Lane Kiffin isn’t wasting any time making waves at LSU-and he hasn’t even coached a game yet.
Before the transfer portal officially swung open, Kiffin was already showing signs that something big was brewing in Baton Rouge. For the new LSU head coach, this wasn’t just another offseason-it was a critical moment to reshape the roster and set the tone for a new era. Sources close to the situation suggest one of the driving forces behind Kiffin’s move from Ole Miss was the opportunity to gain a stronger foothold in recruiting, and the early returns show he’s attacking the portal with urgency.
Kiffin’s been particularly active on social media since the portal opened, and one post in particular turned heads. “Going to be the best day yet,” he wrote-only to delete the message roughly 40 to 45 minutes later.
On its own, the post might’ve seemed like just another cryptic motivational tweet. But the timing raised eyebrows, especially considering it came shortly after Ole Miss linebacker TJ Dottery entered the transfer portal.
Dottery’s departure from the Rebels coincided with his split from defensive coordinator Pete Golding. While there’s no official word yet on Dottery’s destination, the LSU buzz is growing louder. And if Kiffin does land him, it won’t be just another depth move-it could be a game-changer for LSU’s defense and their playoff aspirations.
Dottery isn’t just any linebacker. He was a key piece of the Rebels’ defensive puzzle this past season, racking up 48 solo tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Those are the kind of numbers that don’t just fill a stat sheet-they swing games. Whether it was stuffing the run, dropping into coverage, or making plays in space, Dottery consistently showed up when it mattered.
And while there’s been plenty of debate about who deserves credit for Ole Miss’ two playoff wins-some point to Golding, others to linebacker Trinidad Chambliss-the truth is, those victories were the result of a collective effort. Dottery was right in the thick of it, and his presence on the field gave the Rebels a toughness and reliability that’s hard to replace.
For Golding and Ole Miss, losing Dottery stings. He’s one of several key pieces the program has seen depart recently, both on the field and on the coaching staff.
Add in the uncertainty surrounding Chambliss’ waiver status, and it’s clear that the Rebels are entering a pivotal offseason. The 2026 campaign is shaping up to be a major test-not just for Golding’s defense, but for the direction of the program as a whole.
As for Kiffin, his message-even the deleted one-was loud and clear: LSU isn’t just looking to reload. They’re looking to contend. And if TJ Dottery ends up in purple and gold, that message will only get louder.