LSU’s Transfer Portal Strategy : DC Blake Baker Reveals.....

LSU’s Transfer Portal Strategy – The LSU Tigers didn’t just dip into the transfer portal—they dove in with purpose. After signing the No. 2-ranked transfer class in the country, LSU has sent a clear message: they’re not just building depth anymore—they’re chasing championships.

Defensive coordinator Blake Baker pulled back the curtain this week on what drove the Tigers’ aggressive and targeted approach in the 2025 portal cycle. And if last year was about plugging gaps, this year was all about landing battle-tested difference-makers.

Experience Over Depth: A Strategic Pivot

At a recent press conference, Baker explained the major shift in the team’s philosophy when it comes to transfers:

“We were looking for immediate players… We don’t necessarily have to bring in guys from a depth standpoint. We wanted mature guys, guys that have played a bunch of snaps.”

This represents a departure from LSU’s 2024 portal haul, which focused more on adding backup options across key positions. But in 2025, the staff had a different mindset—find players who can contribute on Day 1.

LSU’s Transfer Portal Strategy – Why Experience Matters

When coaches evaluated the 2025 roster, a concerning lack of experience stood out. Even though the raw talent was there, Baker said there simply weren’t enough players with significant in-game reps:

“There weren’t a handful of guys with 300+ career snaps,” he noted.

That lack of seasoned veterans was a red flag for a team that wants to compete for SEC dominance and beyond. The solution? Target high-level transfers who’ve been in the fire and proven they can handle it.

A More Focused Portal Approach

In today’s college football landscape, with thousands of players hitting the portal each year, coaching staffs have to be laser-focused in their search. Baker emphasized that LSU knew exactly what it was looking for—and stuck to the plan:

“We wanted to be able to look for experience and obviously production.”

That clarity paid off. LSU landed 16 transfers, 10 of which were rated as blue-chip additions by 247Sports. More importantly, they addressed the biggest needs on the roster.

LSU’s Transfer Portal Strategy – Filling the Gaps: DE, WR, OL Upgraded

This year’s class successfully shored up three major areas of need:

Defensive End
Wide Receiver
Offensive Line

LSU brought in multiple experienced contributors at each position, something they failed to do in 2024—especially on the defensive line. That misstep left the defense vulnerable at times last season, and Baker made sure history didn’t repeat itself.

Ready to Compete

With blue-chip talent and experienced transfers ready to plug in immediately, LSU is in prime position to make noise in the SEC and on the national stage.

The days of using the portal as a patchwork solution are over for LSU. Under Blake Baker’s watch, and with a revamped strategy in place, the Tigers are treating the portal like a launchpad—one that could catapult them back into championship contention.