SEC Transfer Portal Recap: LSU Reloads in a Big Way as Spring Window Closes
The Spring Transfer Portal has officially closed, meaning players can no longer enter, but those still searching for a new home can continue to visit and commit to programs. The SEC is usually most active during the winter transfer period, since intra-conference transfers are restricted, often leaving spring relatively quiet.
In recent years, the transfer portal has played a pivotal role in shaping the SEC, determining who competes for the College Football Playoff and ultimately the National Championship. Both of last season’s title contenders started transfer quarterbacks, underlining the importance of landing the right talent. While performance on the field is the final metric, acquiring elite players in the portal can drastically shift a program’s momentum.
Judging transfer portal winners and losers isn’t an exact science — it’s based on projections, fit, and potential. But when a team misses the opportunity to fill key gaps, it can be a costly misstep. On the other hand, some programs clearly elevated themselves to championship contender status.
Brian Kelly and LSU Dominate the Transfer Window
After missing out on the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, LSU head coach Brian Kelly responded emphatically — even contributing $1 million of his own money to build a team capable of winning it all.
“We needed bodies, and we brought in 19,” said Kelly, referencing LSU’s largest transfer class since his first year in Baton Rouge.
The Tigers filled holes across nearly every unit, except Linebacker and Running Back, where depth was already strong. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will now have top-tier receiving weapons in Nic Anderson and Barion Brown, along with tight end Bauer Sharp, who led Oklahoma in receiving last season.
With four starters gone on the offensive line, LSU addressed the void by adding Braelin Moore and Josh Thompson, both of whom are expected to contribute immediately at Center and Guard.
Defensively, LSU was porous in 2023 — particularly in the secondary. But that could change fast. The Tigers brought in Patrick Payton, Jack Pyburn, and Jimari Butler to bolster their pass rush, while Bernard Gooden and Sydir Mitchell bring power to the interior.
In the back end, LSU fans grew familiar with defenders by the names on their jerseys — mostly while they were chasing open receivers. That narrative should flip with the arrival of cornerbacks Mansoor Delane and Ja’Keem Jackson, nickelback Tamarcus Cooley, and All-American safety AJ Haulcy.
“The days of LSU’s defense getting lit up might be over,” one insider noted.
Special teams weren’t ignored either. LSU added freshman punter Grant Chadwick and a high-upside quarterback of the future in Michael Van Buren to round out the class.
Bottom line: LSU went all-in this offseason — financially and strategically — and has positioned itself as one of the clear transfer portal winners in the SEC. Time will tell if it translates into wins, but the message is loud and clear: Brian Kelly is betting big on 2024.
