LSU Tigers football head coach Brian Kelly has faced significant challenges this offseason in addressing key roster gaps, despite the team’s aggressive approach in the transfer portal. While LSU has managed to bring in 13 new players so far, crucial positions, particularly on the offensive line and in the secondary, remain areas of concern. Recent missed opportunities, such as losing safety prospect Tawfiq Byard and offensive tackle Josh Thompson to rival programs, have highlighted the difficulties in fully retooling the roster.
LSU’s Struggles in the Transfer Portal
Tawfiq Byard, the younger brother of Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard, was a promising target for LSU. After an official visit to Baton Rouge, Byard seemed interested in joining the Tigers, even stating that LSU was a “big deal” to him and citing LSU alum Grant Delpit as his favorite safety of all time. Despite this, Byard ultimately decided to join Deion Sanders’ Colorado program, leaving LSU empty-handed. Byard’s departure is a significant loss, as his versatility and strong stats—including 54 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, an interception, and two sacks—would have made him a valuable addition to LSU’s secondary.
Byard’s decision to commit elsewhere highlights a larger issue within LSU’s recruiting efforts. According to LSU insider Matt Moscona, safety has been a particularly challenging position for the Tigers to address in the portal. Moscona noted that LSU has thrown its hat in the ring for several high-profile players but has struggled to secure the commitments they need. Byard’s choice to join Colorado adds to the growing list of setbacks for LSU in this critical area.
Offensive Line Woes
In addition to challenges in the secondary, LSU also missed out on Josh Thompson, one of the top offensive tackles in the transfer portal. Thompson, who ranked as the No. 3 overall tackle in the portal, chose to transfer to Tennessee after an extended recruitment process. LSU had targeted Thompson to help fill the void left by star left tackle Will Campbell, who is headed to the NFL. However, Thompson’s versatility—he played multiple positions on the offensive line, including left tackle and right guard—may have contributed to LSU’s hesitancy. Moscona speculated that the lack of consistent reps at left tackle might have deterred LSU from making a full push for Thompson.
This miss is particularly frustrating for LSU fans, as Tennessee’s acquisition of Thompson underscores the Tigers’ struggles to secure top talent in key positions. With the offensive line in flux and critical gaps remaining, LSU’s ability to compete at the highest level could be compromised.
NIL Resources and Brian Kelly’s Sacrifice
One factor that cannot be blamed for LSU’s recruitment struggles is funding. Thanks to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, LSU’s recruitment budget is well-stocked. Brian Kelly himself has sacrificed $1 million from his $95 million contract to bolster the team’s NIL resources. According to Moscona, LSU’s NIL treasury is far from depleted, with program insiders confirming that they have ample funds to pursue players in the portal.
Despite the financial resources, LSU’s inability to land players like Byard and Thompson suggests that money isn’t the sole factor in recruitment success. Other elements, such as program trajectory, positional fit, and the players’ long-term goals, appear to be playing a significant role. While LSU has historically been a dominant force in college football, recent struggles, including a disappointing 2024 season, may be impacting the program’s appeal to top recruits.
Competition from Emerging Programs
Another challenge LSU faces is the rise of competing programs with upward trajectories. For example, Colorado, under Deion Sanders, has become a major player in the transfer portal, attracting talent like Byard. Similarly, Tennessee’s recruitment of Thompson reflects the program’s growing strength. These programs may not have LSU’s historical prestige, but their current momentum and vision for the future are resonating with recruits.
In contrast, LSU’s 2024 season was riddled with difficulties, which may be causing hesitation among prospective players. The Tigers’ inability to capitalize on their financial resources and secure key commitments raises questions about the program’s current state and its ability to compete with emerging powerhouses.
A Silver Lining
Despite these setbacks, LSU’s transfer portal efforts haven’t been entirely fruitless. The Tigers have added 13 players so far, including three defensive linemen, which has bolstered certain areas of the roster. One notable addition is Patrick Payton, a defensive lineman who has generated excitement among fans and analysts. While the team’s recruitment struggles are evident, the portal remains open, and there’s still time for LSU to address its remaining needs.
Moscona remains optimistic that LSU will eventually fill its gaps, particularly at safety and offensive line. He emphasized that LSU’s portal class ranks among the top in the country, reflecting the program’s ability to attract talent, even if some key targets have slipped through their fingers.
Looking Ahead
Brian Kelly and LSU’s coaching staff face a pivotal moment as they work to solidify the roster ahead of the 2025 season. While the missed opportunities with Byard and Thompson are setbacks, they also serve as a reminder of the challenges in competing for top talent in today’s college football landscape. With strong NIL resources, a storied history, and a determined coaching staff, LSU has the tools to bounce back. However, the program must address the factors that have hindered its recruitment efforts to remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic environment.
For now, LSU fans can only hope that the Tigers’ recruitment struggles are temporary and that the team’s fortunes will improve as they continue to navigate the complexities of the transfer portal.
