Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers’ Aggressive Move in the NCAA Transfer Portal

Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers are making a bold statement in the NCAA Transfer Portal, showcasing their intent to build a formidable roster by acquiring top-tier talent. With the program already boasting the No. 1 class in America, Kiffin is leveraging the two-week window in the portal to reshape the team’s future.

Upon his arrival in Baton Rouge, Kiffin recognized the importance of this period for redefining the roster. He praised the strategic planning by LSU Athletic Director Verge Ausberry and his team, highlighting the financial resources available to attract high-caliber players.

“[LSU AD Verge Ausberry] and his team had a really, really good plan,” Kiffin said on Dec. 1. “Even talking to some donors that are part of that plan here to see exactly, how does that work? There’s a great plan here.
“There’s a great plan here of how we can come together with what we bring and with what players around the country want to play for us and our systems, and then have that support to do that, so that they want to play for us and they get taken care of financially.
“Obviously, nowadays, it’s the world of college football and it’s important and it’s critical to them. It’s important to them. This was the best setup. That definitely played a factor into it. I don’t care what your systems are. Without good players, they don’t work.”

LSU’s Top Targets in the Transfer Portal

LSU currently holds the No. 1 Transfer Portal Class in America with over 35 signees, and the Tigers are actively seeking more talent. Here are some of the top free agents on their radar:

• No. 1: OT Jordan Seaton – Colorado Buffaloes

Seaton is the No. 1 offensive lineman in the NCAA Transfer Portal market and has recently visited Mississippi State and Miami. The 6-foot-5, 330-pounder joined Colorado as a true freshman in 2024 under Deion Sanders, where he started all 13 games and earned Freshman All-America honors.

Seaton was the highest-graded true freshman offensive tackle in pass protection with at least 100 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. He didn’t allow a sack in 11 of his first 13 games and carried momentum into his sophomore campaign, earning a 91.4 grade through the first month of the season.

Kiffin and the LSU Tigers are set to meet with Seaton, who is also ranked as the No. 4 overall player in the market.

• No. 2: EDGE Princewill Umanmielen – Ole Miss Rebels

Umanmielen is emerging as the No. 1 defensive prospect in the NCAA Transfer Portal after expressing intentions to enter the portal. However, Ole Miss is contesting his entry due to a recent contract signing with the Rebels.

The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Texas native joined Ole Miss last offseason after playing two years at Nebraska. In his junior season, Umanmielen recorded 45 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, eight sacks, two pass breakups, and an interception. According to 247Sports, he is expected to be the No. 5 overall player in the Transfer Portal and the top EDGE in the market once officially listed.

As soon as Umanmielen revealed his intention to enter the portal, Kiffin and the LSU Tigers were quick to show interest.

Additional Updates on LSU’s Transfer Portal Strategy

LSU’s transfer portal class has rapidly climbed to the top following the decision of Sam Leavitt. The Tigers have also seen several departures finding new schools during the rebuild. Additionally, LSU has officially signed the No. 1 transfer quarterback, Sam Leavitt, to their portal class.

For more updates on the LSU Tigers, follow Zack Nagy on Twitter: @znagy20 and LSU Tigers On SI: @LSUTigersSI.