LSU’s Offensive Line Faces Major Shakeup as Transfer Portal Looms - Kiffin Eyes Reinforcements
The NCAA Transfer Portal is about to open on January 2, and LSU could be bracing for a major exodus along the offensive line. As many as six linemen are expected to enter the portal, signaling a potential overhaul in the trenches for the Tigers - and a busy few weeks ahead for new head coach Lane Kiffin.
Among those planning to test the waters are true freshman Carius Curne, redshirt freshmen Coen Echols and Ory Williams, and redshirt sophomores DJ Chester, Tyree Adams, and Paul Mubenga. All but two of them - Mubenga and Williams - were ranked as four-star recruits coming out of high school, according to 247Sports.
That’s a significant chunk of talent potentially on the move, and while entering the portal doesn’t always mean a player is gone for good, it does open the door for change - whether that’s a new home, a fresh start, or simply a better NIL opportunity. Regardless of their motivations, LSU is staring down the possibility of having to rebuild a large portion of its offensive line depth chart heading into 2025.
And Lane Kiffin, never one to shy away from the realities of modern college football, has already made his thoughts on the portal clear - calling it “out of control.” Still, he knows the game, and he’s already on the hunt for reinforcements. If the Tigers are going to keep pace in the SEC, especially with a new coaching regime and offensive system, they’ll need to reload quickly and effectively.
Here are seven offensive linemen currently in the portal who could be on LSU’s radar:
1. Josh Atkins - Senior Tackle, Arizona State
Atkins brings experience and leadership to the table - two things LSU could desperately use if their young core moves on. At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, the Arlington, Texas native has started 39 straight games, a streak that stretches back to his time at Hawaii in 2023.
He was a team captain at Arizona State this past season and just received a sixth year of eligibility after sitting out 2021 and 2022 at Houston. With that kind of resume, he’d be a plug-and-play option at tackle.
2. Tellek Lockette - Senior Guard, Texas State
Lockette might be one of the more underrated names in the portal. He’s a 6-3, 315-pound mauler from Miami who started 29 games over three seasons at Texas State.
He redshirted this year after four games, preserving a year of eligibility. Before the season, he was named first team preseason All-Sun Belt, and in limited action this year, he was lights out - zero pressures allowed on 131 pass-blocking snaps and a stellar 90.2 pass-blocking grade.
That kind of efficiency would be a welcome addition to any SEC line.
3. Tanner Morley - Sophomore Guard, Colorado State
At 6-foot-7 and 325 pounds, Morley is a mountain of a man with a surprisingly clean pass-blocking record. He’s only allowed one sack in his college career, and as a sophomore, he still has multiple years of eligibility remaining.
That combination of size, youth, and production makes him one of the most intriguing linemen in the portal - and a potential long-term solution for a team like LSU.
4. Xavier Chaplin - Junior Tackle, Auburn
Chaplin might be the most high-profile name on this list. The 6-7, 348-pound tackle started 12 games for Auburn last season and graded out at 90 or better in five of them - a level of consistency that’s hard to find.
Before transferring to Auburn, Chaplin was an All-ACC honorable mention at Virginia Tech in 2024 and earned third-team All-American honors in 2023. He’s battle-tested in the SEC and would bring immediate credibility to LSU’s front.
5. Joseph Simmons - Junior Tackle, James Madison
Simmons has been a steady presence at left tackle for James Madison, logging over 1,200 career snaps. At 6-6 and 323 pounds, he has the frame and experience to compete in a Power Five conference.
He started throughout the 2025 season and would offer LSU a reliable option on the edge, especially if multiple tackles depart.
6. Shadre Hurst - Junior Guard, Tulane
Hurst is coming off a first-team All-AAC campaign and brings a wealth of experience with 36 career starts under his belt. At 6-2 and 293 pounds, he might be a bit undersized by SEC standards, but his technique and production more than make up for it.
He posted a 90.5 pass-blocking grade this season, and his ability to anchor the interior line would be a major asset for a team needing stability inside.
7. Connor Stroh - Sophomore Guard, Texas
Stroh, a 6-7, 345-pound sophomore from Frisco, Texas, started five games at left guard for the Longhorns in 2025. He’s still early in his development but has already shown he can hold his own in a high-level program.
With the right coaching and reps, he could become a foundational piece for LSU’s offensive line in the years ahead.
What’s Next for LSU?
With the portal officially opening on January 2, the next few weeks will be critical for LSU. Lane Kiffin is stepping into a situation that demands immediate attention in the trenches - not just for depth, but for the kind of quality play that wins games in the SEC.
Losing six linemen, especially ones with high recruiting pedigrees, is no small thing. But with the portal brimming with experienced talent, there’s opportunity here too. Whether it’s veterans like Atkins and Lockette or younger prospects like Morley and Stroh, LSU has options - and Kiffin has never been shy about making bold moves.
The Tigers are in transition, but if they can land the right pieces, they might come out of this portal window stronger than expected.