Patrick Payton, a former Florida State edge rusher, was officially announced as a transfer acquisition for Brian Kelly and LSU on Sunday. Payton was a 4-star linebacker in the Class of 2021 and signed with the Noles over the likes of Nebraska, Georgia, Louisville and others.
With Florida State, Payton redshirted his first season in Tallahassee before flashing his talent during a 2022 campaign in which he recorded 31 tackles, 6 tackles for loss and 5 sacks. Payton really shined during FSU’ undefeated 2023 regular season, as he racked up 44 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 7 sacks and even deflected 10 passes. The Miami native took a slight step back in 2024, picking up 35 tackles to go along with 11 tackles for loss and 4 sacks, but with his 6-foot-5 frame and high ceiling, there is plenty of potential for Payton to develop into the next great Tiger pass rusher.
And Kelly has made it clear that he plans on going all-in on the College Football Playoff in 2025. He is returning a host of familiar faces, led by star quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, and the Tigers have been highly active in the transfer portal thus far.
Payton ranks as the highest-caliber addition to date, as he was rated the No. 1 edge prospect in the transfer portal by 247Sports.
Parker is currently the sports editor for the Enterprise-Journal in McComb, Mississippi. He's a graduate from Mizzou who has experience covering the Tiger football and basketball beats for SB Nation, and he's worked for a variety of sports news outlets in the past.
