Projecting Who's Staying and Who's Leaving from LSU After Bowl Game

The final seconds of the Texas Bowl formally ended LSU's frustrating 2025 season but also marked the official start of the Lane Kiffin era.

Yes, we could relive the unsatisfying 7-6 campaign that ended with a loss to Houston in the postseason. We can mention the firing of Brian Kelly, whose four-year tenure in Baton Rouge was loaded with exasperating losses.

But there is major excitement around Kiffin and the future at LSU.

Expect a busy offseason full of transfers—both incoming and outgoing—as the school prepares for its debut season under Kiffin.

Who's Staying

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Whit Weeks

Skill-Position Upside

The evaluations of Kiffin's staff, obviously, are poised to play an enormous role on LSU's roster next season. On paper, though, the Tigers can pencil in running backs Caden Durham and Harlem Berry, receiver Aaron Anderson and tight end Trey'Dez Green are a good foundation for 2026.

Most of the Offensive Line

Be careful not to mistake involvement for achievement; This offensive line was painfully mediocre in 2025. Nevertheless, all experience matters. LSU's new coaches may be able to bring out improved versions of—pending any transfers—six blockers who logged at least 200 snaps this season.

Sturdy Back Seven

On the other hand, LSU's defense played well despite the team's overall struggles. Bringing back players like linebackers Whit Weeks and Dahvon Keys, cornerback DJ Pickett and several others in the secondary should offer a dose of stability to a unit destined for noticeable changes this offseason.

Who's Leaving

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A.J. Haulcy

QB Garrett Nussmeier

No, his 2025 season won't be remembered fondly. However, it's also pretty hard to blame Garrett Nussmeier for struggling under a flailing coach behind a young, inexperienced blocking group. Nussmeier, who notched a 4,000-yard season in 2024, leaves LSU as the No. 7 passer in program history.

Veteran Defensive Line

When you look at the defensive line on the 2026 depth chart, it's safe to assume a few transfers will be key names. LSU must replace edge-rushers Patrick Payton II, Jack Pyburn and Jimari Butler plus D-tackles Bernard Gooden, Jacobian Guillory II and outgoing transfer Ahmad Breaux.

All-SEC Picks in the Secondary

Two players earned first-team All-SEC honors this year, but both have exhausted their eligibility. After transferring in last offseason, Mansoor Delane and A.J. Haulcy made stellar impacts at LSU. Delane grabbed a couple of interceptions and landed AP All-American recognition, while Haulcy paced the defense in tackles.

Who's on the Way

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Transfers, Transfers, Transfers

The very moment Jan. 2 hits and the portal officially opens, we'll be on LSU watch. Kiffin was active on the transfer market at Ole Miss, and he only has more resources (read: money) available with the Tigers. Key priorities will be landing a new quarterback, upgrades at receiver and restocking the defensive line.

Local 5-Star Signees

LSU didn't travel far to pick up a couple of 5-star defensive linemen. Rated the second-best prospect in the 2026 cycle, Lamar Brown is a hometown player who is staying in Baton Rouge. The other addition is Richard Anderson, the No. 29 player in the class and from nearby New Orleans.

Top-15 Recruiting Class

In a bit of a down cycle for LSU, the program still dominated in-state recruiting. Five of Louisiana's top-six prospects have signed with the Tigers. Brown and Anderson are the headliners, but offensive tackle Brysten Martinez (83rd overall), wide receiver Jabari Mack (128th) and safety Aiden Hall (195th) are also 4-stars.