HANAGRIFF: It’s portal shopping time for Kelly, LSU

By Charles Hanagriff

Tis the season for making a list and checking it twice. Brian Kelly has a Portal r Us credit card.  As usual, we are here to help. 

First, in the wake of the Bryce Underwood flip, LSU needs to sign a quarterback. They would have needed to do this anyway, but Rickie Collins entering the transfer portal emptied another spot on the depth chart. 

The question is, what kind of quarterback? If Garrett Nussmeier decides to return to LSU, then the Tigers are looking for someone with experience, but not one with aspirations to start in 2025.  These are not the easiest players to find. Most kids do not relocate to sit, so it might not be a player coming from a power conference school if this is the case. 

If Nussmeier bolts for the NFL, it actually becomes easier to fill the slot. LSU would be armed with a healthy budget at the position and a starting spot available. If the NIL/Portal era has taught us anything, it’s that very good starting quarterbacks with experience are available every year, albeit for a hefty price. 

I don’t think that is the best option for Nussmeier, who would greatly benefit from another college season, or LSU, who knows what they have in the fifth year to be signal caller. However, until he makes a final decision, the Tiger coaches must consider this possibility. 

Second, Kelly has to find some offensive lineman with experience. The strong preference here is that he signs two or more players with starting experience at power conference schools.  It would help if at least one of those players could play multiple positions. A guard/center combo lineman would be ideal. 

This may not be possible. Of course they want starting offensive linemen. Doesn’t everyone? But Kelly promised to be aggressive in the portal, and if Nussmeier returns, this bumps up to need number one. 

DJ Chester had a rough first year at times as LSU’s starting center. It would be ideal if Kelly brought in a player that would give them the option of moving Chester to guard or even tackle if that became necessary. But having only Chester as a full-time returning starter, along with a handful of starts for Paul Mubenga, leaves the Tigers dangerously inexperienced up front. 

If Kelly wanted to bring in more than two upperclassmen, I would not argue.  He also hinted that the Tigers might get some unexpected returning players at the position. That would be extremely helpful. 

Third, with Bradyn Swinson and Savion Jones moving on, LSU could use a pass rusher. This might be harder to find than a quarterback. Teams with accomplished edge rushers hold onto them like hungry wolves do red meat. 

Gabe Reliford will probably open the spring at one of the end spots. Da’Shawn Womack once seemed destined to start at the other end, but his future is cloudy. He didn’t make the trip to Florida, and didn’t play in LSU’s last two games, either. 

Harold Perkins can rush the passer, but his next move is unknown. Given all that, an experienced hand would be welcomed as the Tigers try to ramp up the underclassmen. 

Fourth, some help at the safety position is needed.  Many would have this higher given the Tigers underperformance at the position this year, but there is hope that the answers here might already be on the roster. 

Sage Ryan and Jardin Gilbert have started 21 and 20 career games respectively, and both are eligible to come back for a fifth year. Neither had a particularly strong season, but they’ve played a lot of college football and might have a big senior campaign in them. 

Jordan Allen and Dashawn Spears are young players who have both started games for LSU. Kylin Jackson played in five of the Tigers’ first six games. Though their playing time diminished as the season went along, they all have enough talent to play high level SEC football.  A strong offseason for any of them would be a big boost to the Tigers 2025 secondary. 

Fifth, a physical, blocking tight end. With the likely departure of Mason Taylor, the tight ends that LSU has on the current roster are more like wide receivers than traditional inline blockers. Frankly, filling this position shouldn’t be all that hard. With ample playing time available, and some capable players nearby, this should be a quick fill. 

Sixth, a punter. LSU finished last in the SEC and 125 of 134 in the nation in punting average.  The Tigers downed only 12 of 31 punts inside the 20, had only one kick over 50 yards and got one punt blocked. That won’t do. 

I feel like the 8-year-old me asking my mother for everything I saw for Christmas.  I knew I wouldn’t get everything I asked for, but I cast a wide net. Little kids are greedy that way. 

Kelly’s transfer portal net needs to bring back some big catches this December and beyond. The guess here is he will be fishing in deep water.