Report: FSU DE Patrick Payton Commits to Brian Kelly, LSU in CFB Transfer Portal

Defensive end Patrick Payton transferred from Florida State to LSU on Saturday, according to ESPN's Max Olson.

Payton started in all 12 games for the Seminoles in 2024, announcing his decision to enter the transfer portal on Wednesday.

After spending the first four years of his college career as one of the bright spots on Florida State's defensive front, Payton will now join head coach Brian Kelly's team for his final season of eligibility.

While the Seminoles' 2-10 record in 2024 may have played a role in his decision to transfer, he still remained effective. Payton finished the year with 35 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and four sacks.

He was named the 2022 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, and is expected to instantly contribute on the Tigers' defense. In 40 total appearances with Florida State, Payton racked up 110 tackles, 16 sacks, 13 passes defensed and three forced fumbles.

Kelly's program has been active in the portal, adding former Kentucky wide receiver Barion Brown as well as former Virginia Tech cornerback Mansoor Delane.

LSU now ranks No. 2 in the country in the latest 2025 transfer team rankings from 247Sports.

Kelly previously discussed his approach to the portal on Nov. 18.

"The transfer portal will not go away and it will be something we have to investigate and look at," Kelly said, via 247Sports' Glen West.

"The transfer portal will be examined closely and if we feel like there's a particular need to balance our football team, we're going to invest in that," he added.

The Tigers will be looking to improve upon a record of 8-4 in 2025, especially after starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier chose to return to the team and prepare for the 2026 NFL draft.

Payton gives LSU another experienced defender as it attempts to climb to the top of the SEC standings next season.