LSU head coach Lane Kiffin was brought into the school with much anticipation, and while he still has to prove it on the field, his first roster is looking great after a historic transfer portal recruiting effort.
Kiffin had a dramatic departure from Ole Miss after being courted by two elite SEC programs, Florida and LSU, and eventually decided to leave a playoff-bound Rebels squad he had built.
There was talk about his decision to leave and the way he left, but the ultimate deciding factor will be what he does with LSU.
His first true test as the leader of the Tigers was the January transfer portal, which is now closed, and the final numbers are quite promising.
LSU signed 42 players in the transfer portal, including nine top-100 recruits and multiple difference-makers. It is easily the biggest transfer class in LSU history, breaking the previous record held by Brian Kelly with 18.
In fact, Kiffin managed to more than double Kelly’s best effort, totally overhauling the team and adding players to almost every position group.
The class is headlined by Colorado OL Jordan Seaton, Ole Miss edge Princewill Umanmielen, and Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt, all of whom were top-of-the-line stars that cost a pretty penny to bring in.
The team has a high-caliber quarterback, along with meaningful additions at reciever and a retooled offensive line, which was the Achilles heel of the offense.
Additionally, even though Kiffin is an offensive-minded coach, he did bring meaningful defensive additions to the interior.
How did Lane Kiffin get the best transfer portal class in LSU history?
According to reports, Kiffin received a $20 million budget to build out his roster. While he spent a good deal of money on the top three players, he also added players who fit his system and helped his coordinators get a strong start next season.
The modern college football system requires coaches to succeed at bringing along experienced talent, and the portal is the most surefire way of doing so.
Kiffin has been aggressive with LSU, but he adopted a similar philosophy with Ole Miss, making it no surprise that he knows his way around the transactionary window.
Read the full article here
