ESPN names 'primary need' for LSU in upcoming transfer portal window

LSU is hoping to contend for a College Football Playoff berth in 2024, but to do that, the Tigers may still need to add more talent via the transfer portal this offseason.

The spring portal window will open on Monday for any player in the country who wants to transfer and look for a new opportunity. For LSU, that’s means a chance to add to a transfer portal class that currently ranks just 42nd nationally per 247Sports Composite rankings.

It also will be the first time that LSU’s revamped defensive coaching staff can recruit the portal while in Baton Rouge. Head coach Brian Kelly made several new additions to his defensive coaching staff this offseason, including the hirings of Blake Baker, Kevin Peoples, Bo Davis and Corey Raymond.

Earlier this week, ESPN published a story naming the top position targets for several top college football programs in the upcoming transfer window. For LSU, ESPN’s story identified defensive line as a weakness that needs to be addressed in the portal.

Davis has been tasked with rebuilding LSU’s defensive line room after the Tigers lost Maason Smith and Mekhi Wingo to the NFL Draft this offseason.

The program can offer playing time and the chance to work with coach Bo Davis, a former LSU defensive lineman who recently upgraded Texas’ line and has coached 17 all-conference players and seven All-American selections in a career that included two stints at Alabama. LSU added to its secondary in the winter transfer period with Austin Ausberry and others, but the Tigers would be wise to pick up a few capable options for Davis and new defensive coordinator Blake Baker.

LSU will be looking to take some immediate steps forward on defense last year. The Tigers really struggled on that side of the ball, causing them to go 9-3 during the regular season despite having Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels at quarterback. LSU ranked 9th in the SEC last season in tackles for loss.

Jacobian Guillory and Jalen Lee are 2 key returners up front for LSU on the defensive line. The Tigers have also already added one defensive lineman in the portal in Wisconsin transfer Gio Paez.

LSU will hold its spring game on Saturday afternoon. The spring transfer portal window will officially open on Monday.

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