The Tigers continue adding immediate impact players via the portal, creating an embarrassment of riches on the 2024 roster.
Brian Kelly has been working the phones all offseason, and the Tigers have made moves in recent weeks. From the Transfer Portal to coaching hires, this program has had a very hectic stretch.
Kelly and his team were aware of a few position categories on which they needed to focus. They’ve made a few moves.
A look at the six acquisitions thus far
WR CJ Daniels: Liberty
Daniels, who’s been wined and dined by the top programs in America since entering the portal, announced his commitment to LSU after an official visit on Friday.
He had visited the likes of Texas and Oregon, among others, with the Bayou Bengals making a splash on Friday.
Daniels tallied 55 catches for 1,067 yards and 10 touchdowns during the 2023 season for the Flames on his way to a breakout season.
In four years, Daniels has logged 106 catches for 1,954 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Before the 2023 season, his previous high in receiving yards was 2021 when he caught 37 passes for 629 yards and seven touchdowns. He’a also taken reps as a punt returner as well during his time with Liberty.
Now, the Tigers have added another great player through free agency. Daniels adds another aspect to a wide receiver unit that already has plenty of weapons for the 2024 season.
WR Zavion Thomas: Mississippi State
A proven return specialist with elite-level hands gives the Tigers a formidable weapon ahead of the 2024 season.
After two years in Starkville, Thomas was ready for a change of scenery and decided to use the NCAA Transfer Portal.
The Louisiana native is now a Tiger after the school quickly recognized the exceptional wideout and return specialist.
We anticipated the Tigers to deal with Thomas sooner rather than later. Despite being a hot commodity in the portal, LSU placed a full court press on him, with an unofficial visit scheduled for Monday.
After totaling 503 yards on 40 receptions in 2023, Thomas will be an important part of what LSU builds next season. Keep an eye on the Louisiana native as a potential wideout and return specialist for this program.
QB AJ Swann: Vanderbilt
In Swann’s two seasons as a Commodore, he made 15 appearances and 12 starts. He started in all six games he played in during the 2023 season, tallying 1,457 passing yards and 12 touchdowns with only seven interceptions.
Entering the 2023 season, the 6-foot-2, 225-pounder was tabbed as Vanderbilt’s starting signal-caller before an injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
CB Jyaire Brown: Ohio State
Brown, a Louisiana native, entered the Transfer Portal with three years of eligibility remaining. The former four-star cornerback received interest from several SEC programs with the Tigers ultimately sealing the deal.
Kelly has harped on the importance of pursuing Louisiana natives in the portal with multiple years of eligibility.
For Brown, he checks both boxes. During his two seasons with Ohio State, he totaled nine tackles and three defended passes with the chance to take that next step with more playing time.
Look for the former Top 250 prospect to become a key piece to what LSU’s defensive backfield does next season.
DB Austin Ausberry: Auburn
Auburn defensive back Austin Ausberry committed to LSU on Tuesday, he announced on social media. The Baton Rouge native will have three years of eligibility remaining.
The former four-star defensive back out of U-High (Baton Rouge, La.) became one of the top commitments in Auburn’s 2022 recruiting class.
After redshirting in his freshman campaign, Ausberry took just 35 snaps during the 2023 season. In four games, he made just one tackle.
Now, with a fresh start back home, Ausberry looks to make an impact for the Tigers after continuing the trend of Louisiana natives to make their return to the Bayou State.
Safety Jardin Gilbert: Texas A&M
Another Louisiana native, the former U-High standout returns home to suit up in the purple and gold with two seasons of eligibility remaining.
A 6-foot-1, 200-pounder, Gilbert attains the size this program is looking for as they push for more defensive backs via the portal.
Gilbert began the 2023 season as a starter at Texas A&M, but his junior season was cut short after only two games due to a shoulder injury. In two games, he recorded five tackles, a pass breakup, and a tackle for loss.
After 23 games in College Station, the valued safety was ready for a change of scenery, with the LSU Tigers making the decision.
The Louisiana native now returns home with the opportunity to close off his undergraduate career by representing the Bayou Bengals.
It’s no secret that this program needs aid in the secondary, and the Transfer Portal window will be an opportunity to add troops.
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