LSU made a bold move this offseason, and it’s one that could reshape the future of the program. The Tigers didn’t just go out and hire a head coach-they brought in Lane Kiffin, one of the most recognizable offensive minds in college football and a proven winner in the SEC.
It’s a statement hire, no doubt. Kiffin brings swagger, experience, and a track record of developing quarterbacks and explosive offenses.
For a fanbase that’s been craving a return to national relevance, this move signals LSU isn’t messing around.
But let’s be clear: this isn’t an overnight fix.
There’s a reason LSU made the coaching change in the first place. The roster, especially on offense, just wasn’t where it needed to be.
The offensive line was a patchwork unit last season, full of new faces that struggled to gel. That instability up front made it tough for the Tigers to find any rhythm offensively.
Add in the departure of quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to the NFL and an underwhelming showing from Michael Van Buren in limited action, and you’ve got a quarterback room that’s in flux heading into 2026.
That’s why all eyes are now on the Transfer Portal-and more specifically, on DJ Lagway.
Lagway, who just announced his decision to leave Florida, immediately becomes one of the most intriguing names on the market. He came into Gainesville with sky-high expectations and showed flashes of why he was so highly touted.
But after a promising start, his sophomore campaign didn’t quite hit the mark. He threw for 2,264 yards with 16 touchdowns-but also 14 interceptions.
That turnover rate raised some eyebrows, especially considering he missed most of the spring due to injury and never quite looked settled once the season got rolling.
Still, the talent is undeniable. Lagway has a big arm and thrives when he’s pushing the ball downfield-exactly the kind of quarterback that tends to thrive in a Lane Kiffin system.
Kiffin’s offenses have long been built around vertical passing concepts, stretching defenses with explosive plays and giving quarterbacks the freedom to let it rip. That’s Lagway’s wheelhouse.
At Ole Miss, the offense sputtered at times when the deep passing game wasn’t clicking. Trinidad Chambliss, while serviceable, struggled to consistently hit those vertical shots.
That’s not a knock on him-it just highlights how central that element is to Kiffin’s scheme. Insert a player like Lagway, and suddenly you’re talking about a quarterback who can maximize what Kiffin wants to do.
Of course, there’s risk involved. Lagway’s injury history goes back to high school, and durability is a real concern. For LSU, taking a swing on Lagway isn’t just about talent-it’s about betting on upside and hoping that in the right system, with the right support, he can stay healthy and take that next step.
And if there’s a coach who can unlock that potential, it just might be Lane Kiffin.
The fit makes sense. LSU needs a quarterback.
Lagway needs a fresh start. And Kiffin needs a playmaker who can execute his offense at a high level.
Whether it all comes together remains to be seen, but don’t be surprised if this is one of the most talked-about moves of the offseason.
Because if it hits, it could be the spark that ignites LSU’s next great run.