Lane Kiffin isn’t backing down - and he’s not apologizing either. After landing the top-ranked transfer portal class in the 2026 cycle, LSU’s new head coach made one thing clear: this wasn’t just about recruiting hustle. It was about the power and alignment of an elite program that’s firing on all cylinders.
LSU didn’t just dip into the portal - they dove in headfirst, surfacing with a 40-player haul that includes three of the top five overall players. That’s not just impressive. That’s program-altering.
Let’s talk about the headliners:
- Sam Leavitt, the No. 1 quarterback in the portal, comes over from Arizona State.
- Jordan Seaton, the top offensive tackle, flips from Colorado.
- Princewill Umanmielen, the No. 1 edge rusher, leaves Ole Miss for Baton Rouge.
That trio alone would be enough to make waves. But LSU’s entire approach this cycle showed a level of aggression and resource deployment that few schools could match.
And Kiffin? He’s leaning into it.
“I’m extremely competitive and I don’t really do well with ‘no,’” Kiffin said on Wednesday. “So that just makes me more competitive when someone says no. That’s my job - that’s my job to LSU.”
Kiffin’s not just talking the talk. He’s chasing down top talent - literally.
When Leavitt visited Baton Rouge, he left without committing. Not ideal.
But Kiffin wasn’t about to let that be the end of the story. He tracked Leavitt down at the Knoxville Airport - yes, the airport - and sealed the deal.
That kind of relentless pursuit is what Kiffin believes connects with the LSU fanbase and culture. “No job is too small.
Find a way to go get it done,” he said. “I think it’s a good match.”
And it’s not just about the portal. Kiffin also secured two key five-star Louisiana natives - defensive lineman Richard Anderson and wide receiver Lamar Brown - who stayed committed through the coaching transition.
That speaks volumes. Kiffin met with both players within his first 72 hours on the job, and whatever he said worked.
They stayed. They’re now part of a freshman class that complements the Tigers’ veteran influx.
But Kiffin isn’t claiming all the credit. In fact, he’s quick to point out that LSU’s pull goes beyond any one coach.
“I get some credit for that, when people say, ‘Lane Kiffin signed the No. 1 player in the country,’” he said. “OK, LSU signed him.
We didn’t even have a defensive line coach at the time and they still sign with LSU. That’s not because of me or Frank Wilson - that’s the power of a place.”
Kiffin also brought some familiar faces with him to Baton Rouge - Billy Glasscock, his general manager, and Mike Williams, senior director of player personnel. Those two were instrumental in building this class, and their presence gave LSU a head start in December, even before the full staff was in place.
Bottom line: LSU didn’t just win the portal. They dominated it.
And with Kiffin at the helm, blending relentless recruiting with the backing of a powerhouse program, the Tigers are sending a clear message - they’re not waiting around to rebuild. They’re ready to compete right now.