LSU freshman wide receiver Jelani Watkins plans to enter the transfer portal, according to his agent.
Watkins, who is also a track athlete, hasn’t done much for the Tigers this season. He’s totaled just 2 receptions for 21 yards so far on the season. Both catches came against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions back on Sept. 20. Watkins is the second LSU receiver to enter the transfer portal since the Lane Kiffin move was made final. The other was Kylan Billiot, who was a top 100 recruit in the 2024 class.
The move could be toward a more track-focused school, as Watkins ran a 10.02 100m at the NCAA Outdoor Track Finals.
As Kiffin and his staff start to evaluate the LSU roster, there are many more players expected to enter the transfer portal, either in favor of joining Kiffin at LSU or leaving. Many expect Kiffin to bring in his own receiving corps.
Watkins joined the LSU track team in January of 2025. He made an immediate impact on the track, being recognized as the SEC Freshman of the Week in just his second meet. He clocked a 6.63 in the 60m at the New Mexico Collegiate, which tied him for the seventh-fastest time in school history.
