Transfer portal season is about to kick into high gear with the regular season coming to a close. For LSU, it began on Sunday with quarterback Rickie Collins entering the portal.
Collins was a four-star recruit in 2023 but didn’t see much in action in two years behind Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier. Losing a young blue-chip recruit isn’t ideal, but it’s hard to maintain depth at the QB position.
You can only play one of them and guys that ride the bench will explore options elsewhere.
What does the loss of Collins mean for LSU?
An optimist would say it means current starter Nussmeier is coming back.
If Nussmeier were to declare for the NFL draft, Collins would have a prime opportunity to compete for a starting job. Leaving now wouldn’t make a ton of sense unless he just wanted a change of scenery, which is always possible.
But if Nussmeier does return, it’s another year where LSU’s QB1 is already solidified. Collins wanting to look elsewhere makes sense for a talented player entering his third-year of college.
Last week, Brian Kelly said he was hopeful when it came to Nussmeier’s return. Kelly has also hinted at key players preparing to announce their intention to come back.
Nussmeier said he will play in the bowl game, but has not made any further announcement regarding his future. But if you’re reading the tea leaves, there are good signs.