LSU just made a serious statement in the transfer portal, landing not just one, but three of the top-ranked players available - including the No. 1 quarterback and two elite non-quarterbacks. It’s a haul that doesn’t just boost the Tigers’ roster; it reshapes expectations for what this team can accomplish right away under Lane Kiffin.
From the moment Kiffin stepped onto campus in Baton Rouge, the mandate was clear: win now and recruit like your job depends on it. So far, he’s delivered on both fronts - and then some.
LSU’s transfer class isn't just impressive on paper; it’s arguably the most star-studded group the program has ever assembled through the portal. According to 247Sports’ portal rankings, the Tigers landed the top player at three different positions, including the No. 1 overall prospect.
Here’s a look at the trio of instant-impact players who are set to change the game for LSU in 2026:
QB Sam Leavitt - The Crown Jewel of the Portal
Let’s start with the headliner. Sam Leavitt is the top-ranked quarterback in the transfer portal and the No. 1 overall player. And while he may not have been LSU’s first or even second target, he might end up being the best fit for what Kiffin wants to do offensively.
Leavitt brings NFL-caliber tools to Baton Rouge. In 2024, he showed what he’s capable of, throwing for 2,885 yards with 24 touchdowns to just six interceptions, completing 61.7% of his passes.
He also added 443 rushing yards and five scores on the ground - a dual-threat weapon who can extend plays and make defenses pay with his legs. He was sacked 19 times, but that stat says more about the offensive line he played behind than his pocket presence.
Last season wasn’t quite as productive, but the drop-off came with context: fewer weapons around him and nagging injuries that limited his mobility. Still, the talent is undeniable, and in Kiffin’s quarterback-friendly system, Leavitt could thrive. The expectation is that he’s a one-year rental before heading to the NFL - and if things go according to plan, he’ll leave a major mark in that short time.
OT Jordan Seaton - The Anchor in the Trenches
When you’re bringing in a quarterback with NFL aspirations, protecting him becomes priority No. 1. That’s where Jordan Seaton comes in.
The former five-star recruit was the highest-ranked non-quarterback in the portal and the No. 4 overall player. At Colorado, he didn’t have much help around him, but he still managed to shine. According to Pro Football Focus, Seaton allowed just seven pressures all season - a remarkable number given the chaos that often unfolded around him.
Seaton has the size, athleticism, and technique to anchor LSU’s offensive line from day one. He’s already proven he can hold up against elite pass rushers, and with better support and coaching, his ceiling is even higher. This is the kind of player you build your line around - and exactly the kind of addition that helps a quarterback like Leavitt succeed.
EDGE Princewill Umanmielen - The Missing Piece on Defense
LSU’s defense was solid last season, but if there was one thing it lacked, it was a true game-wrecker off the edge. Enter Princewill Umanmielen.
The former Ole Miss standout - one of the few Rebels Kiffin brought with him - was among the most productive pass rushers in college football last year. He racked up 44 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and nine sacks, showing an explosive first step and relentless motor that made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
Before his breakout season in Oxford, Umanmielen spent two quiet years at Nebraska. But once he found the right system and coaching staff, his potential blossomed.
Now, he reunites with Kiffin and joins a Tigers defense that’s looking to take the next step. With Umanmielen coming off the edge, LSU finally has a pass rusher who can tilt the field.
The Big Picture
Kiffin didn’t just win the transfer portal - he dominated it. And he did so by targeting elite, plug-and-play talent at premium positions: quarterback, offensive tackle, and edge rusher.
These aren’t just good players. They’re potential game-changers.
The Tigers are built to contend right away, and the expectations are officially sky-high. With Leavitt running the offense, Seaton protecting him, and Umanmielen hunting quarterbacks on the other side of the ball, LSU has the kind of top-end talent that can swing games and define a season.
It’s early, but the message is clear: LSU is loading up, and they’re not waiting around to compete. The Tigers are coming - and they’re bringing stars with them.