LSU Reloads Through the Portal, Reshaping Its Roster for a New Era
LSU isn't just dipping into the transfer portal - they're diving in headfirst. With nearly 40 additions and counting, the Tigers are aggressively reshaping their roster, and by all indications, they’re not done yet.
This isn’t just about filling holes; it’s about building a team that fits the identity of Lane Kiffin’s vision on both sides of the ball. And so far, the results speak volumes.
Let’s start with the scale of the turnover. LSU saw 38 players hit the portal following the 2025 season - a staggering number, even in today’s college football climate.
But not all departures stung the same. While there were a few losses that raised eyebrows - most notably freshman offensive lineman Carius Curne heading to Ole Miss - the majority were players the staff was willing to let walk.
That’s not to say there wasn’t talent in that group. Tyree Adams, Coen Echols, Kyle Parker, and TaRon Francis all had potential to contribute, and losing Ahmad Breaux on the defensive line certainly wasn’t ideal.
But LSU’s response has been swift and strategic.
Over the past two weeks, the Tigers have been on a tear, bringing in a mix of high-upside talent and proven production. It’s not just about adding bodies - it’s about finding the right fits.
Kiffin’s offense demands versatility and tempo, and the new additions are tailored to that style. But just as importantly, the staff hasn’t ignored the other side of the ball.
Defensive reinforcements have arrived with starting-caliber ability, and more could be on the way.
Two names to watch closely: left tackle Jordan Seaton, who’s currently on campus, and Ole Miss edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen. Both could be game-changers, and LSU is pushing hard to land them. With the portal window still open through Tuesday, there’s time for more movement - and LSU is clearly keeping the door open.
Now comes the next challenge: turning this revamped roster into a cohesive unit. Chemistry doesn’t happen overnight, especially with this much roster churn.
But LSU isn’t making these moves just to tread water in the SEC. The expectation is postseason football - and not just any bowl game.
With the investment being made, both in time and resources, this is a program aiming for more.
Here’s where the 2026 transfer portal departures have landed so far:
Quarterback
- Colin Hurley - Michigan
- Tre People - Uncommitted
Running Back
- Kaleb Jackson - North Carolina
- Ju’Juan Johnson - Syracuse
- JT Lindsey - Ole Miss
Wide Receiver
- TaRon Francis - West Virginia
- Jelani Watkins - Arkansas
- Nic Anderson - Kentucky
- Kyle Parker - Ohio State
- Kylan Billiot - James Madison
- Destyn Hill - Tulane
- Isaiah Stone - Georgia State
Tight End
- Donovan Green - Oklahoma State
Offensive Line
- Tyree Adams (OT) - Texas A&M
- Carius Curne (OT) - Ole Miss
- Ory Williams (OT) - Tennessee
- Tyler Miller (OT) - Mississippi State
- Ethan Calloway (OT) - Wake Forest
- DJ Chester (IOL) - Mississippi State
- Paul Mubenga (IOL) - Nebraska
- Coen Echols (IOL) - Texas A&M
- Khayree Lee Jr.
(IOL) - South Alabama
Edge Rusher
- CJ Jackson - Vanderbilt
Defensive Line
- Ahmad Breaux - Kentucky
- Walter Mathis Jr. - Auburn
- Sydir Mitchell - Wake Forest
- Zion Williams - Texas
Linebacker
- Princeton Malbrue - Louisiana Lafayette
Cornerback
- Ashton Stamps - Arizona State
- Wallace Foster IV - Florida Atlantic
Safety
- Jardin Gilbert - Mississippi State
- Javien Toviano - Uncommitted
- Jacob Bradford - West Virginia
- Austin Ausberry - Baylor
- Joel Rogers - UTSA
- Tyson Short - Uncommitted
Special Teams
- Aeron Burrell (K) - North Carolina
- Badger Hargett (P) - UAB
The bottom line? LSU has embraced the chaos of the portal era and turned it into an opportunity.
This is a team that’s not just rebuilding - it’s reloading, with purpose. And as the final pieces fall into place, the Tigers are setting themselves up to be one of the more intriguing storylines in college football heading into 2026.