LSU Football Reloads With Massive Transfer Portal Haul

40 new players, including 3 top-ranked transfers, join the Tigers' roster ahead of Lane Kiffin's first season as head coach.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:55am

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LSU football has completely reshaped its roster through the transfer portal, signing 40 new players to form the top-ranked transfer class in college football. The Tigers addressed key needs on both offense and defense, landing several high-profile transfers including the top-ranked quarterback, offensive tackle, and edge rusher in the portal. With over 9,000 combined snaps of experience from 2025, LSU is betting this influx of veteran talent can help the team contend for the College Football Playoff in Lane Kiffin's first year as head coach.

Why it matters

In the modern era of college football, the transfer portal has become a crucial tool for teams to quickly retool their rosters. LSU's aggressive approach to the portal allows them to address multiple weaknesses from last season and build a roster capable of competing at the highest level right away under new coach Lane Kiffin. However, integrating so many new faces comes with chemistry challenges, and LSU will need to quickly develop cohesion to maximize the potential of this loaded transfer class.

The details

LSU signed 40 players from the transfer portal, the most of any program in the country. Headlining the class are three players ranked as the No. 1 transfers at their respective positions: quarterback Sam Leavitt (from Arizona State), offensive tackle Jordan Seaton (from Colorado), and edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen (from Ole Miss). The Tigers also added depth at wide receiver, signing nine transfers including former Kansas State standout Jayce Brown. In total, LSU's transfer class brings over 9,000 snaps of prior FBS experience, providing an immediate boost of veteran talent to the roster.

  • LSU's transfer portal class was finalized on January 29, 2026.

The players

Sam Leavitt

A redshirt sophomore quarterback transferring from Arizona State, Leavitt is ranked as the top QB in the 2026 transfer portal class.

Jordan Seaton

A sophomore offensive tackle transferring from Colorado, Seaton is the top-ranked offensive lineman in the 2026 transfer portal class.

Princewill Umanmielen

A junior edge rusher transferring from Ole Miss, Umanmielen is the top-ranked defensive player in the 2026 transfer portal class.

Jayce Brown

A wide receiver transferring from Kansas State, Brown was one of the most productive pass catchers in the Big 12 in 2025.

Lane Kiffin

The new head coach of the LSU Tigers, Kiffin is known for his success in leveraging the transfer portal to quickly rebuild rosters.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

LSU's aggressive approach to the transfer portal has completely reshaped the roster, providing an influx of veteran talent that should make the Tigers an immediate contender under new head coach Lane Kiffin. However, integrating 40 new players will be a significant challenge, and LSU will need to quickly develop team chemistry to maximize the potential of this loaded transfer class.