Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
By Chris Marler
We continue our Report(al) Card series grading each class from each program throughout the SEC. Next up, the highest ranked class in the country from 247Sports and the best in the SEC – the LSU Tigers.
Numbers to Know
- Players Lost: 38
- Players Gained: 40
- 247Sports Ranking: No. 1
- On3 Ranking: No. 2
Headliner – QB Sam Leavitt (from Arizona State)
Leavitt was the No. 1 player in the portal in the country this season. He wasn’t a must get necessarily, but he is definitely the crown jewel of this class from Lane Kiffin.
Leavitt is supremely talented and is a natural leader. That was on full display his freshman season at Arizona State. After last season’s offensive struggles, LSU fans are eager for progress across the board, especially a functional run game and a passing attack that finally matches the preseason expectations from a year ago.
Last ear, LSU’s offense was set to explode with Nussmeier returning and guys like Nic Anderson and Barion Brown joining Aaron Anderson and company at wideout. What everyone got was disappointment.
Leavitt should fix that in Kiffin’s offense, and his ability to not just run the football, but to run the football with physicality and toughness, will be a huge breath of fresh air this season. He’s a thinner Jaxson Dart with the same coach calling plays. That’ll work.
Runner-up: OT Jordan Seaton or EDGE Princewill Umanmielen (from Ole Miss).
Watching some Sam Leavitt film and this is a crazy athletic play 🔥 pic.twitter.com/eHf8uXWMnt
— HEI5MAN DANIELS (@geauxGoat) January 31, 2026
Biggest Loss – OL Carius Curne (to Ole Miss)
There was a ton of turnover for LSU after the coaching change from Brian Kelly to Lane Kiffin. It’s hard to say who the biggest loss will be, but the one I would point to is Carius Curne.
Not only was Curne a high four-star recruit, but he also left to go to LSU’s newest arch-rival, Ole Miss. Curne didn’t play much as a true freshman this season. He was thrown into the fire a few times because of injuries, and as you’d expect a true freshman to do in the SEC, he struggled. His upside is tremendous though, and he’s also got a nasty streak in him that a lot of coaches would love to have in an offensive lineman.
Runner-up: WR Kyle Parker (to Ohio State)
LSU signed the No. 1 prospect in Arkansas last December: Carius Curne.
The five-star offensive lineman has generated significant buzz since arriving in Baton Rouge.
Now, 6’5, 335 pounder continues receiving more praise from his team.
Tyree Adams: “The sky’s the limit for him.” pic.twitter.com/VT9a6hN0xJ
— Zack Nagy (@znagy20) September 18, 2025
Instant Impact – OL Jordan Seaton (from Colorado)
This feels way too obvious, but if you’ve seen Seaton’s tape and how much LSU struggled on the offensive line last season, then you get it. Seaton is a can’t miss, sure fire next level prospect at the left tackle position.
He was a five-star recruit out of high school at IMG and the No. 1 ranked offensive tackle in his class. He spent the first two years at Colorado, and if you’re worried about him not being prepared for the SEC level of competition – don’t be. He’s one of the most physically talented and athletic lineman in college since Tristan Wirfs came out of Iowa. He’s an instant upgrade from Ory Williams and Tyree Adams at either tackle position, and he will be a day one starter.
He will also most likely become the third offensive lineman drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft in program history along with Alan Faneca and Will Campbell.
Runner-up: S Ty Benefield (from Boise State).
If you were curious of the athletic ceiling for new LSU LT Jordan Seaton…
I fully comprehend what was & was not accomplished on this play but 6’5 330 is not supposed to move like this. To look back mid pull & be be completely take himself out of the play & the avoid the RB… pic.twitter.com/uz1DqXAGmg— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) January 30, 2026
Biggest Sleeper – WR Jackson Harris (WR from Hawaii)
LSU brought in nine different wide receivers this offseason via the portal. There are a lot of good players that are going to be in that WR room and on the field for Lane Kiffin’s offense this upcoming season. The one I am pulling for more than anyone is Jackson Harris.
A big, 6-foot-3 205 pound receiver from over 4,000 miles away. Harris was a no star recruit that went to Stanford out of high school where he only caught six passes for 86 yards in his first two years of college. He transferred to Hawaii where he went off during the 2025 season hauling in 49 catches for 963 yards and 12 touchdowns. There’s a lot to love about Harris, but the nearly 20 yards per catch he racked up last season is hard to beat. He also only had three drops all season. Harris should compete for playing time right away.
Runner-up: QB Husan Longstreet (from Southern Cal).
Jackson Harris, LSU’s newest wideout pic.twitter.com/jsKBdkpXry
— tik (@twosuh) January 4, 2026
Overall Grade – A+
They call him the portal king for a reason. Lane Kiffin signing 40 players in the portal shouldn’t be a surprise. The surprise is that 38 players left without wanting to play for him and a team that will instantly be a College Football Playoff contender. The price of the roster has been rumored to be between $35-$40 million. That seems like a lot because it is a lot.
No one will care if it results in bringing LSU their fourth national championship in the last 25 years.
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