LSU LB Omar Speights Details Transfer Decision, SEC Opportunity

Speights shined during his time with Oregon State, ready for a new challenge in the SEC.

LSU linebacker Omar Speights was ready for a new challenge. After departing Oregon State and taking his talents down south to suit up for Brian Kelly and the Tigers, he’s embraced the new experience.

Speights, a First-Team All-PAC-12 selection, has made an immediate impact for LSU during spring ball. He’s been getting run alongside Harold Perkins as the two look to control the second level on defense this fall.

A player who is looking to get the most out of his final season of eligibility, the chance to play in the SEC against the top programs in the county was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up on.

The Decision

Speights handled business in the PAC-12 with Oregon State. Ending the 2022 season with 83 tackles and eight tackles for loss, he was as consistent as any linebacker in the country. In four seasons up north, he finished his career with 308 total tackles.

But now he’s ready for new beginnings against an SEC schedule. The chance to play Florida, Alabama, Auburn and more on a weekly basis has him eager for what’s ahead.

“I was just ready for a change and I think I wanted to challenge myself and come play SEC ball,” Speights said. “What better place to do it than a place like LSU?”

“This just felt like the right place. I like the coaches, Coach House, they made it feel like home. That just felt like the right place to go.”

The SEC Exposure/Challenge

The SEC brings a different beast of talent. It takes a special player to withstand the challenges of suiting up in the conference and Speights is ready to prove he’s capable of doing so. From the bright lights to the constant competition, it all played a factor in coming down south.

“It’s just a bigger spotlight… so to be able to do that every week it’ll be fun. There were other [SEC teams] that were showing interest before I ultimately chose here,” Speights said.

Why LSU? It was simple. Speights wanted to compete for a title during his final season in college and the Tigers provided that opportunity.

“I wanted to go somewhere where the possibility of winning a national championship was actually real," Speights said. "So that was a big part [in coming to LSU]. What really drove it home was that they made it feel like home and that this is the place that I should be at.”

What Speights Brings To LSU

Speights is a sideline-to-sideline linebacker who can get to the ball in the blink of an eye. He’s played all over on defense and has the chance to make an immediate impact for the Tigers this season due to his versatility.

For the Tigers to pair Speights alongside Perkins gives this program one of the top one-two punches at the second level in college football.

“I’m a fast, physical linebacker. Anything you tell me to do I’m going to get done. I’ve really played across the board… You can really put me anywhere," Speights said. 

Like any player, there is room for improvement and to be coached by such a talented staff puts him in position to do so, but what specifically is Speights looking to add to his game? 

“Continuing to get better and knowing what’s coming before, just reading formations and stuff like that. Listening to what the offense is telling me by alignments, so I just want to get better at getting a beat on offense," Speights said. 

Relationship With Matt House

Defensive coordinator Matt House also handles the linebackers. It’s his specialty. Speights has seen his relationship with House grow over their first two months together in Baton Rouge and only expects it to continue getting closer.

House is a mastermind. For the first-year Tiger to have the opportunity to be coached by such a personable coach is something he couldn’t pass up.

“[Our relationship] has grown a lot. I’m a guy that will go into the office and put my best foot forward. I’m going to watch film. Days before spring we were watching film together. I was trying to learn the defense with him. It’s been a great relationship so far,” Speights said.

As Speights continues going through the offseason and sharpening his skill set, he’s quickly asserted himself as a leader in the locker room who can back it up on the field. With an impressive track record, Speights looks to close out his final season of college football in dominant fashion in the purple and gold.