LSU football coach Brian Kelly has repeatedly stated that LSU will take an aggressive approach in the transfer portal after the 2024 season. The Tigers’ performance thus far has not disappointed.
With four commitments and a great chance to land the top transfer prospect, LSU has strengthened its roster at key positions. Kelly’s team needed to bring in some proven talent to build a championship team, and they took a step in the right direction.
Two pass catchers, wide receiver Barion Brown and tight end Bauer Sharp, will give quarterback Garrett Nussmeier reliable targets like Kyren Lacy and Mason Taylor did for the NFL. Brown’s versatility and Sharp’s blocking abilities will help the offense take a step forward.
On the defensive end, LSU secured No. 9 portal cornerback Ja’Keem Jackson by relying on an LSU connection. The purple and gold also upgraded their defensive front with veteran Jimari Butler.
Here’s a list of the LSU Portal’s commitments so far and those it hopes to implement 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 transfer in the 2025 cycle, according to 247Sports and On3, and has not set an announcement date for his commitment. In 2024, the second-year receiver has totaled 754 yards on 56 carries, 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 the signing of Jackson on Saturday morning. He ranks 9th among cornerbacks in the portal coming from Florida. As a sophomore, Jackson got the start in the Alligators‘ first two games in 2024 before injury sidelined him for the rest of the season.
The Tigers relied 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 the defensive back position.
Nebraska DE Jimari Butler
Butler’s commitment came Saturday and capped off a solid day of work in the transfer portal for Kelly’s staff. Former Nebraska defensive end is the first top-seven addition to the Tigers’ roster. In 2024, Butler has 22 total pressures, 22 tackles and seven tackles for loss.
With two starting edge rushers declared for the NFL, LSU needed a veteran presence along the defensive line, and Butler provides exactly that. He has one year of eligibility remaining.
Kentucky WR Barion Brown
Brown’s commitment came Saturday night. 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 outside.
Securing Brown’s commitment gave the Tigers a much-needed playmaker after several departures from the wide 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. A transfer from Oklahoma, Sharp marked the Tigers’ first commitment in the portal and ranks No. 5 at his position in the portal. He proved to be a reliable target with 17 first downs and 324 yards.
In his Friday press conference, Kelly explained how the Tigers will benefit from Sharp’s blocking abilities while utilizing him in the passing game.
This article was originally published on LSU Wire: Recap of LSU football’s busy week in the transfer portal
