Former Five-Star OL Carius Curne Enters Transfer Portal After Promising Freshman Year at LSU
LSU is set to lose one of its most intriguing young talents, as freshman offensive lineman Carius Curne plans to enter the transfer portal after just one season in Baton Rouge. The former five-star recruit and No. 2-ranked interior offensive lineman in the 2025 class made an early impression during his debut season, but with sweeping changes coming to the Tigers’ program, Curne is looking for a new opportunity.
A Freshman Year That Showed Promise
Despite being a true freshman, Curne didn’t take long to find his way onto the field. After limited action through the first month of the season, he cracked the starting lineup in Week 5 against Ole Miss and never looked back. By season’s end, he had appeared in seven games and made five starts, lining up at both left and right tackle-a rare feat for a first-year lineman in the SEC.
Over 305 offensive snaps, Curne held his own in the trenches. He allowed 11 pressures and three sacks across 198 pass-blocking reps-numbers that reflect both the growing pains of a young player and the flashes of high-level potential that made him such a coveted recruit. While LSU’s offensive line as a whole struggled at times, Curne showed enough to suggest he can be a foundational piece wherever he lands next.
LSU's Offensive Overhaul Sparks Roster Movement
Curne’s decision comes as LSU undergoes a major transition. With Lane Kiffin stepping in as the new head coach, the Tigers are expected to revamp their offensive identity from top to bottom. That includes a brand-new offensive staff heading into 2026, and with that level of change, roster turnover is inevitable-especially in the trenches, where continuity and scheme fit are crucial.
For a young lineman like Curne, who already proved he can handle SEC-level competition, the uncertainty surrounding the new system may have played a role in his decision to explore other options. The timing also aligns with the start of the transfer portal cycle, when players across the country are re-evaluating their fit and future.
Why Arkansas Makes Sense as a Potential Landing Spot
Curne hails from Arkansas, and that connection could make the Razorbacks a logical destination. At 6-foot-5 and around 320 pounds, he brings a college-ready frame and the kind of athleticism that jumps off the tape. A two-way lineman in high school with a background in track and field throws, Curne has the versatility to play inside or out, though many evaluators believe his long-term ceiling is highest as an interior lineman.
For Arkansas, which is entering a rebuild under a new coaching staff, adding a player like Curne would be a major step forward. He’s young, already battle-tested in the SEC, and still has multiple years of eligibility. That’s exactly the type of player new head coach Ryan Silverfield can build around-someone who not only fills an immediate need but also brings long-term upside.
The Razorbacks need help across the board, and landing a former five-star with Curne’s pedigree would be a statement move. While nothing is official yet, he’s a name to keep close tabs on as the transfer portal continues to reshape rosters across college football.
What’s Next
Curne’s entry into the portal underscores the new reality of college football-where even top-tier recruits aren’t guaranteed to stay put if the circumstances shift. For LSU, it’s a notable loss, but also part of the growing pains that come with a regime change. For Curne, it’s a chance to reset, find the right fit, and continue developing into the player many believe has NFL potential.
One thing’s clear: wherever he lands next, Carius Curne won’t be flying under the radar.