Lane Kiffin’s Transfer Portal Masterclass Has LSU Thinking Championship
When LSU made the bold move to part ways with Brian Kelly, the message was clear: it was time to bring back not just winning football, but that signature LSU swagger. Enter Lane Kiffin - a coach with a big personality, a proven offensive mind, and a well-earned reputation as the “Transfer Portal King.”
The Tigers didn’t just hire a coach; they made a statement. And now, with Kiffin’s first transfer class in the books, that statement is echoing across college football.
A Portal Haul That Changes Everything
Kiffin’s work in the portal at Ole Miss was already legendary. But what he’s done in his first offseason at LSU is on another level. Friday night may have been the exclamation point, as LSU landed elite offensive tackle Jordan Seaton - a move that could very well be the final piece of a top-to-bottom roster overhaul.
Before these additions, LSU was sitting at No. 7 in early Top 25 projections. After this portal frenzy? They’re firmly in the national title conversation.
And it’s not just hype. According to On3’s Transfer Portal Rankings, which factor in both additions and losses, LSU sits fourth nationally.
Meanwhile, 247Sports - which focuses solely on additions - has LSU at No. 1.
That’s a reflection of both quantity and quality, with 40 new players joining the roster.
Sam Leavitt: The Crown Jewel
The biggest name in this class is quarterback Sam Leavitt, who transfers in from Arizona State. Leavitt isn’t just another arm - he’s the top-ranked transfer in the country, regardless of position, per both On3 and 247Sports.
Leavitt led the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff in 2024, and if not for an untimely injury this past season, they might’ve been back. Now he steps into Kiffin’s quarterback-friendly system, where his dual-threat ability should shine. He’s got the legs to extend plays and the arm to stretch the field - a perfect fit for an offense that’s built to score in bunches.
And while he won’t have former target Jordyn Tyson, he’ll be surrounded by talent. LSU’s receiving corps might be one of the most revamped - and most dangerous - in the country.
Weapons Everywhere
Kiffin didn’t just reload - he reimagined the offense. The wide receiver room now includes 10 new faces, headlined by Kansas State’s Jayce Brown, Florida’s Eugene Wilson III, and Winston Watkins from Ole Miss.
But as Kiffin’s track record shows, it’s often the under-the-radar guys who end up making the biggest splash. Players like Jackson Harris, Tyree Holloway, and Josh Jackson could be next in line.
At running back, LSU was already in good shape with Harlem Berry and Caden Durham returning. But the Tigers added depth anyway, bringing in Dilin Jones - a high-upside back who was set to start at Wisconsin before an injury derailed his 2025 season.
Fixing the Trenches
If there was one glaring weakness last season, it was the offensive line. That’s no longer the case.
Seaton, who allowed just two sacks at Colorado last year, is the anchor LSU desperately needed. But the overhaul didn’t stop there.
Devin Harper returns to his home state as the projected starter at right tackle, while Darrin Strey, William Satterwhite, and Sean Thompkins bring Power 4 experience. Add in some Group of 5 depth, and suddenly this line looks like a strength, not a liability.
Defense Reloaded
On the other side of the ball, the defensive line got a major facelift. Kiffin landed Princewill Umanmielen - fresh off a 9-sack season at Ole Miss - and paired him with former 5-star Tennessee edge rusher Jordan Ross. That duo has the potential to be a nightmare for SEC quarterbacks.
And the upgrades didn’t stop there. At linebacker, LSU could’ve stood pat with Whit Weeks and Davhon Keys and still been solid. Instead, they went out and added TJ Dudley - the SEC’s leading tackler - to create what might be the best linebacker unit in the country.
The secondary didn’t need much, with DJ Pickett, PJ Woodland, and Tamarcus Cooley all returning. But Boise State’s Ty Benefield arrives to solidify the star position, rounding out a group that looks deep, experienced, and versatile.
From Rebuild to Contender
Kiffin inherited a roster with holes just about everywhere. Now?
It’s tough to find a weakness. In one offseason, LSU has flipped the script - from a team in transition to a legitimate national championship threat.
Of course, talent on paper doesn’t guarantee wins. Chemistry matters.
Execution matters. But if this group can come together the way Kiffin envisions, the Tigers won’t just be back - they’ll be dangerous.
LSU wanted swagger. They wanted excitement. They wanted to win.
Lane Kiffin just gave them all three.