“We really put ourselves in a position, and I’ll use this term loosely, to stay well under the cap. So we could be quite aggressive this year.” Brian Kelly was up front after LSU’s last regular season game regarding his intentions in the transfer portal. His words have rung true as the Tigers are off to a hot start since the first transfer window opened. LSU currently has nine transfer commitments, and its class ranks third in the country. Considering team needs, we’ll examine LSU’s most important transfers at this time.
The importance of this exercise is based more on need than pure talent. Keep in mind that it’s still early in the process. The Tigers will continue to add to the roster, and the conclusion of the playoffs will add more quality to the portal’s pool of players. Though these position groups haven’t been addressed publicly, the coaching staff is well aware of needs specifically at offensive line and safety.
Ranking LSU’s Most Important Transfers
5. Michael Van Buren – Quarterback
Bryce Underwood’s decision to decommit raised questions about LSU’s succession plan at quarterback once Garrett Nussmeier moves on. Rickie Collins’ departure into the transfer portal did not help the situation. Joe Sloan addressed the depth issue with a surprising commitment from Mississippi State’s Michael Van Buren.
Van Buren was one of the few bright spots for the struggling Bulldogs. An injury to the starter pressed the true freshman into action in the fourth game of the season. He was then able to show the touch and accuracy that led to his four-star ranking as a high school recruit. Van Buren was fourth in the SEC in yards per completion, and he gives the Tigers a reliable backup who could easily transition into a starting role in 2026.
4. Jack Pyburn – Defensive End
As if it wasn’t challenging enough to replace veterans Bradyn Swinson and Sai’vion Jones, backup defensive end Dashawn Womack transferred to Ole Miss. Enter 6’4”, 260-pound Jack Pyburn from the Florida Gators. Pyburn is more of a traditional defensive end than a pure edge rusher, so his sack numbers won’t wow anybody. However, he consistently sets the edge and stops the run well. His 60 tackles were second on the team in 2024.
LSU only has one returning scholarship defensive end on the roster with experience in Gabe Reliford. Guys like CJ Jackson and Dylan Carpenter could develop into reliable starters, but it was critical for Kelly to add an experienced starter. Pyburn’s ability to hold his own at the point of attack holds significance, considering the Tigers’ vulnerability against running quarterbacks in 2024.
3. Nic Anderson – Wide Receiver
If this list was built on talent alone, Oklahoma transfer Nic Anderson would be at the top. The sophomore was injured for most of 2024 after gaining almost 800 receiving yards to go along with 10 touchdowns in 2023. The big-bodied (6’4”) downfield threat averaged 21 yards per catch in 2023.
Anderson will have ample opportunity to establish himself in the rotation now that starters Kyren Lacy and CJ Daniels have moved on. LSU has addressed the position aggressively with Anderson, Kentucky transfer Barion Brown, and Florida State transfer Destyn Hill.
2. Bauer Sharp – Tight End
The dependable Mason Taylor had already declared for the draft. Then Ka’Morreun Pimpton entered the portal, so the tight end position suddenly became one of the thinnest groups on the roster. Oklahoma’s Bauer Sharp could not have decided to transfer to LSU at a better time.
The junior had 42 catches for 324 yards in 2024. While not a dominant blocker, he’s willing and doesn’t shy away from contact. Sharp is a former quarterback who has a great feel for settling into open spaces in zone coverage. He honed his tight end skills at Southeastern Louisiana before transferring to Oklahoma.
1. Mansoor Delane – Cornerback
LSU is getting help at the cornerback position with the additions of top recruit DJ Pickett and Florida transfer Ja’Keem Jackson. But Virginia Tech’s Mansoor Delane is more than just a cornerback. The versatile defensive back has played multiple positions in the secondary.
Mansoor played boundary cornerback, nickel, and free safety in Blacksburg. At 6’1” and 182 pounds, he’s very aggressive against the run. The rising senior had 54 tackles, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles in 2024. Roster losses at the cornerback, star (nickel hybrid), and safety positions make Delane LSU’s most important transfer yet.
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