LSU’s Offensive Line Faces Major Shakeup as Coen Echols Becomes Latest Portal Entry
LSU’s offensive line is bracing for a significant overhaul this offseason, and the latest domino to fall is sophomore guard Coen Echols, who announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal when it officially opens on January 2.
Echols, a former member of LSU’s 2025 signing class, saw a sharp uptick in playing time this past season. After getting his feet wet with five appearances as a true freshman, he stepped into a much larger role in 2025, playing in all 12 games and starting seven-primarily at guard. His development into a reliable contributor made him a key piece of the Tigers’ interior line, which makes his departure all the more significant.
Echols joins true freshman lineman Carius Curne as the second LSU offensive lineman set to hit the portal this winter. And with senior Josh Thompson graduating, both guard spots are now officially wide open heading into 2026.
In the short term, expect redshirt freshman Paul Mubenga to get a serious look at one of those starting guard jobs. The staff has been high on his upside, and with Echols and Curne on the way out, the opportunity is there for Mubenga to seize. As for Curne, despite his portal plans, he has committed to suiting up for LSU’s upcoming bowl game-an encouraging sign of the culture Brian Kelly is trying to maintain even amid roster churn.
Looking ahead, LSU does have reinforcements on the way. The Tigers are set to welcome two offensive line signees in the 2026 class: tackle Brysten Martinez and interior lineman Ryan Miret. Both bring promise, but expecting true freshmen to step in and solidify the trenches in the SEC is always a tall order.
That’s why the transfer portal will be a central focus for LSU’s staff in the coming weeks. The Tigers need experienced, plug-and-play linemen-particularly on the interior-and they’ll be aggressive in their search. Returning players like Tyree Adams, Braelin Moore, and Solomon Thomas could also factor into the mix, depending on how they progress in the offseason and whether they choose to stay in Baton Rouge.
Portal Rules Are Changing-Here’s What You Need to Know
While the transfer portal has become a year-round storyline in college football, the rules governing when players can actually enter have undergone a shift. The winter portal window for FBS and FCS players now opens on January 2 and runs through January 16-a tighter, more structured period than in years past.
Previously, the portal opened in early December and spanned 30 days. That’s no longer the case. The NCAA has also scrapped the 15-day spring window, meaning graduate transfers-who once had the flexibility to enter at any time in the spring-must now operate within the same 15-day window as underclassmen.
Coaching changes used to trigger an automatic 30-day portal window, but under the new rules, that window is now just 15 days if a new hire is made after January 2. The goal behind these adjustments is to reduce the chaos and give coaching staffs a more predictable roster management calendar.
Tracking LSU’s Expected Portal Departures
Here's a look at the LSU players who have either announced or are expected to enter the portal once the window opens:
- Coen Echols (No. 78) | OL | 6-4, 315 | Announced: 12/17/2025
- Colin Hurley (No. 16) | QB | 6-1, 218 | Announced: 12/12/2025
- Kaleb Jackson (No. 28) | RB | 6-0, 234 | Announced: 12/10/2025
- Ju’Juan Johnson (No. 8) | DB | 6-0, 210 | Announced: 12/8/2025
- Ahmad Breaux (No. 16) | DL | 6-3, 278
- Wallace Foster (No. 29) | DB | 5-10, 175
- Ashton Stamps (No. 1) | DB | 6-0, 190
- Jelani Watkins (No. 17) | WR | 5-10, 162
- Kylan Billiot (No. 82) | WR | 6-3, 193
Each name on that list represents a piece of LSU’s depth chart that will need replacing, whether through development, recruiting, or the portal. The Tigers have already proven they’re not afraid to retool quickly, and this offseason will be no different.
The bottom line? LSU’s offensive line room is undergoing a major facelift. With key departures, fresh faces incoming, and a portal window just days away from opening, the next few weeks will be pivotal for a unit that’s long been the foundation of SEC success.