LSU is making a late move in the transfer portal, and their latest target is former Baylor offensive lineman Sean Thompkins. The redshirt sophomore, who recently committed to North Carolina, is now scheduled to visit Baton Rouge on Thursday - a sign that the Tigers aren’t done building up their offensive front for 2025.
Thompkins comes with some intrigue. He’s a three-star prospect in the current portal cycle, ranked as the No. 80 tackle and No. 1,009 overall player by 247Sports. While those numbers don’t jump off the page, there’s more to the story here.
Coming out of high school, Thompkins was a high-end three-star recruit with a reputation for versatility along the line. He was ranked as the No. 50 interior offensive lineman in the 2023 class and signed with Baylor with expectations of developing into a contributor.
But like a lot of young linemen, his path to playing time took time to unfold. He didn’t record his first collegiate start until the 2025 season, when he started the final five games for the Bears.
The results? A mixed bag.
According to Pro Football Focus, Thompkins posted a 56.1 pass-blocking grade and a 48.1 run-blocking grade in his limited action. Those numbers suggest a player still figuring things out at the college level - but also one who finally got on the field and gained valuable reps down the stretch.
So why is LSU interested now, especially with Thompkins already committed elsewhere? There are a couple of key factors at play.
First, depth. LSU’s offensive line has been hit hard by departures, and while the Tigers have added four linemen so far, they’ve lost nearly twice as many. The numbers simply don’t add up, and Thompkins represents a potential solution - or at least another option in the room.
Second, upside. LSU’s staff may see something in Thompkins that suggests untapped potential.
He didn’t exactly light it up at Baylor, but sometimes a change of scenery - and a new coaching staff - can make all the difference. There’s also the possibility that a move inside, where he was originally projected coming out of high school, could better suit his skill set.
At this stage, LSU needs bodies up front. The SEC trenches are unforgiving, and depth matters just as much as star power. Thompkins may not be a headline-grabbing name, but he’s a developmental piece who could grow into a contributor if the Tigers can land him.
The visit to Baton Rouge could be the first step in flipping him from North Carolina. And for a team looking to stabilize its offensive line, that’s a pursuit worth watching.