LSU’s transfer portal dominance just got another major boost - and it’s coming from a familiar face. Former Ole Miss edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen is headed to Baton Rouge, giving first-year head coach Lane Kiffin his second five-star addition of the offseason and a potential game-changer on defense.
Ranked as the No. 5 overall player in the 2026 transfer portal and the top edge rusher available, Umanmielen brings instant impact potential to a Tigers defense that’s been rapidly retooling under Kiffin’s direction. His decision to follow Kiffin from Oxford to LSU marks the fourth such move this offseason, joining linebacker TJ Dottery, offensive lineman Devin Harper, and wide receiver Winston Watkins in making the SEC West leap.
And this one’s big - not just because of the player, but because of what he brings to the table.
Umanmielen was a disruptive force for Ole Miss in 2025, leading the Rebels in both tackles for loss (13) and sacks (9). He also showed off some versatility with an interception and a pass breakup, rounding out what was easily the best season of his college career. That kind of production doesn’t just plug a hole in LSU’s front seven - it raises the ceiling of the entire defense.
Kiffin isn’t just stockpiling talent; he’s building a foundation. Umanmielen is expected to anchor a revamped Tigers defense that’s also adding key pieces like former Boise State safety Ty Benefield and ex-Tennessee edge rusher Jordan Ross.
While Kiffin made his name as an offensive mind, his recent defensive builds - especially at Ole Miss - have shown he’s more than capable of assembling a complete team. Now, he’s doing it again at LSU, and fast.
This move also continues a winding journey for Umanmielen, who’s now on his third college stop. He began his career as a highly touted recruit at Nebraska before transferring to Ole Miss, where he broke out in 2025. The Umanmielen name is a familiar one for Kiffin - Princewill’s older brother, Princely, was a standout linebacker for the Rebels and helped lay the groundwork for what became a strong defensive identity under Kiffin’s watch.
With Umanmielen now in the fold, LSU’s transfer class - already sitting atop the national rankings - gets even stronger. The Tigers now boast two five-star additions in Umanmielen and quarterback Sam Leavitt, more than any other program in this cycle. Add in 11 four-star transfers - also a national high - and it’s clear that Kiffin’s first offseason in Baton Rouge is setting the tone for a new era.
There’s still the matter of finalizing the class before LSU’s Thursday enrollment deadline, and all signs point to Kiffin staying aggressive. Former Colorado offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, another top-tier portal name, has already visited campus and remains in play.
But even if no other names come through the door, the message is clear: LSU isn’t rebuilding - it’s reloading. And with Princewill Umanmielen now in the mix, the Tigers’ defense just got a whole lot more dangerous.