSU rosters usually are. Kiffin’s first priority is restoring talent levels.
With the portal in full swing, here are LSU’s five biggest transfer portal needs.
1. Quarterback
LSU needs a quarterback — in fact, it might need several.
Michael Van Buren is the only quarterback on the roster, and his future is clouded after mixed results as LSU’s starter in 2025. If Van Buren also hits the portal, LSU won’t have any scholarship passers.
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Even if Van Buren stays, LSU is looking for a big name at quarterback. Kiffin and OC Charlie Weis should be an attractive pairing for quarterbacks looking to improve their draft stock. The two created some of the most prolific offenses in the sport.
LSU has been linked to Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt and Cincinnati quarterback Brennan Thorsby. Both players are top transfers in their class and are being pursued by several major schools. LSU had to pay to get one of these. If LSU misses out there, the Tigers will have to wait and see what the future holds for senior quarterback Trinda Chamullis.
2. Wide Receiver
LSU’s spacious receiving room needs a complete rebuild. The room is in trouble in 2025, with most of the pass catchers on the roster having entered the portal or declared for the NFL Draft.
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LSU has been linked to the portal’s top receivers, including NC State’s Terrell Anderson, who will reportedly visit LSU. Anderson would be a good start, but the Tigers need more. It wouldn’t be surprising if LSU takes on as many as five transfer wide receivers.
3. Offensive line
LSU has experienced an exodus on its offensive line in recent weeks. Starting in 2025, most of LSU’s offensive linemen have entered the transfer portal. This team has been one of LSU’s worst offenses in recent memory, but now new OL coach Eric Wolford’s cupboard is empty.
Quality offensive linemen are hard to find in the transfer portal. The best way to build an offensive line is to sign a bunch of talented high school seniors and then use the portal to fill the gaps. But LSU has no choice — the Tigers need to find two or three quality prospects in the transfer portal.
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4. Defensive end
LSU’s defense remains in good position with DC Blake Baker and much of the defensive staff back. This is key to retaining players on that side of the ball. This unit has a lot of young talent and will be one of the best in the country by 2025.
But LSU is losing two veteran defensive ends in Patrick Payton and Jake Piborn. Both are key for LSU in 2025, and the Tigers will miss having them on the edge.
Now, LSU has next to no experience on defense. Gabe Reliford will return, but he missed the final two months of the season as he required surgery.
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Chaz Coleman is one of the top-rated defensive ends on the portal, and LSU is reportedly working to land the former Penn State pass rusher.
5. Tight end
LSU returns tight end Trey’Dez Green, who projects to be one of the best players on LSU’s roster. But the Tigers need depth at the position.
Green will be a junior and, at this rate, headed to the NFL after next year. Expect Kiffin and company to look for younger tight ends to add depth. LSU may also be in the market for a physical blocking tight end to complement Green’s dynamic tools as a pass catcher.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU football’s five biggest transfer portal needs ranked
