LSU’s Make-or-Break Season: Will Brian Kelly’s Top-Ranked Transfer Class Deliver a National Title?

By Jason Bolton June 11, 2025 10:12

As LSU Tigers gear up for the 2025 college football season, all eyes are on head coach Brian Kelly and his unprecedented transfer portal haul. After an 8-4 campaign in 2024 that fell short of the program’s lofty standards, Kelly has aggressively rebuilt the roster through the transfer portal, assembling what is widely regarded as the nation’s top-ranked transfer class. The question now is whether this infusion of talent can finally elevate LSU back to national championship contention.

A Record-Breaking Transfer Class

LSU added 18 newcomers via the transfer portal for the 2025 season, a strategic move to bolster both talent and depth across the board. According to 247Sports, the class features 12 four-star and five three-star transfers, with an overall composite score of 90.53, placing LSU at the pinnacle of transfer portal recruiting. On3.com ranks LSU’s average transfer recruit rating at 82.88, second only to Oregon nationally, highlighting the quality of players joining the Tigers.

Key offensive additions include wide receivers Nic Anderson (Oklahoma) and Barion Brown (Kentucky), tight ends Bauer Sharp (Oklahoma) and Donovan Green (Texas A&M), and quarterback Michael Van Buren (Mississippi State). On defense, LSU secured edge rushers Patrick Payton (Florida State) and Jack Pyburn (Florida), safety A.J. Haulcy (Houston), and nose tackle Bernard Gooden (USF), addressing critical needs in the trenches and secondary.

Brian Kelly’s Vision and NIL Strategy

Kelly’s commitment to winning at LSU is evident in his aggressive approach to roster management and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) investments. In December, Kelly announced he would personally match up to $1 million in contributions to LSU’s NIL fund, signaling a new era of competitiveness in recruiting and retaining elite talent. “LSU has a long and proud tradition of being one of the elite programs in college football,” Kelly said. “In order to remain among the nation’s elite in this new world of college athletics, we have to be competitive in all areas of our program. I am committed to doing all that we can to win championships at LSU”.

This financial muscle has allowed LSU to aggressively pursue top-tier transfers, outbidding other Power Five programs and securing impact players who can contribute immediately. The Tigers’ ability to attract talent from other Power Five schools like Oklahoma, Florida State, and Texas underscores the program’s rising stature under Kelly’s leadership.

Pressure to Deliver

Despite Kelly’s 29 wins over three seasons, LSU’s performance against ranked opponents remains a concern, with a 2-7 record since his arrival. The Tigers have not appeared in the College Football Playoff since 2019, and the fanbase’s patience is wearing thin. Kelly himself acknowledges the urgency: “This is where we are today. And if we want to be where we all want to be in terms of putting our roster together, we all have to step up. It started with me, and I think our fanbase responded equally”.

The 2025 season is a make-or-break year for Kelly. With a roster anchored by potential 2026 NFL Draft No. 1 overall pick Garrett Nussmeier at quarterback and a deep, talented supporting cast, LSU has the pieces to contend for the SEC title and a national championship. However, the SEC’s brutal competition means that talent alone won’t guarantee success; coaching, chemistry, and execution will be paramount.

Outlook

LSU’s top-ranked transfer class has transformed the Tigers into one of the most talent-laden teams in college football. The infusion of experienced, high-caliber transfers addresses previous weaknesses and adds depth critical for navigating the grueling SEC schedule. Kelly’s willingness to invest heavily in NIL and aggressively pursue transfers reflects a program determined to reclaim its elite status.

Whether this strategy culminates in a national title remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the 2025 season will define Brian Kelly’s legacy at LSU. The pressure is immense, the expectations sky-high, and the stakes nothing less than a return to college football’s summit.

In Kelly’s words: “I am committed to doing all that we can to win championships at LSU.” Now, the Tigers must prove it on the field.