Lane Kiffin is wasting no time putting his stamp on LSU’s roster. Since taking over in Baton Rouge, the Tigers’ new head coach has been aggressive in the transfer portal, zeroing in on players who can thrive in his fast-paced, high-scoring offense. And on Thursday night, he added another intriguing piece to that puzzle - former Oregon tight end Zach Grace.
Grace, who announced his commitment to LSU, brings a unique blend of physicality and versatility that fits right into what Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. are building. He’s not the flashy, headline-grabbing name you might expect, but make no mistake - this is the kind of under-the-radar addition that can pay big dividends in the SEC.
Grace’s journey is one of persistence and development. He came into college football as an unranked recruit in the 2023 cycle, choosing to walk on at Oregon.
After redshirting his freshman year, he steadily worked his way up the depth chart, earning a reputation as a physical, reliable run blocker. By 2025, he had become a key cog in the Ducks’ offense, lining up at both tight end and fullback and playing a major role in one of the most effective run games in the country.
What makes Grace so valuable isn’t just his blocking - it’s the way he opens up options for an offense. He’s the kind of player who can line up in multiple spots, create mismatches, and give a creative play-caller like Kiffin the flexibility to get a little more unpredictable. Whether he’s sealing the edge on an outside zone run or slipping into the flat off play action, Grace brings that old-school toughness with just enough modern versatility to be a real asset.
This move also speaks to Kiffin’s larger strategy in reshaping LSU’s offensive identity. He’s not just chasing stars - he’s targeting players who fit his system and can contribute immediately. Grace might not have had a ton of buzz coming out of high school, but he’s proven he can contribute at a high level, and now he gets a chance to do it on one of college football’s biggest stages.
For LSU fans, this is another sign that the program is heading into a new era - one where smart roster construction and scheme fit are front and center. Grace may not be the headline of the offseason, but don’t be surprised if he becomes one of the most important pieces in Kiffin’s first year at the helm.