Before the spring practices, here are the LSU football transfers that have made an impression on Brian Kelly

LSU coach Brian Kelly has never wanted to build his teams primarily through the transfer portal.

But with multiple starters departing on the offensive and defensive line, secondary and wide receiving corps, Kelly and the Tigers were aggressive in adding 16 players out of the portal this winter.

“This year was a little bit heavier,” Kelly said Wednesday. “… We needed more depth and more experience across our roster to be a championship roster.”

LSU added seven players on defense, eight on offense and a punter. Along with the 15 early enrollees from its 2025 recruiting class, these 31 players will get to work for the first time as Tigers during spring practices.

“The big picture plan is… to surround Garrett (Nussmeier) on offense, to give (defensive coordinator Blake Baker) the pieces that he needs on defense to have a championship roster,” Kelly said. “And I believe we did that on paper.”

Spring practices don’t begin until March 8, but Kelly has already been impressed with Oklahoma tight end transfer Bauer Sharp and Florida edge rusher transfer Jack Pyburn.

The experience Sharp and Texas A&M transfer Donovan Green provides to a tight ends room only bringing back freshman Trey’Dez Green, in Kelly’s eyes, was crucial for the unit. He’s also noticed how Pyburn is already affecting the Tigers’ locker room in a positive manner.

“His demeanor, his attitude is infectious,” Kelly said regarding Pyburn.

LSU’s new wide receivers — Kentucky transfer Barrion Brown, Florida State transfer Destyn Hill and Oklahoma transfer Nic Anderson — have stood out to the staff with their speed. Virginia Tech cornerback transfer Mansoor Delane’s experience has also been a big boost to younger cornerbacks room.

“We don’t have a veteran player back there,” Kelly said. “And his leadership and just the way he’s handled himself has been outstanding.”