Lane Kiffin hasn’t wasted a second since landing in Baton Rouge. After the Brian Kelly era ended with more of a whimper than a bang, Kiffin has come in with trademark energy and a clear plan-and if the early returns are any indication, LSU fans have every reason to be excited.
A Roster Makeover in Record Time
Let’s start with the numbers. Kiffin signed 14 players during the Early Signing Period, then doubled down by keeping key pieces already in the program.
That includes tight end Trey'Dez Green, running backs Caden Durham and Harlem Berry, and linebacker Whit Weeks-players who figure to be major contributors in 2026. But the real fireworks came in the transfer portal, where Kiffin, true to his “Portal King” nickname, brought in a staggering 40 players, including some of the biggest names available.
The message is clear: Kiffin isn’t easing into this job. He’s flipping the roster, building it in his image, and doing it fast.
Kiffin’s 5-Star Splash
In less than two months on the job, Kiffin has already signed six 5-star players to LSU-twice as many as he signed in six years at Ole Miss. That’s not just a stat, it’s a statement. It’s also a bit of salt in the wound for the Rebels, especially considering two of those six were originally committed to Oxford.
Let’s break down the six:
- Incoming Freshmen: DL Lamar Brown and DL Richard Anderson both committed under Brian Kelly but stayed on board with Kiffin. WR Corey Barber was a flip from Ole Miss, a direct swing from Kiffin back at his former program.
- Transfer Additions: QB Sam Leavitt, the top-ranked portal player according to On3, fills a massive need after LSU’s quarterback room was wiped clean by transfers. EDGE Princewill Umanmielen, fresh off an All-SEC Third Team nod and a 9-sack season at Ole Miss, brings proven SEC production. OT Jordan Seaton, a projected first-round pick and arguably the best pass-blocking tackle in the country, solidifies the offensive line.
That’s three of the top five players in the portal, all headed to Baton Rouge. It’s not just quantity-it’s elite quality, and it’s happening fast.
Leavitt: The Crown Jewel
Every rebuild needs a quarterback, and Kiffin found his in Sam Leavitt. With Michael Van Buren and Colin Hurley both exiting via the portal, LSU was staring at an empty quarterback room. Enter Leavitt, who arrives with serious hype and legitimate Heisman buzz for 2026.
He’s not just a stopgap-he’s a potential star. And with Seaton protecting his blind side, the Tigers’ offense suddenly has a much higher ceiling.
Building in the Trenches
Kiffin knows the SEC is won up front, and his moves reflect that. Umanmielen brings edge-rushing juice that LSU sorely needed, and Seaton is the kind of tackle who can anchor a line for years. After a rough 2025 season in the trenches, these two are game-changers.
Umanmielen, at 6’5” and 245 pounds, led Ole Miss in sacks and tackles for loss last season. His arrival not only weakens a division rival but gives LSU an immediate impact player on the edge.
Seaton, meanwhile, is the type of blue-chip lineman who can change the complexion of an offense. His presence could be the difference between a good offense and a great one.
No. 1 Portal Class in the Nation
According to 247Sports, LSU’s transfer haul ranks No. 1 in the country-and it’s easy to see why. Kiffin has addressed needs across the board, added elite talent, and sent a message to the rest of the SEC: LSU is back in the hunt, and they’re not waiting around.
For LSU fans, the energy is palpable. For Ole Miss fans, the frustration is real.
Kiffin didn’t just leave Oxford-he’s now out-recruiting them, out-flipping them, and outmaneuvering them in the portal. And he’s doing it all before coaching a single game in purple and gold.
The Bottom Line
Lane Kiffin’s LSU tenure is off to a roaring start. With a reloaded roster, a top-ranked portal class, and a quarterback who could be the face of the program, the Tigers are trending up-and fast. It’s still early, and games aren’t won in January, but Kiffin’s first moves in Baton Rouge have made one thing clear:
LSU isn’t rebuilding. They’re reloading.