The Additions: LSU Football Brings in Several Impact Players Via Transfer Portal

The Tigers continue adding immediate impact players via the portal, embarrassment of riches to 2024 roster.

Brian Kelly has been working the phone lines all offseason with the Tigers making moves over the last few weeks. From the Transfer Portal to coaching hires, it's been a busy stretch for this program.

There were a few position groups Kelly and Co. knew they needed to put focus on. Now, they've made a few moves.

A dive into the six additions thus far:

WR CJ Daniels: Liberty

Daniels, who's been wined and dined by the top programs in America since entering the portal, announced his commitment to LSU after an official visit on Friday.

He had visited the likes of Texas and Oregon, among others, with the Bayou Bengals making a splash on Friday.

Daniels tallied 55 catches for 1,067 yards and 10 touchdowns during the 2023 season for the Flames on his way to a breakout season.

In four years, Daniels has logged 106 catches for 1,954 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Before the 2023 season, his previous high in receiving yards was 2021 when he caught 37 passes for 629 yards and seven touchdowns. He'a also taken reps as a punt returner as well during his time with Liberty.

Now, the Tigers add another impressive talent through the free agency market. A wide receiver unit that has no shortage of weapons, Daniels adds another element for the 2024 season.

WR Zavion Thomas: Mississippi State

A proven return specialist with elite-level hands provides the Tigers with a monster weapon ahead of the 2024 season.

After two years in Starkville, Thomas was ready for a change of scenery, electing to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal.

Now, the Louisiana native is a Tiger after this program showed immediate attention to the elite wideout and return specialist.

Thomas is a player we expected the Tigers to handle sooner rather than later. Despite being a hot commodity in the portal, LSU put a full court press on him with an unofficial visit taking place on Monday.

After a 2023 season where he totaled 503 yards on 40 receptions, Thomas will be a key piece to what LSU builds next season. Keep tabs on the Louisiana native as both a coveted wideout for this program as well as return specialist.

QB AJ Swann: Vanderbilt

In Swann's two seasons as a Commodore, he made 15 appearances and 12 starts. He started in all six games he played in during the 2023 season, tallying 1,457 passing yards and 12 touchdowns with only seven interceptions.

Entering the 2023 season, the 6-foot-2, 225-pounder was tabbed as Vanderbilt's starting signal-caller before an injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

CB Jyaire Brown: Ohio State

Brown, a Louisiana native, entered the Transfer Portal with three years of eligibility remaining. The former four-star cornerback received interest from several SEC programs with the Tigers ultimately sealing the deal.

Kelly has harped on the importance of pursuing Louisiana natives in the portal with multiple years of eligibility.

For Brown, he checks both boxes. During his two seasons with Ohio State, he totaled nine tackles and three defended passes with the chance to take that next step with more playing time.

Look for the former Top 250 prospect to become a key piece to what LSU's defensive backfield does next season.

DB Austin Ausberry: Auburn

Auburn defensive back Austin Ausberry committed to LSU on Tuesday, he announced on social media. The Baton Rouge native will have three years of eligibility remaining.

The former four-star defensive back out of U-High (Baton Rouge, La.) became one of the top commitments in Auburn’s 2022 recruiting class.

After redshirting in his freshman campaign, Ausberry took just 35 snaps during the 2023 season. In four games, he made just one tackle.

Now, with a fresh start back home, Ausberry looks to make an impact for the Tigers after continuing the trend of Louisiana natives to make their return to the Bayou State.

Safety Jardin Gilbert: Texas A&M

Another Louisiana native, the former U-High standout returns home to suit up in the purple and gold with two seasons of eligibility remaining.

A 6-foot-1, 200-pounder, Gilbert attains the size this program is looking for as they push for more defensive backs via the portal.

In 2023, Gilbert entered the season as a starter at Texas A&M, but had his junior campaign cut short after suffering a shoulder injury after just two games. In two games played, he totaled five tackles, a pass breakup and was in on a tackle for loss.

After 23 games in College Station, the prized safety was prepared for a change of scenery as well with the LSU Tigers making the call.

Now, the Louisiana native returns home with the chance to represent the Bayou Bengals to cap off his college career.

It's no secret this program is in need of help in the secondary and the Transfer Portal window will be a time to add reinforcements.