Breaking Down Lane Kiffin's No. 1-Ranked Transfer Portal Class in 1st Year at LSU

Lane Kiffin's first transfer portal recruiting class as LSU's head coach was an impressive one.

The Tigers owned the No. 1 transfer class in the country ahead of their 2026 campaign, according to 247Sports.

Here are some of the notable players that'll be joining Kiffin's program next season.

2026 LSU Top Transfers

• 5-Star QB Sam Leavitt
• 4-Star QB Husan Longstreet
• 4-Star S Ty Benefield
• 4-Star WR Eugene Wilson III
• 4-Star EDGE Jordan Ross
• 4-Star WR Jayce Brown
• 4-Star WR Winston Watkins
• 4-Star DL Stephiylan Green
• 4-Star WR Tre' Brown III
• 3-Star WR Jackson Harris
• 3-Star DL Malik Blockton
• 3-Star OL William Satterwhite
• 3-Star OT Darrin Strey
• 3-Star TE Malachi Thomas
• 3-Star EDGE Jaylen Brown
• 3-Star WR Malik Elzy
• 3-Star OL Ja'Quan Sprinkle
• 3-Star RB Dilin Jones
• 3-Star QB Landen Clark
• 3-Star WR Tyree Holloway
• 3-Star RB Raycine Guillory
• 3-Star RB Rod Gainey Jr.
• 3-Star DL Achilles Woods
• 3-Star WR Josh Jackson
• 3-Star WR Roman Mothershed

LSU's 34 total commitments in the transfer portal is the sixth-most among all FBS programs, with Arkansas being the only SEC team that had more (37).

Leavitt was a major addition for the Tigers, as he was ranked as the No. 1 player in the nation to enter the portal (via 247Sports).

The former Arizona State signal-caller will immediately step into LSU's starting quarterback role after suiting up for the Sun Devils over the past two seasons.

In 2024, Leavitt completed 61.7 percent of his passes for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns compared to a mere six interceptions.

While he was limited to just seven appearances in 2025 before undergoing foot surgery, he threw for 1,628 yards and 10 touchdowns while getting picked off three times. Leavitt also posted a 60.7 completion percentage.

One of his top targets could be Wilson, who transferred to LSU after opening his college career with Florida.

Wilson showed promise during his freshman season on the Gators in 2023, catching 61 passes for 538 yards and six touchdowns. He's been hampered by injuries since, appearing in just 12 combined games over the past two years.

Still, Wilson could find more consistency within the Tigers offense and emerge as a deep threat. He averaged 14.0 yards per reception during his 2024 campaign.

On the defensive side, safety Ty Benefield should immediately make his presence felt next season. Benefield is coming off a stellar year at Boise State, racking up 107 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, four passes defended, two interceptions and one forced fumble.

With a strong transfer class, expectations will remain high for Kiffin as he enters his first year patrolling the sidelines at LSU. He was hired by the Tigers on Dec. 1, leaving his position as head coach of Ole Miss in order to sign with his new team.

LSU is looking to bounce back from a 7-6 finish last season and return to contending in the SEC.