Why LSU makes sense for five-star transfer Williams Nwaneri

Williams Nwaneri was one of the top recruits in 2024. Here’s why a transfer to LSU makes sense.

A big name hit the portal on Tuesday — Missouri EDGE Williams Nwaneri hopped in.

Nwaneri was one of the top prospects in the 2024 recruiting class. According to 247Sports, he was the No. 6 overall recruit in the class and No. 2 at his position. He signed with Missouri, where he was recruited by current LSU coaches [autotag]Blake Baker[/autotag] and Kevin Peoples.

Given LSU’s need at defensive end, along with Nwaneri’s ties to Baker and Peoples, LSU makes sense.

Nwaneri didn’t see the field much as a true freshman. He played in just four games and never saw more than ten defensive snaps in conference play. Most of his action came against UMass and Murray State. In 38 snaps, Nwaneri registered two pressures, a sack, and a stop.

It’s rare for a talent of Nwaneri’s caliber to hit the portal, especially with several years of eligibility remaining. That’s something LSU needs to prioritize, especially with all the exits from the 2023 recruiting class.

If LSU can land Nwaneri, it gains a talented player at a major position of need. People’s tracked record speaks for itself when it comes to developing pass rushers. Even if Nwaneri is more of a project than once thought, LSU could be the right situation for a breakout.

With [autotag]Bradyn Swinson[/autotag] and [autotag]Sai’Vion Jones[/autotag] moving on to the NFL and [autotag]Da’Shawn Womack[/autotag] in the transfer portal, LSU needs an influx of talent at EDGE.

LSU will host Purdue DE Will Heldt on a visit and has expressed interest in Kent State’s Kameron Olds.