LSU’s offensive line is undergoing a serious shake-up, and the latest departure adds another wrinkle to Lane Kiffin’s early days in Baton Rouge. Redshirt freshman Coen Echols announced Tuesday that he’s entering the NCAA transfer portal, becoming the second young offensive lineman to leave the program this offseason.
Echols started seven games at left guard for the Tigers this season, bringing some much-needed stability to a unit that dealt with injuries and inconsistency throughout the year. A four-star recruit in the 2024 class, Echols showed flashes of the physicality and technique that made him one of LSU’s more promising young linemen. But now, like fellow freshman Carius Curne before him, he’s decided to take his talents elsewhere.
Curne, a former top-100 recruit, started five games as a true freshman and was viewed as a foundational piece for the future. His decision to transfer marked a notable loss. With Echols following suit, LSU has now lost two of its youngest and most game-ready offensive linemen in the span of a few weeks.
In total, 11 LSU players have entered the portal as of Tuesday. That group includes three who played significant snaps in 2025: Curne, Echols, and defensive tackle Ahmad Breaux. It’s a notable exodus, but not entirely unexpected given the coaching change and the natural roster churn that comes with it.
Lane Kiffin, who took over the program earlier this month, has made it clear he plans to be aggressive in the transfer portal. Even before the departures of Echols and Curne, LSU had glaring needs at key positions - quarterback, wide receiver, and yes, offensive line - and Kiffin hasn’t shied away from the challenge. He’s already hit the recruiting trail hard, and the early returns are promising.
During the early signing period, LSU locked in 14 players for its 2026 freshman class. Among them are two offensive linemen: Brysten Martinez, a top-100 tackle with a big frame and high ceiling, and Ryan Miret, a three-star interior lineman who brings versatility and toughness to the room. They’re not plug-and-play replacements for Echols and Curne, but they’re the kind of prospects who could develop into future starters under the right guidance.
That guidance now falls to Eric Wolford, LSU’s new offensive line coach. Wolford comes over from Kentucky and is the lone offensive assistant on staff without ties to Kiffin’s Ole Miss tenure. He brings a reputation for developing linemen with a physical edge - a trait LSU will need to reestablish as it rebuilds the trenches.
In the meantime, the Tigers still have a bowl game to play. LSU will face Houston in the Texas Bowl on Saturday night at 8 p.m.
ET (ESPN). The transfer portal officially reopens on Jan. 2, and you can expect LSU to be active.
With early departures and roster holes to fill, Kiffin’s first offseason in Baton Rouge is already shaping up to be a busy one.