LSU football coach Brian Kelly repeatedly stated that LSU would take an aggressive approach in the transfer portal following the 2024 season. The Tigers’ showing so far hasn’t disappointed.
With four commitments and a great chance at securing the top transfer prospect, LSU bolstered its roster at key positions. Kelly’s staff needed to bring in proven talents to build a championship roster, and it has taken a step in the right direction.
Two pass catchers in wide receiver [autotag]Barion Brown[/autotag] and tight end Bauer Sharp, will give quarterback [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] reliable targets as Kyren Lacy and Mason Taylor had to the NFL. Brown’s versatility and Sharp’s blocking abilities will help the offense take a step forward.
On the defensive side, LSU secured the portal’s No. 9 cornerback in Ja’Keem Jackson, by leaning on an LSU connection. The purple and gold also improved its defensive front with veteran Jimari Butler.
Here is a list of LSU’s portal commitments so far and one it hopes to reel in sooner rather than later.
Georgia Tech WR Eric Singleton
A former Georgia Tech wide receiver, Singleton told On3 that LSU is one of his top five schools. He is the No. 1 ranked transfer in the 2025 cycle, according to 247Sports and On3, and hasn’t set an announcement date for his commitment. In 2024, the sophomore receiver totaled 754 yards from 56 passes, along with 131 rushing yards.
A versatile playmaker, Singleton would make an immediate impact on an LSU team with a depleted receiver room due to Kyren Lacy and Mason Taylor turning pro and a mass exodus to the transfer portal.
Florida CB Ja’Keem Jackson
LSU announced Jackson’s signing on Saturday morning. He ranks as the No. 9 cornerback in the portal coming out of Florida. As a sophomore, Jackson notched the start in the Gators’ first two games in 2024 before an injury sidelined him for the rest of the season.
The Tigers leaned on LSU secondary coach Corey Raymond, who coached Jackson at Florida in 2023. With its top cornerback headed to the NFL and six transfers, LSU desperately needed depth at defensive back.
Nebraska DE Jimari Butler
Butler’s commitment came on Saturday and rounded out a strong day of transfer portal work for Kelly’s staff. The former Nebraska defensive end is the first front-seven addition to the Tigers’ roster. In 2024, Butler totaled 22 pressures, 22 tackles, and seven tackles for loss.
With two starting edge rushers declaring for the NFL, LSU needed a veteran presence along the defensive line, and Butler provides just that. He has one year of eligibility remaining.
Kentucky WR Barion Brown
Brown’s commitment came on Saturday evening. The rising senior joins LSU after three seasons at Kentucky, where he posted 1,528 total yards and 11 touchdowns. His most productive year came in 2022, when he totaled 50 catches for 628 yards and four touchdowns. A versatile receiver, Brown can line up in the slot and on the outside.
Securing Brown’s commitment gave the Tigers a much-needed playmaker following multiple departures from the receiver room due to the NFL Draft and transfers.
Oklahoma TE Bauer Sharp
LSU wasted no time finding a standout tight end following Mason Taylor’s decision to enter the NFL Draft. An Oklahoma transfer, Sharp marked the Tigers’ first portal commitment and ranks No. 5 at his position in the portal. He’s proven to be a reliable target with 17 first downs and 324 yards.
In his Friday presser, Kelly talked about how the Tigers will benefit from Sharp’s blocking abilities while also utilizing him in the passing game.