LSU is familiar with Payton after facing him in the season openers in 2022 and 2023 when he was with the Seminoles, both Florida State wins.
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound EDGE redshirted in 2021 before making his imapct felt as one of the best pass rushers in the ACC. In 39 games played, Payton recorded 31.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks. During Florida State’s undefeated ACC championship season in 2023, Payton recorded 14.5 TFLs and seven sacks.
LSU has already added two other defensive ends in this Transfer Portal cycle with Jimari Butler from Nebraska and Jack Pyburn from Florida. The Tigers had a void after losing Bradyn Swinson and Sai’vion Jones to the NFL.
LSU has added 13 players via the portal with Brian Kelly telling reporters Saturday they are still looking for help on the offensive line and at safety.
