LSU Tigers Secure 9 Top-100 Transfers, Led by New Coach Lane Kiffin

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LSU Tigers Secure 9 Top-100 Transfers, Led by New Coach Lane Kiffin

One SEC powerhouse will enter the 2026 college football season with a completely rebuilt identity.

After a chaotic winter full of staff changes — including naming a new coach — and portal exits, this historic school responded by building one of the most expensive and aggressive transfer hauls in college football history.

That could only happen at LSU and under the leadership of new head coach Lane Kiffin, the self-anointed “Portal King.”

Although the LSU Tigers lost 37 scholarship players this transfer portal cycle, with many leaving in the aftermath of coaching turnover, Kiffin worked his magic to land 40 transfers, part of a class of 57 total newcomers, including recruits in the class of 2026.

Kiffin’s arrival at LSU came with immediate expectations, both from inside the program and across the SEC. Kiffin took over in the offseason after the firing of Brian Kelly, and the 50-year-old head coach wasted no time overhauling the roster.

According to 247Sports, LSU’s transfer haul ranks No. 1 by a wide margin, with 87.57 points and 24.01 points ahead of the next-closest team, his former Ole Miss Rebels.

LSU’s nine top-100 signings include five ranked within the top 10 at their position. In total, LSU added 14 four-star-or-better players, outpacing bluebloods like the Texas Longhorns (seven) and Ohio State Buckeyes (five) in average rating and depth.

The Tigers lead all programs with three five-star portal additions (no other school has more than one) and have the only class featuring nine top-100 transfers. Both ESPN and CBS Sports cited the Tigers’ additions as potentially historic in scope and value.

LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin.© Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Among the most notable additions are quarterback Sam Leavitt, the No. 1 overall transfer from the Arizona State Sun Devils, and No. 1 offensive tackle Jordan Seaton from the Colorado Buffaloes. No. 1 EDGE Princewill Umanmielen also joined from Ole Miss, giving LSU three top-five overall portal signees.

Following what must have been a huge spending surge, LSU will enter the season with both internal and external pressure to complete a national title run after finishing last year with a 7-6 record and clearly outside of the College Football Playoff picture.

Kiffin’s status as “Portal King” is undeniable, but he has yet to prove that all of his off-field magic also works on the gridiron. LSU will open the 2026 season hosting the Clemson Tigers on Sept. 5.

Related: Tom Brady Comments on Fernando Mendoza After NFL Draft Decision

Related: Former 5-Star DL Named Ohio State’s Top Transfer Portal Addition

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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