Friday was a whirlwind in Baton Rouge - the kind of day that makes you realize Lane Kiffin isn’t wasting any time retooling LSU’s roster. In what was easily the busiest day of his first offseason at the helm, the Tigers landed seven new players out of the transfer portal. That’s not just a flurry of activity - that’s a full-on roster infusion.
Now, while the portal officially closed at 11:00 p.m. CT, that deadline only locked in who could enter, not who could commit.
So, while LSU’s Friday haul is impressive, don’t be surprised if a few more names trickle in over the coming weeks. But let’s take a closer look at the seven new Tigers who joined the fold on Friday - and what each brings to the table.
Ja’Mard Jones, OL - Nicholls
A New Orleans native and Rummel High School product, Jones saw action in six games this past season for Nicholls. He’s not expected to be a day-one starter, but that’s not the point here.
LSU’s offensive line depth took some hits, and Jones provides a much-needed reinforcement. With three years of eligibility remaining, he’s a developmental piece - someone who can grow into a larger role down the line while giving the Tigers some breathing room in the trenches.
Sean Thompkins, OL - Baylor
Thompkins may be the most plug-and-play-ready offensive lineman of the group. He played in 10 games for Baylor last season and started the final five at left tackle, logging 460 snaps in total. Originally set to transfer to North Carolina, Thompkins never signed with the Tar Heels, opening the door for LSU to swoop in.
Now, he’s trading Carolina blue for purple and gold - and don’t be surprised if he’s anchoring LSU’s left side come fall. With experience, size, and a clear path to playing time, Thompkins could be one of the most impactful additions of the entire portal cycle for the Tigers.
Devin Harper, OL - Ole Miss
This one’s a bit of a full-circle moment. Harper, a Shreveport native and Calvary Baptist alum, was once part of LSU’s 2025 class before flipping to Ole Miss late in the process. Now, he’s back in the fold.
A top-85 national recruit and the No. 4 interior offensive lineman in his class, Harper played six games at tackle for Ole Miss as a freshman. While he was projected to compete for the Rebels’ starting right tackle job in 2026, he’ll now enter LSU’s spring camp with positional flexibility and a high ceiling. Whether he lines up inside or out remains to be seen, but Harper’s raw talent is undeniable.
Faheem Delane, S - Ohio State
If the last name sounds familiar, that’s because it is. Faheem is the younger brother of Mansoor Delane, who made a name for himself in LSU’s secondary. Faheem was a top-100 recruit in his own right and played in 13 games for Ohio State as a reserve this past season.
LSU’s safety room is crowded - Dashawn Spears, TaMarcus Cooley, and Boise State transfer Ty Benefield are all in the mix - but this move is about the long game. All three of those players could be gone after the 2026 season, meaning Delane is in prime position to take over in 2027. He’s got the pedigree, the patience, and a blueprint to follow thanks to his brother’s success.
Aliou Bah, OL - Maryland
If there’s one guy you can pencil into the starting lineup right now, it’s Aliou Bah. The former Georgia signee transferred to Maryland and became a rock on their offensive line, starting 23 consecutive games at right guard. He’s got just one year of eligibility left, and he’s coming to LSU to play - not to wait.
The only real question is where he lines up. Will he be to the left or right of Braelin Moore? Either way, Bah brings experience, toughness, and a proven track record to a unit that needed a veteran anchor.
Mason Dossett, S - Baylor
Another familiar name for LSU’s staff, Dossett started his college career at safety for Baylor in 2024 before switching to wide receiver in 2025. Now, he’s expected to flip back to safety in Baton Rouge. That kind of versatility is rare - and valuable.
He’s also a standout hurdler and will join LSU’s track team, which speaks to his athleticism. While his exact role on the football field is still to be determined, Dossett’s tools are intriguing, and he’s the kind of athlete you take a chance on in the portal.
TJ Dottery, LB - Ole Miss
Let’s not bury the lede: TJ Dottery was the SEC’s leading tackler last season. That’s not just production - that’s dominance.
Dottery began his career at Clemson before transferring to Ole Miss, where he sat out 2023, then exploded in 2024 with 76 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup. He took it up another notch this past season, racking up 98 tackles. That kind of consistency and physicality is exactly what LSU needs in the heart of its defense.
Pair him with Whit Weeks and Davhon Keys, and suddenly LSU has one of the most formidable linebacker trios in the country. Dottery doesn’t just fill a need - he elevates the entire unit.
Final Thoughts
With these seven additions, LSU’s transfer portal haul now stands at 38 players - and counting. Kiffin and his staff have clearly prioritized experience, versatility, and physical upside. There’s a mix of immediate-impact starters and long-term developmental pieces, which is exactly how you want to approach the portal in this era of college football.
This wasn’t just a busy Friday - it was a statement. LSU isn’t rebuilding. They’re reloading.