Projecting Who's Staying and Who's Leaving from LSU After Bowl Game
LSU's 35-31 win against Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl closed out a fascinating 2023 season for the program.
Brian Kelly's team put together a 10-3 record as Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels directed the nation's most prolific offense. (Daniels didn't play in the ReliaQuest Bowl.)
It was, simultaneously, an annoying season.
The defense struggled badly, especially in marquee games. September losses to Florida State and Ole Miss quickly eliminated LSU from the College Football Playoff conversation, and rival Alabama handed the Bayou Bengals a third loss in early November.
Nevertheless, LSU can begin its preparations for 2024—a season in which an expanded CFP may greatly help the Tigers.
The following sections—who's staying, leaving and on the way—are a mix of projections and reported/confirmed plans.
Who's Staying
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An Excellent Linebacking Corps
Omar Speights has exhausted his eligibility, but LSU is poised to return star defender Harold Perkins Jr., top tackler Greg Penn III and brothers Whit and West Weeks. Penn is eligible to enter the NFL draft but recently said he expects to be back, according to the Tiger Rag.
Most of the Secondary
Development is not necessarily linear. After the defense ceded 7.8 yards per pass attempt and 245.4 yards per game, though, the hope is LSU's secondary has endured its rough year. Although top corner Sage Ryan entered the transfer portal in December, he's since withdrawn. He's expected to return alongside Zy Alexander, Ashton Stamps and Javien Toviano at corner with safety Major Burns.
The Entire Offensive Line
At the skill positions on offense, the Tigers are headed for a noticeable rebuild. Up front, however, they should boast an experienced group. All five starters have eligibility remaining, led by two quality bookends in first-team All-SEC left tackle Will Campbell and second-team All-SEC right tackle Emery Jones.
Who's Leaving
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The Heisman Trophy Winner
Jayden Daniels became LSU's third player to hoist the Heisman, joining Billy Cannon (1959) and Joe Burrow (2019). The dual-threat quarterback threw for 3,812 yards and 40 scores with just four interceptions, also rushing for more yards (1,134) than any other QB and adding 10 more touchdowns. Daniels could be a top-10 pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
His Favorite Targets
An elite quarterback can only maximize his potential when surrounded by productive wideouts. During the regular season, Malik Nabers put up 86 catches for 1,546 yards and 14 scores. Brian Thomas Jr., who reeled in 60 passes for 1,079 yards, snagged a nation-best 15 touchdowns. Nabers is a first-round lock for the 2024 draft, while Thomas certainly won't slide beyond a Day 2 spot.
Previous Prized Transfers
Last offseason, the Tigers captured some attention with the addition of cornerbacks Denver Harris and Duce Chestnut. Unfortunately for both the players and team, it didn't really work out. Harris and Chestnut are back in the portal as part of a dozen-plus outgoing transfers.
Who's on the Way
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Incoming SEC Transfers
So far, LSU has landed three transfers—all from a conference foe. AJ Swann adds depth to the QB room behind expected starter Garrett Nussmeier. Zavion Thomas, who posted 503 receiving yards at Mississippi State, will bolster a receiving corps in need of reinforcements. Jardin Gilbert should play immediately at safety after a shoulder injury cut short his 2023 season at Texas A&M.
Blue-Chip Pass-Catchers
Expecting the 4-star wideouts or tight end to contribute right away is unwise, but LSU may find a freshman contributor here. Tight end Trey'Dez Green (47th nationally) is the headliner, followed by receivers Jelani Watkins (158th), Kylan Billiot (278th) and Michael Turner (378th).
The Rest of the No. 11 Class
Within a 28-man signing haul, LSU added six players to the offensive line, defensive line and secondary. The highest-ranked prospects for each group, respectively are Weston Davis (108th), edge-rusher Kolaj Cobbins (187th) and safety Dashawn McBryde (88th).
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