The LSU Tigers are gearing up for a fresh start in 2026, and there's plenty of buzz around what Lane Kiffin is bringing to the table. Last season was a tough one for LSU, with the offense struggling to find its groove.
Garrett Nussmeier's abdominal injury didn't help matters, and the team finished at the bottom of the SEC in key offensive categories. But with Kiffin at the helm, there's a renewed sense of optimism.
Known as "The Portal King," Kiffin has been busy reshaping the roster through the transfer portal, bringing in a whopping 40 new players. This has catapulted LSU to the top of the national rankings for transfer classes, and fans are eagerly anticipating what Year 1 under Kiffin will look like. Let's dive into some of the key additions that could turn the Tigers' fortunes around.
QB Sam Leavitt
The biggest name making waves is quarterback Sam Leavitt. Coming from Arizona State, Leavitt is a standout talent, ranked as the No. 1 player in the transfer portal.
His impressive career stats-4,652 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and 816 rushing yards-speak volumes about his dual-threat capabilities. Leavitt led Arizona State to a Big 12 title and a playoff appearance in 2024, showcasing his ability to perform on the big stage.
Though an ankle injury cut his 2025 season short, he's set to lead the charge for LSU against Clemson on September 5. With Heisman chatter already surrounding him, Leavitt is poised to ignite the Tigers' offense.
OT Jordan Seaton
Protecting Leavitt will be crucial, and that's where Jordan Seaton comes in. The former Colorado offensive tackle is a force to be reckoned with, standing at 6'5" and weighing 330 pounds.
Seaton's stellar performance at Colorado, allowing just five sacks over 948 pass-blocking snaps, highlights his reliability. His top-notch pass-blocking grade of 91.4 was the best in the nation last season, making him a projected First Round NFL Draft pick.
With Seaton anchoring the line, LSU is set for a resurgence in offensive line play.
WR Jayce Brown
On the receiving end, Jayce Brown is a name to watch. The former Kansas State star brings his explosive playmaking ability to Baton Rouge.
With 1,972 yards and 15 touchdowns over three seasons, Brown was a standout for the Wildcats. Now, he's ready to take on a leading role in Kiffin's dynamic offense.
Given Leavitt's history of connecting with top receivers-like Jordyn Dyson's standout season at ASU-Brown could easily push past the 1,000-yard mark in 2026. As the go-to target, Brown's presence promises to elevate LSU's aerial attack.
With these key additions, LSU's offense is primed for a turnaround. Kiffin's strategic moves in the transfer portal have set the stage for an exciting new chapter in Baton Rouge. As the Tigers prepare for the upcoming season, fans have every reason to be excited about what lies ahead.