LSU has wasted no time making a statement in the transfer portal under new head coach Lane Kiffin. According to 247Sports, the Tigers currently boast the No. 1 transfer class in the country - edging out heavy hitters like Ole Miss and Texas - and it’s not hard to see why. With 37 new additions already committed, Kiffin is reshaping this roster with the kind of urgency and precision that earned him the nickname “Portal King.”
From top-tier quarterbacks to SEC-ready defenders and dynamic playmakers on the outside, LSU’s portal haul is as deep as it is talented. And if this group can find chemistry quickly, don’t be surprised if the Tigers are in the thick of the College Football Playoff conversation come December.
Here’s a closer look at five of the biggest names in LSU’s transfer class, based on the On3 Transfer Portal Industry Rankings:
5. Devin Harper, IOL, from Ole Miss
Harper is one of two players to follow Kiffin from Oxford to Baton Rouge, and he might end up being one of the most important. A Louisiana native, Harper spent just one season at Ole Miss before entering the portal, and now he’s back home with a chance to make an immediate impact.
LSU’s offensive line room was left thin and inexperienced after the 2025 season, and Harper checks a lot of boxes. He’s a blue-chip recruit with four full years of eligibility remaining and is ranked as the No. 4 interior offensive lineman in the portal.
While he didn’t see much action last year, Harper’s upside is undeniable. With the Tigers’ line wide open heading into spring, he’ll be in the thick of the competition from day one.
4. Jayce Brown, WR, from Kansas State
LSU’s receiving corps needed a complete reset. Only one wideout who caught a pass in 2025 - Phillip Wright - is returning, so the Tigers had to go big in the portal. Enter Jayce Brown.
The former Kansas State standout brings nearly 2,000 career receiving yards and a reputation as a big-play threat. He averaged a whopping 17.4 yards per catch last season, and his ability to stretch the field vertically fits perfectly with what Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. want to do.
Brown isn’t just a burner - he’s dynamic after the catch and brings a veteran presence to a room full of new faces. If LSU’s offense clicks early, don’t be surprised if Brown emerges as the go-to guy in 2026.
3. Jordan Ross, EDGE, from Tennessee
Replacing edge rushers Jack Pyburn and Patrick Payton was a top priority for LSU this offseason, and Jordan Ross looks like a plug-and-play solution. A former five-star recruit, Ross comes in with two years of SEC experience and a skill set that’s ready to explode.
He logged 249 snaps for Tennessee last season, recording 13 pressures and two sacks. Those numbers don’t jump off the page, but the film tells a different story - Ross was consistently disruptive, and Pro Football Focus graded him as one of the top defensive ends in the conference.
Now he joins Blake Baker’s defense with a clear path to a starting role. If he puts it all together, Ross could be one of the breakout defenders in the SEC this fall.
2. Husan Longstreet, QB, from USC
Quarterback depth was a glaring issue for LSU heading into the offseason, and they didn’t just patch the hole - they rebuilt the room from the ground up. One of the most intriguing additions is Husan Longstreet, a former five-star recruit who spent his freshman year at USC.
Longstreet didn’t see much action in 2025, but the tools are there. He’s athletic, has a strong arm, and brings four years of eligibility with him. He may not be the immediate starter, but he gives LSU a high-upside option for the future - and depending on how spring and fall camp shake out, he could push for playing time sooner than expected.
1. Sam Leavitt, QB, from Arizona State
This is the headliner. LSU needed a quarterback who could step in and lead right away, and they landed one of the most coveted names in the portal. Sam Leavitt, formerly of Arizona State, is ranked as the top quarterback transfer by On3 - and for good reason.
Leavitt led the Sun Devils to a playoff berth in 2024 and was one of the Big 12’s breakout stars. His 2025 campaign was cut short by injury, but when healthy, he’s a dual-threat weapon who can make every throw and extend plays with his legs. He’s got a quick release, a live arm, and the kind of mobility that can stress a defense on every snap.
Assuming he returns to full health, Leavitt is the type of quarterback who can elevate an entire offense. With Kiffin calling the shots and a revamped supporting cast around him, the Tigers’ offense could be one of the most explosive in the country in 2026.
Looking Ahead
And here’s the thing - LSU might not be done yet. Five-star offensive tackle Jordan Seaton is still on the board, and the Tigers are in the mix. Adding a player of Seaton’s caliber would be the cherry on top of what’s already shaping up to be a transformational offseason.
For now, though, it’s clear that LSU isn’t just rebuilding - they’re reloading. And with Kiffin at the helm and a roster packed with top-tier talent, the Tigers are setting themselves up to be a major factor in the SEC - and beyond - in 2026.