LSU’s quarterback room is heading into 2026 with more questions than answers-and the latest transfer news only adds to the uncertainty.
Colin Hurley, a former four-star recruit and one of the youngest players to ever suit up for LSU, is expected to enter the transfer portal. The redshirt freshman didn’t log any game snaps during his two seasons in Baton Rouge, but his departure still leaves a noticeable void in a Tigers QB room already in flux.
Hurley arrived on campus in January 2024 at just 16 years old-an early enrollee with big-time potential and high expectations. Despite not playing in a game, he made his presence felt off the field, earning a spot on the SEC Academic Honor Roll as a freshman. But after two seasons of development behind the scenes, he’s moving on with four full years of eligibility still ahead of him.
His time at LSU wasn’t without setbacks. A single-car accident in January sidelined him for most of spring practice, though he returned for the final week of drills.
He also missed the Tigers’ trip to Alabama in early November due to a personal matter. While we never got to see him take the field in purple and gold, Hurley’s raw talent and youth make him an intriguing name to watch in the portal.
His exit comes as LSU continues to navigate a complicated quarterback landscape. Garrett Nussmeier entered the 2025 season with Heisman buzz, but an abdominal injury derailed his campaign and cost him significant time down the stretch.
That opened the door for freshman Michael Van Buren, who stepped into the starting role but struggled with consistency. His long-term status with the program remains uncertain.
Now, with Hurley on his way out and no quarterback currently committed in LSU’s 2026 recruiting class, the Tigers are staring at a depth chart that’s thinner than expected. For the upcoming Texas Bowl, the only two QBs listed are Van Buren and true freshman Emile Picarella III.
Enter Lane Kiffin.
The new head coach is no stranger to rebuilding quarterback rooms on the fly. During his six-year stint at Ole Miss, Kiffin became known for his ability to identify and land impact players through the transfer portal. He’ll need to tap into that same magic again in Baton Rouge-and fast.
Fortunately for LSU, the 2025-26 portal cycle is shaping up to be loaded with potential plug-and-play options. Among the notable names reportedly entering the portal: Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola, Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt, Florida’s DJ Lagway, Cincinnati’s Brendan Sorsby, and Michigan State’s Aidan Chiles. Even Kiffin’s former Ole Miss QB, Trinidad Chambliss, is a name worth monitoring.
With Kiffin’s track record and LSU’s national brand, the Tigers figure to be a major player in the portal market. But as it stands today, there’s no clear answer under center heading into 2026.
And with Hurley’s departure marking yet another shift in a rapidly evolving quarterback room, it’s clear that Kiffin’s first offseason in Baton Rouge will be defined, in large part, by who he brings in to lead this offense.