By Milton Manningham, LSU Football Contributor
The LSU Tigers are dominating the transfer portal this offseason, landing another elite addition with Florida State transfer defensive end Patrick Payton, sources told ESPN on Saturday. Payton, the No. 1 defensive end and No. 12 overall player in ESPN’s transfer rankings, brings immense talent and experience to Baton Rouge.
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound powerhouse has been a force on the field, tallying 16 sacks and 31.5 tackles for loss during his time with the Seminoles. By opting to stay in school for another year, Payton adds to a transfer class that has already turned heads across the college football world.
With Payton’s commitment, LSU now boasts four of the top 12 players in ESPN’s transfer rankings, a feat unmatched by any other program this year. Former Kentucky wide receiver Barion Brown (No. 7), Virginia Tech cornerback Mansoor Delane (No. 9), and Oklahoma wide receiver Nic Anderson (No. 11) are among the marquee names joining the Tigers.
LSU also strengthened its offensive line with Braelin Moore, a versatile former Virginia Tech starter. Head coach Brian Kelly has orchestrated a masterful offseason, utilizing the transfer portal to bolster key positions and create depth in preparation for a championship run.
The Tigers’ aggressive recruiting strategy underscores their commitment to competing at the highest level. The table below highlights LSU’s latest transfer additions, showcasing a mix of elite talent and proven experience. With this influx of players, LSU is shaping up to be a major contender in the upcoming season, proving that their transfer portal dominance is no fluke.
LSU Transfer Portal Commitments
Position | Player Name | Class | Height | Weight | Previous Team | Committed to LSU |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EDGE | Patrick Payton | RS-JR | 6-5 | 250 | Florida State | Yes |
WR | Barion Brown | JR | 6-1 | 173 | Kentucky | Yes |
CB | Mansoor Delane | JR | 6-1 | 178 | Virginia Tech | Yes |
WR | Nic Anderson | RS-SO | 6-3.5 | 190 | Oklahoma | Yes |
IOL | Braelin Moore | RS-SO | 6-3 | 290 | Virginia Tech | Yes |
DL | Sydir Mitchell | SO | 6-6 | 320 | Texas | Yes |
CB | Ja’Keem Jackson | SO | 6-0.5 | 180 | Florida | Yes |
QB | Michael Van Buren | FR | 5-11.5 | 180 | Mississippi State | Yes |