LSU worked the transfer portal hard in December. The Tigers have added 13 players via the portal, and most of them figure to step right into starting roles. We asked the 104.5 ESPN staff to pick a favorite. Here’s what they had to say.
Jacob Hester, Co-Host Off the Bench: Patrick Payton. In year one with two new defensive line coaches, LSU took mostly backups from 2023 and turned them into a very productive unit, and none more so than Brayden Swinson at the edge position. He went from being an unknown to being a reliable mid-round NFL Draft choice. Payton has the potential to reach a higher level than Swinson and become an All-American player for the LSU defense.
T-Bob Hebert, Co-Host, Off the Bench: I’m very excited for Mansoor Delane. He’s a proven, experience corner that can play anywhere in the secondary and has already achieved all-conference and All-American honors. His experience and ability to help develop the rest of this talented defensive back room may be the catalyst for the rebirth of DBU under Corey Raymond.
Taylor Sharp, Video Producer, Off the Bench: I’ll go with Braelin Moore. You are losing a ton on the offensive line. Putting him at Center allows you so much flexibility along the O-line. You can kick Chester out to guard and have a veteran presence in the middle. If Garrett Nussmeier will take a big step in 2025, the offensive line will play an important role.
Charles Hanagriff, Co-Host, Live at Lunch: Braelin Moore. Most of LSU’s offensive line issues last season originated from the interior, so an experienced center like Moore is a welcome addition. It gives Garrett Nussmeier someone who can lead a new group, and will allow DJ Chester the opportunity to play guard or even tackle in the spring. That could unlock his potential better once he isn’t burdened with snapping the ball.
Hunt Palmer, Host, The Hunt Palmer Show: I’m taking Patrick Payton here. He posted 7 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in 2023. He’s got 31.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks in his career. That’s basically Barkevious Mingo’s LSU career (29 TFL’s and 15 sacks). Edge rushers are gamer changers and closers. And I trust Kevin Peoples with that skillset after watching Swinson and Jones play this year.
Jacob Beck, Audio Producer, The Hunt Palmer Show: The easy and obvious answer is Braelin Moore but I’ll go with Nic Anderson. LSU is going to be losing the majority of its pass-catching production from 2024 and will have to make up for it. Anderson had 31 catches for nearly 800 yards and 10 touchdowns two years ago. I wouldn’t be shocked if he had similar numbers in 2025.
Matt Moscona, Host, After Further Review: Pull a name out of a hat. There are no less than six immediate starters already in the portal class with another offensive lineman and a safety still to come. I’ll go with Bauer Sharp since he is replacing the most productive receiving tight end in program history, and there isn’t another option on the roster.
Matthew Musso, Audio Producer, After Further Review: Patrick Payton. There is no wrong answer on defense and of course we are all waiting for the safety addition, but I go with Payton because he fills a need and strength in Blake Baker’s defense. The best thing LSU’s defense did this season was create havoc. With Swinson and others leaving you need to replace that havoc. Payton does that bringing 16 career sacks and 31.5 career TFLs all at the power conference level. That plays in any defense, but especially in Blake Baker’s.
Paul O’Neill, Video Producer, After Further Review: Kentucky transfer WR Barion Brown has a chance to have the biggest impact in 2025. He could become the big-time playmaker for the Tigers on offense as well as special teams. Having Garrett Nussmeier throwing him the ball will benefit his receiving numbers. His speed is electric, and he has the chance to turn any play into a big one.
